Now you can row, sail, and pedal in the middle of downtown Oakland thanks to this place. The city-run entity on Lake Merritt rents sail boats, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats to the public by the hour at low prices with only one catch, but it is a good one. Everyone must wear a life preserver. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Explore the 195-acre, eight-foot deep lake and then afterwards, enjoy a picnic at Lakeside Park.

This shallow, 195-acre lake in downtown Oakland provides a variety of recreation activities to the city and its people. Pedal boats, sailboats, canoes, and rowboats are available for rent at a boating center that is open daily from 9a to sunset. Many local sports and environmental clubs congregate here. On any given day you might witness joggers, cyclists, or a boat race. It's also a place to view more than 29 species of local and migratory birds. Rotary Nature Center, Northern California's oldest Wildlife Refuge hosts a bird feeding every day at 3:30p. The lake features an adjoining park equipped with picnic facilities and a storybook children's park, Children's Fairyland.

This is a 10-acre outdoor park in Oakland's Lakeside Park at Lake Merritt that features larger-than-life displays, rides, and entertainment inspired by children's literature. For 50 years Bay Area families have turned here for wholesome family fun, and Walt Disney even got the idea for Disneyland from Fairyland. Enjoy a restored old-fashioned carousel, puppet shows, the Johnny Appleseed Cafe, and all your favorite childhood literary characters from Alice In Wonderland to the Swiss Family Robinson. It is highly recommended that you buy the "magic key"($2) that activates the narration of most displays. Please keep in mind visitors are not allowed entry without a child accompanying them.

That huge, modern glass tower perched on the edge of Lake Merritt is actually the Cathedral of Christ the Light, although it is sometimes known simply as the Oakland Cathedral. This Roman Catholic Cathedral was actually the first built in the 21st Century as a replacement for the Cathedral of Saint Frances de Sales which was damaged beyond repair in the 1989 earthquake. Among the regular attributes, the Cathedral includes a health services center providing help to those without insurance, a mausoleum for the bishops of Oakland, a cafe, a bookstore and a public garden. The Cathedral often hosts classical and religious concerts and concert series that are free to the public.

This little East Bay lake in the Oakland Hills is still recovering from a fire that occurred in 1991, but is nonetheless in fine condition for recreational purposes. The swimming area, open spring through fall, offers a lifeguard on duty in the summer, plus a snack bar and changing facility. Fishing is permitted year-round and the lake is stocked with catfish, rainbow trout, largemouth bass and more. Picnicking tables are found throughout the grassy areas of the park and a playground structure helps to keep children occupied.

The Museum of Children's Art is a nonprofit near Jack London Square committed to seeing that all children have art as a part of their lives, especially focusing on children from low-income families. In addition to being a gallery and showcase for these young peoples' work, they offer classes and workshops for children from all walks of life to develop their artistic skills in a friendly and educational environment.

The USS Potomac is a world famous yacht used by Franklin Roosevelt. Built in 1934, this historic sea beast now draws a huge number of visitors and takes them on historic cruises. The Potomac can also be leased for events, and has been host to several big events in the past. Just a walk around the ship and one can almost sense its historical importance. Definitely a great place to visit in the city.

The Oakland Metro is a non-profit, black box performing arts venue and art space located in Jack London Square. A converted warehouse, it opened in December 2001 with a production of Gertrude Stein's Four Saints in Three Acts. It regularly hosts open mic nights, concerts, circus acts, comedy shows, theater, and various other productions. The venue is open to all ages. The Oakland Metro was founded by and is home to the Oakland Opera. Visit the website for calendar of events and ticketing information.

This water sports shop, conveniently located on the Oakland waterfront at Jack London Square, specializes in paddle sports such with a wide selection of canoes and whitewater, sea and recreational kayaks. In addition to selling used and new equipment, it offers rentals, lessons and repairs. For more than 20 years this company has been a reputable outlet for Bay Area water sports enthusiasts. Sign up for individual lessons and a knowledgeable and friendly instructor will train you at your own pace. Group classes are also available.

This is a Port of Oakland attraction named after the famous author and Oakland native. The charming waterfront property is filled with numerous entertainment options and quality dining and shopping establishments. Some of the highlights include awesome views, strolls on the boardwalk, the seafood restaurant, Kincaid's, and Yoshi's Jazz House. You may enjoy the selection of more than 10 fine restaurants, more than 25 great boutiques, and three nice hotels plus a movie theater, ferry cruises, and special events like a Farmer's Market every Sunday and an antiques and collectibles show the first Saturday of every month.