Fairyland

We generally set aside time each Saturday to do something fun with Jack. This past weekend we went to Fairyland which is a short ride over the Bay Bridge to Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA.

Fairyland is a small fairytale theme park that is hilariously retro, low tech, and kitsch. There are storybook settings throughout the park to explore -- Beatrix Potter, Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, There was a Crooked Man, etc. Some have slides or animals, interactive exhibits, or just nooks and crannies to walk in and out of and climb on. There's the Jolly Trolly train, carousel, puppet shows, and even a children's theatre.

The most unique feature of Fairyland is the "magic key" that you purchase before entering. There are kiosks set up at each of the storybook sets. When you enter your key, a song and/or story is played.

The park is an institution in Oakland and is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The sets don't look like they have changed or been updated in 60 years either, and the wear and tear of the sets is evident. But that didn't bother Jack or us. We had a fun afternoon at Fairyland like the past few generations before us undoubtedly did as well.

CLICK HERE for pictures of our day at Lake Merritt and Fairyland.

Watch the video below to see Jack enjoying the sunshine at Lake Merritt before we hit Fairyland.



Watch the video below to see Jack meeting Snow White and her dwarfs.