Annual Events
Colorful costume celebrations, twinkling winter enchantments, and summer campouts on the shores of Lake Merritt—Children’s Fairyland celebrates throughout the year. (We also have a gala dinner the first Thursday in June; it’s one of our most magical events.)
Complete with goodies, activities, festive performances, and (in December) a visit from a jolly man in a big red suit, our special events make a lovely tradition for families of all sizes.
Jack o’Lantern Jamboree
Presented by
On the last weekend in October, join us to celebrate with fun and games that are more delightful than frightful.
2012 Jack o’Lantern Jamboree dates: October 27 and 28.
Admission to Fairyland for the Jack o’Lantern Jamboree is just $10 per person ($5 for members). Come in costume and enjoy a spooktacular extravaganza with:
- Unlimited rides
- Parades
- Goody bags and treat stations for kids*
- Two jumpers, one for little kids and one for bigger kids
- Arts and crafts
- Pirate school
- Balloon twisting
- Special performances
- Costumed fairy-tale characters
- Shows by our Children’s Theater Program and Storybook Puppet Theater
*While supplies last
Jack o’Lantern Jamboree is made possible each year through contributions from our generous local sponsors. Contact us to add your company’s name to the list.
(Sorry, no passes or coupons accepted for this event.)
2012 Sponsors
We would like to thank our donors for helping make this event possible.
Dr. Michelle Agazzi DDS
Richard Gabor, DDS
Seymour L. Kurtz, D.M.D.
Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA)
Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry – Reinaldo J. Negron, DDS, MSD
Donald Ruddell, DDS
Sunstar Americas, Inc.
Fairy Winterland
In December, Fairy Winterland celebrates the winter holidays of many cultures: Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Diwali, and Chinese New Year. Join us for stories, crafts, a festival of lights, and a visit from Santa.
2012 Fairy Winterland dates: December 14–December 23

Sponsored in part through a generous gift from PG&E
For one modest admission fee—$8 for each adult and child over the age of 1 ($4 for members)—you’ll enjoy:
- Performances by our renowned Storybook Puppet Theater
- A Festival of Lights Parade each day at 6:30 p.m.
- Special holiday storytelling, magic, and entertainment
- A daily visit from Santa Claus
- Holiday-themed arts and crafts
- Unlimited rides
And many more special surprises!
The park is open from noon to 7 p.m. during Fairy Winterland (weather permitting).
Sleepover FAQs
How do I make a reservation?
Choose from four convenient ways:
- Register online
- Print out the registration form and fax it to (510) 452-2261
- Come by the park and pick up a Summer Sleepover flier
- Call us at (510) 452-2259, and we’ll fax or mail a flier to you
How will I know my reservation has been confirmed?
We will email a confirmation letter and packet to a valid email address. (We like to save paper and stay environmentally friendly.)
What if I don’t have email?
No problem. We will fax or mail a confirmation letter and packet to you.
I lost my confirmation packet. How can I get a new one?
Email the programs supervisor, or call (510) 452-2259 and let us know.
I never received a confirmation packet. Am I confirmed for my date?
Email the programs supervisor, or call (510) 452-2259 and verify that your request has been received.
May I add people to my reservation?
Yes, if space is still available. Please email the programs supervisor or call (510) 452-2259.
May my family members come in to help me set up my tent?
Yes. Helpers are welcome to help you set up camp, but they may not leave the Teddy Bear Picnic Grove.
Do Fairyland staff members stay overnight?
Yes, several staff members will camp out and spend the night along with you and your family.
What about security?
Our security guard will walk the perimeter of the park and our grounds throughout the night.












