Oakland is a city which goes all out with its museums in order to offer travelers to the area the best experience possible. There are no museums which are not worth visiting there. However, there are some which absolutely should not be missed, primarily because they offer not only standard museum exhibits but also other entertainment and experiences which help to make the Oakland vacation a well-rounded one for travelers of all ages.
The Chabot Space and Science Center ( http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction... ) is one of the must-see places in Oakland. The museum / planetarium located within the center offers interactive exhibits enjoyed by both children and adults. The Megadome Theater provides entertainment and education at the same time. Visitors will find that they can easily spend a whole day here.
The Oakland Museum of California ( http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction... ) is the place for people to visit if they are interested in immersing themselves in the history of the state. Visitors can move from room to room, through large-scale exhibits which recreate the changing nature seen all throughout California.
Jack London Square ( http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction... ) is another of the places in Oakland which is a museum but is also so much more. This historic square holds not only the museum-style log cabin of Jack London but also shopping, food and entertainment options.
These three museums are the crème de la crème of museum life in Oakland but other museum options can be explored at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction... .
If you are not that into museums, you can also enjoy the outdoors in Oakland!
Lake Merritt Park: In Downtown Oakland you can take a relaxing break or even go for a run in the Lake Merritt Park and Wildlife Refuge. And if you are patient enough you can observe the bird species colonizing the park.
Fairyland: If you have younger children, they will need a bit excitement after following you along the shores of Lake Merritt. Good plan, you'll be right by Fairyland, an amusement park for kids built around the story books theme. This attraction
in Oakland, is mostly targeting younger kids.
Zoo: Another great attraction in Oakland, especially when you are traveling with younger children is the Oakland Zoo. Smaller than most big cities Zoo, it is easy to walk around with children but as interesting as any of the big zoos in other cities. Your kids will love learning how to take care and feed the animals.
And of course you can always cross the bridge and spend the day in San Francisco, where you have quite a list of attractions to visit. But keep energy for the evening, as Oakland also offers a busy nightlife.