Family events in Alameda, CA

Monster Jam brings an adrenaline-charged showcase to Oakland Arena and Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, featuring colossal 12,000-pound trucks pulling off gravity-defying moves. Watch favorites like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Sparkle Smash, and more balance on two tires and launch for massive airtime. Packed with high energy and wall to wall action, this spectacle delivers enjoyment for all.

Bring the whole family to the Hot August Niles Car Show, a fun day for car lovers and shoppers alike. There will be food and refreshments, a 50/50 raffle where winners must be present, and a live band. Shops will also be open for browsing. If you want to show a vehicle, registration is required, with placards available by mail when you register by July 8.

First Presbyterian Church of San Leandro and Rise Against Hunger are teaming up for a hands-on volunteer event to package 10,000 meals for families facing hunger around the world. Volunteers of all ages can take part in an assembly-line style effort, working alongside friends, relatives, and neighbors to help provide nutritious food to communities in need. Snacks and refreshments will be available. Registration is required to participate. Organizers are looking for meal-packaging helpers, about 3 to 5 people to assist with setup and cleanup, and a few volunteers who can help with lifting up to 50 pounds.

Gaia Guides hosts a family-friendly paddling session on the calm waters of Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda, offering a relaxed, screen-free way to connect as the bay glows in golden light. Newcomers and experienced paddlers are supported by instructors who remain close with safety guidance and tips, so no prior experience is required. The experience is designed for families with children ages 5 to 14, and parents or guardians participate alongside their kids. All essential equipment is provided for an easy evening on the water, and both kayakers and paddleboarders are welcome. Kids paddle free on their first visit with the code kidspaddlefree, and adults are $40 per session. Pre-registration is required to secure gear and spots.

This special admits two patrons of any age to the museum for a single $22 price. Spend the day playing more than 100 pinball machines from the 1940s through the 2020s, explore the exhibits, and cue up free-play music on three jukeboxes. Re-entry is welcome, so you can step out for breaks and local food and drinks, then return to keep the fun going.

Play Cafe is a family-friendly storytime and play session designed for parents and caregivers with kids ages 0 to 5. It includes stories, songs, and a chance for little ones to play together.

Crafternoon for Kids, also known as Manualidades para Niñ@s, is a relaxing Wednesday afternoon activity where children explore creativity with a different craft each week. After the MOCHA program on the first Wednesday of the month, the fun continues with hands-on projects that may involve painting, cutting, gluing, and plenty of imagination. Manualidades para Niñ@s, también conocido como Crafternoon for Kids, ofrece una actividad tranquila los miércoles por la tarde en la que l@s niñ@s desarrollan su creatividad con una manualidad distinta cada semana. Después del programa MOCHA del primer miércoles de cada mes, continúan con proyectos prácticos que pueden incluir pintar, cortar y pegar, siempre con espacio para la imaginación.

This tribute honors the late Coach Beam and his family, recognizing the lasting impact he made on the Oakland sports community.

Lincoln Summer Nights is a recurring community series at Lincoln Square Park in Oakland Chinatown that welcomes everyone to celebrate, connect with neighbors, stay informed, and take part in the community. Select editions include special programming such as Circus Bella.