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    Lincoln Square Recreation Center

    4.0 (28 reviews)

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    Carol C.

    Date: 12/28/2016 Time: 3:45 PM 53° Mostly sunny After the Alice Street Bakery Cafe, I decided to take a seat on one of the benches at the Lincoln Square Recreation Center to relax a bit before I walk through Chinatown for a return trip home to Alameda. This playground is part of the Oakland Recreation and Park Department. It is also a park where I used to hang out after school almost 60 years ago in my childhood days. (Wow, I am showing my age...lol.) AAMOF, all my sisters and brothers, school classmates and friends hung out at this park after school, and during recess from Lincoln Elementary School, which was and still is across the way. The outdoor basketball courts are still there. However the play area where the junk boat and the tot lot area are different...more modern, more colorful and the structures have a Chinese theme. This is a good playground for parents with young children who can swing on the swings, climb on the junk boat and slide down the slides. Amazingly, the junk boat also has a ramp for wheelchair access. Even though there isn't much of a grassy area at this park compared to Mosswood, Dimond and DeFremery, the best thing about Lincoln is the indoor gymnasium for some 3 on 3 basketball games. There are other rooms in the building for other activities for young children and teens. The creative wall mural tiles are a delight to see and admire. This park is also the venue for the annual Wa Sung Easter Breakfast of pancakes, sausages, coffee and juice. I have attended a few of those Easter breakfasts back in the days when it cost about $1.00 to eat as many pancakes and sausages. No telling what the cost is now since it has been many years since the last Easter breakfast.

    Cheryl M.

    Okay park for the kiddies...not the cleanest and part of the play structure had yellow caution tape on the little walk bridge which was disappointing. Niece still had fun as there are about 4 swings, 3 slides, and climbing poles...the ground is a foam cushioning so if the kids run and fall they won't hurt themselves...enclosed area which makes it a little 'safer' for the kids to play and small group of seniors do tai chi, kids/adults playing basketaball and practicing soccer....bring some Purell for your kiddie for after as i wouldn't recommend using the bathrooms unless desperate! Place across the street from Alice Street Bakery which is a great place to stop by to get some chinese buns and pastries.

    Part of the long green bench outside of the Lincoln Neighborhood Center.
    Simon F.

    Very Special http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/opr/s/facility/OAK029389 I went here with my family and parents yesterday. My son had a lot of fun playing. My first impression wasn't the best one. I had to use the men's restroom inside the Lincoln Neighborhood Center. It's somewhat small, and it was rather filthy. I thought for a second that I was going to catch something (a night with a cheap hook-- came to mind). I struggled to lock the only stall, but that had to do with me being in a hurry (I almost did a ballerina move to keep the door closed- having long legs has its advantages). Some sticky gunk got stuck to my left shoe (I think it had to do with the main rubber-surfaced play area). I didn't even notice it, though, until my son pointed it out when we were home. Anyway, the playgrounds were all pretty clean. I felt bad for this guy in his 30's. His son wore him out and had him playing the "I'm too old" card (the guy didn't want to climb any more "stairs"). 2 girls were climbing over fences to get to the different areas. They were just lazy. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/lincoln-square-recreation-center-oakland?select=DuGxT6a9gkWMiwy8PFfP1Q#DuGxT6a9gkWMiwy8PFfP1Q: The old clubhouse is in the background (my dad pointed this out to me). http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/lincoln-square-recreation-center-oakland?select=_WsvO_u1KMmUJUASzPAn-Q#nGthhejzg8jZYw8N_S_k8g: The little bench on the right should be fixed. Someone playing with it could get hurt a little. Scenic Surroundings: From here, you can get a clear view of the Tribune Tower (http://omnibucket.com/sites/default/files/tribune-tower.jpg) and downtown Oakland in general. A cute Asian woman was around, but I only stared at her until my eyes fell out. Lincoln Neighborhood Center (http://www2.oaklandnet.com/oakca1/groups/opr/documents/image/oak029655.jpg): It's spacious inside overall. It's also cool inside. My dad chatted with some people before we left. He went on a nostalgic trip (my parents both lived in Oakland for decades). I like how casual the atmosphere here is. The recreation center attracts people of all ages, and it's a great celebration of Chinese culture. I certainly enjoyed exploring it yesterday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TwMkgrq4aA

    Stephani M.

    #119 What a great park and so close to home. I met up with some friends at Lincoln Square yesterday for some hang out time. It is a pretty cool location. They have a basketball court, two different swing sets, several little play places for kids of all ages (including BIG kids) and a large area for dogs to run around in. You know, I understand the stigma of "Oakland" and all, but I really want to say one thing: Don't knock it 'til you try it. Just a short walk from the house, this park really suits our needs for hang-out time. We met up with a few people there and just chillaxed for awhile watching people shoot hoops, walk their dogs (or puppies as our friends were), let their younger versions play, etc. It really is a cool spot. I understand that there is a sketchy park down the street (Madison Park I do believe), but just keep going, and you will end up at Lincoln Square Rec. You will love it. Fun for all ages. Stephani Smiles for Lincoln Square Recreational Center ;) #dontknockittilyoutryit

    Playground for the 2-5 set.
    Jenni S.

    A favorite park in Chinatown, the small toddler playground is nice, clean, and separated from the rest of the area. There are a couple of swings, soft ground surface, and a good play structure. What really shines here is the big-kid playground, with the huge ship structure. I can't wait to take my daughter to explore it when she's bigger!

    Yucky garbage all over the place. A health hazard to all!!!!
    shirleen a.

    Dirty! Dirty! Dirty! I grabbed a broom and dustpan from the rec center and had to sweep the boat area. There was broken glass, straws, takeout containers, etc all over the park. It is very sad such a popular spot for so much activity in this Chinese community is soooooo Dirty and neglected by all that share it!

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    8 years ago

    Such a hidden gem for children. So cute! Great place to stop by and take your child, there's a restroom and it's retro clean.

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    10 years ago

    Fun park my children loved running around the boat playing hide and seek.

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    Ask the Community - Lincoln Square Recreation Center

    Review Highlights - Lincoln Square Recreation Center

    People come to Lincoln because they see it as a safe space to hang out, to play basketball and do other activities.

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    Doyle Hollis Park

    Doyle Hollis Park

    4.4
    (26 reviews)
    3.2 mi

    Nestled in a neighborhood of Emeryville off 62nd lives a park full of climbs, spins, slicing and…read morerocking. Parking is street in a residential area, free of meters and parking time limitations. The park is closed off to traffic, so crossing between the tot and big play areas is pretty safe. It is very quiet, even with the sounds of children and adults. There are two benches directly on the play area of the big kids (5-12), with three additional double benches with attached tables. There are well maintained, stocked restrooms directly off the big kid play area. Littles and parents will have to time their potty time as it is about 30-45 seconds from the tot play space. Definitely a cute little neighborhood park to visit if you are in the area.

    Found a surprisingly nice little park!…read more It's not very big, but the design is thoughtful, clean, and comfortable There's plenty of shade , so even on sunny days it's not too hot--perfect for a relaxed playtime. Playground features: Slides, climbing structures, and spinning toys--great for kids of different ages There's also a toddler area , so little ones can play safely Special highlight: There's a community-donated free toy area Lots of different toys to play with--kids will feel like they've discovered a new playroom Bonus: There's a small path running through the park Kids can safely ride scooters or bikes--spacious and easy to move around Amenities: Restrooms (big plus!) Benches for parents to relax Heads up: Parking nearby can be a bit difficult, so plan some extra time or go earlier

    Photos
    Big kid play area (5-12)
    Big kid play area (5-12)
    Doyle Hollis Park
    Doyle Hollis Park

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    Jean Sweeney Open Space Park

    Jean Sweeney Open Space Park

    4.7
    (47 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    Great park! First time there and my 4.5 yr old daughter loves it. Clean and big playground. Has a…read moretrail to walk around and if you have your doggy, great trail to walk around. Downside to this park, small parking lot!

    Never disappointed with a visit to Jean Sweeney Park. Our daughter enjoys the various play areas as…read moreshe navigates between the different areas, existing in some spaces longer than others. After parking, if you can find a spot, the first play area includes a trampoline, climbing structure, a wide metal slide and an oversized musical chime. To the right, a spacious mesh swing spins with kids constantly filling and spinning it. Directly in front is an ample sand area with a brick barrier surrounding it. To the left are three picnic tables. In front of the sand area is the smaller kids play area which is directly next to the restrooms and water fountain. To the left of the little play area is the zip line. When you go further in to the park, there is a covered area with lots of picnic tables and seating grouped together, more benches and lots of grass to play and explore further. There are paths to ride bikes, scooters, roller blades and skateboards. During warmer weather this park is packed. When we visited, following a prior event, there were already lots of kids on a gray, windy, overcast day. This park is spacious on the interior but parking on the exterior is limited. The parking lot is minimal for the amount of space to explore, which is awesome but makes it difficult to navigate up close parking. Street parking is not really existent unless you enter on the opposite end of the park.

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    Restrooms to the right and water fountain
    Restrooms to the right and water fountain
    Little kids play area
    Little kids play area
    Jean Sweeney Open Space Park

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    Roberts Regional Recreation Area

    Roberts Regional Recreation Area

    4.6
    (54 reviews)
    5.2 mi

    This was such a wonderful park, it had all of the elements for a fun day! We're so happy we heard…read moreabout this place from a friend. You're surrounded by so many tall and beautiful redwood trees! It's really breathtaking and such a great place to be out in nature. There is a large playground area and field for the kids to run around. There's also a pool area and some recreational sports area. The view and being out in nature was priceless. We can't wait to come back again!

    This is a recreation area with a pool and playground, but there are also many trails to explore…read more There is a huge parking lot for $5, which is well worth the price vs parking along the road. Today we hiked the West Ridge-Graham-Dunn Loop Trail. It's a relatively easy trail with a little elevation, but nothing serious. The views are beautiful, and you are surrounded by redwoods, sequoias, and a few other species. We saw the city in the distance covered in fog - it was stunning. Because of all the trees, most of the trail is shady. However, there are a couple of little annoyances... the path is a bit rocky. There's hardly any markers, even at forks. Good thing I had my All Trails app guiding me where to go. And finally, dogs do not need to be leashed (which may be a positive for some folks). Every dog we saw (and there were many) were unleashed. Most were well behaved, but for those afraid of dogs, this is a bit annoying. Overall, a nice serene spot to get some exercise and enjoy nature.

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    Roberts Regional Recreation Area
    EPRRD crew building a bridge from a redwood tree
    EPRRD crew building a bridge from a redwood tree
    Roberts Regional Recreation Area

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    Children's Fairyland

    Children's Fairyland

    4.0
    (652 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    Not-for-profit
    Kid friendly

    My 7-year old LOVED this place, so that alone makes it 5 stars. For me personally, I'd say 3…read morestars, when factoring in its easy location and not having to wait in lines. So let's preface this with, my daughter corresponds with her "very own fairy" (aka. me--a very involved parent who also celebrates her half birthday, commits to elaborate elf on the shelf surprises for a prolonged period each year, is her Girl Scouts troop leader, etc.). She's been asking her fairy to take her to Neverland. The fairy responded "not yet", and instead supplied what my daughter referred to as "free" tickets" (online $20/pp, or $139/annual which includes an adult and 3 kids) to Fairyland the next day. We took the Bart to 19th St Oakland from San Francisco, which was SUPER convenient (daughter loves the train, and I hate driving in traffic), thought a bit of a walk in the Oakland heat/humidity. Also the lake that it's located on, absolutely reeks of sewage--I don't understand how people purposely walk/jog along the edges; but at least you can't really smell it from Fairyland. Just walk on the upper sidewalk or across the street if you share in my disgust. You'll get plenty of cute photos. The few rides they have (4 rides total) are very cute, had no lines on a summer weekday, and only accommodate heights between 36"-54" (except for the Jolly Trolley train which is all heights though adults need to watch their heads when squeezing in and out). The height restriction is very important to know before you go, to ensure your kid isn't disappointed. Wear sunscreen. No mosquitoes, which I was concerned about given the standing lake water and humidity. There are outdoor sinks with soap and antibacterial to wash your hands periodically, which I appreciated. As expected, a high priced gift shop, though it's stocked primarily with smaller toys, so if you're roped into purchasing something it won't break the bank. The single restaurant counter is actually quite perfect! Imaginibbles serves super cute, kid friendly healthy food that is reasonably priced at ~$7/entree. Smaller portions, but in my opinion, perfect for a theme park. The reusable cup ($8, includes one refill) is color changing when cold, very sturdy for a plastic cup, and you can fill with strawberry, white peach or watermelon lemonade that isn't overly sweet. You are also allowed to bring your own food, and there were plenty of folks picnicking on the large grassy area. Attractions are definitely old (paint missing throughout), and not cleaned well. Spiderwebs galore, particularly in areas that are meant to only be looked at, such as the Alice statue that you can see through a window in the Alice in Wonderland tunnel. A quick broom sweep would do wonders! There are a number of cute smaller animals, like chickens, a bearded dragon, 2 donkeys, and a land tortoise. These areas conversely appear relatively well maintained, which is fantastic for both the animals and to keep smells minimal. There is also a pressed wood town area with a slide where the kids can run around and climb into the different buildings, which seemed to be a favorite of many kids. There is a long ~30min puppet show (daily ~11am, 2pm) that changes seasonally, and somehow manages to keep most kids' attention. Magic key ($3) is an easy souvenir (colors change each day, so theoretically you can collect them), and used to hear music/stories through various boxes around the park. Though boxes are staticky (older), and some have bolts sticking out that prevent your key from being turned and thus the stories/music to play. My daughter quickly tired of them anyway, but she loves treasures like the "magic" key, so it was money well spent. There is also a hand-crank penny presser (51 cents) in the gift shop, so bring some change. One disappointment of Fairyland, is that there are literally no "fairies" anywhere to be found. You'd think they might have a few tiny fairy houses situated out of reach, or even fairy lights in trees to simulate fairies. Overall, fun filled and worth the ticket price. Just be sure your kid is in the height range for rides!

    This place is strategically built so that there's shade everywhere on those hot summer days. Even…read morethe slides have covers over them so that the metal doesn't get too hot. It's this attention to detail that sets it apart from other amusement parks. And the food. Let's talk about the food. This is not your overpriced, cheap-quality, greasy carnival junk. It's actually healthy fruits and veggies with milk or other house-made stuff. Fun shapes, like a rocket quesadilla. Even my fussy eater wants to eat here. Do we need to talk about the rides or value? The kids come here all day and never want to leave!

    Photos
    Happy Dragon welcomes kids to climb all over his back as he lounges inside the gates.
    Happy Dragon welcomes kids to climb all over his back as he lounges inside the gates.
    With close to 60 storybook sets, friendly animals, and 10 acres of gardens, our park is designed to delight visitors of all ages!
    With close to 60 storybook sets, friendly animals, and 10 acres of gardens, our park is designed to delight visitors of all ages!
    Bring your Magic Keys (or pick one up for $3 in the gift shop) to unlock the Talking Storybook Boxes!

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    Bring your Magic Keys (or pick one up for $3 in the gift shop) to unlock the Talking Storybook Boxes!

    Lincoln Square Recreation Center - playgrounds - Updated August 2026

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