In the News
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We’ve spent decades inspiring young children, and during that time we’ve had our share of the spotlight.
News Articles
Children’s Fairyland dreams of a brighter future despite pandemic
San Francisco Chronicle Datebook - November 2, 2020
Children's Fairyland in Oakland Struggles for Survival
CBS San Francisco - SF - KPIX, July 13, 2020
Children’s Fairyland plans to reopen safely—and with more diverse representation
The Oaklandside, July 2020
Fairyland, Baker, Tennis Club: a Snapshot of Pandemic Aid in One City
The New York Times, July 2020
COVID-19 makes for an unusual Mother's Day; people and businesses find new ways to celebrate
KTVU Fox 2, May 2020
Weekend Adventure: Children’s Fairyland, in Oakland
Berkeley Hills Living, November 2019
Children’s Fairyland in Oakland in good hands of new chief
East Bay Times, October 2019
Will Lewis, 14, is Fairyland's master puppetry apprentice
San Francisco Chronicle, March 17, 2019
Children's Fairyland director C.J. Hirschfield will leave after 17 years
San Francisco Chronicle, February 22, 2019
Fairyland Named "Most Amazing Place to Take the Kids" in California
Buzzfeed, March 22, 2018
Children Sworn In As Citizens at Oakland’s Fairyland
ABC7 News, San Francisco, July 31, 2017
Kids Awarded Certificates of Citizenship at Whimsical Children’s Fairyland
East Bay Times, July 31, 2017
Otorgan ciudadanía a 15 niños del Área de la Bahía
Univision Channel 14, July 31, 2017
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Interview with Fairyland Executive Director C.J. Hirschfield
OaklandGood podcast, July 22, 2017
Longtime Santa at Children’s Fairyland in Oakland to Be Missed
East Bay Times, June 26, 2017
Oakland’s Fairyland: A Theme Park for Children
Video by Georgia Freedman and Jake Nichol, Wall Street Journal, March 21, 2017
Three-minute video with current and historical footage and an interview with Fairyland Executive Director C.J. Hirschfield.
News Archive
The Original Happiest Place on Earth
Martin Snapp, California Magazine, December 18, 2016
How two UC Berkeley graduates, Arthur E. Navlet and William Penn Mott Jr., invented Fairyland in the late 1940s – and how their dream has survived and thrived into the 21st century.
Toddler stage: The very little get in on the improv act
Lily Janiak, San Francisco Chronicle, November 5, 2016
“Splish Splash,” a co-production of Fairyland and Bay Area Children’s Theatre, brings live professional theater to audiences age 6 months to 4 years.
No Fairy(land) Tale: Kids Become U.S. Citizens in Unique Ceremony
Gary Peterson, East Bay Times - August 1, 2016
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf presented citizenship certificates to 19 children at a ceremony at Fairyland’s Aesop’s Playhouse.
Oakland Extends Warm Welcome to Youngsters Becoming Citizens
Rachel Swan, SFGate.com – August 1, 2016
Comedian and inspirational speaker Michael Pritchard, who hosted the ceremony for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, delivered exuberant remarks.
Brain Gain: Boosting Children’s Vocabulary by Talking, Reading & Singing
Paula Ambrose, KR Foundation - July 30, 2014
Two thousand Oakland families received clothing, blankets and books and were joined by performer José-Luis Orozco, storytellers, storybook characters and community leaders.
Fairyland helps Clinton close the “word gap” in Oakland and nationwide
C.J. Hirschfield, Oakland Local - July 30, 2014
Schools, libraries, churches and—of course—Children’s Fairyland, will help by distributing campaign materials and reinforcing the message.
Let’s Talk, Oakland!
Too Small to Fail - July 25, 2014
This week, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joined business, hospital and community leaders to announce the launch of “Talking is Teaching: Talk Read Sing,” a multi-media campaign that will help Oakland parents improve their babies’ ability to build vocabulary and set them up for brighter futures.
Hillary Clinton launches campaign that recommends reading aloud to children from birth
Samantha Clark, Oakland Tribune - July 23, 2014
To mark the start of the campaign, a citywide baby shower with entertainment and educational activities is being held at Oakland's Fairyland.
Koit Radio Interview on “Today’s World”
C.J. Hirschfield, Today’s World - October 13, 2013
Executive Director C.J. Hirschfield joined the show to talk about Children's Fairyland history and all the great events offered for parents and kids.
Emancipation Proclamation at Oakland’s Fairyland
C.J. Hirschfield, Oakland Local - July 19, 2013
C.J. praises Fairyland's interns from Beyond Emancipation, an organization dedicated to helping former foster children thrive.
Cajitas de cuentos en español en Children's Fairyland
Letecia Mendoza, Al Dia - June 12, 2013
“al Dia con Leticia Mendoza” interviews Bambi and Daniel Ordonez, mother-and-son voice talent for Fairyland’s Spanish-language Talking Storybook Boxes.
Celebrating “Love Our Lake Day” at Oakland’s Lake Merritt
C.J. Hirschfield, Oakland Local - June 12, 2013
Children’s Fairyland celebrates “Love Our Lake Day,” which featured the Lake Merritt Boulevard grand opening celebration, made possible by the passage of Oakland Bond Measure DD a decade ago.
Once Upon A Time at Fairyland: Hospitality begins at home
C.J. Hirschfield, Piedmont Post - June 5, 2013
Children’s Fairyland is pleased to partner with local establishments that believe that creating community is just good business.
San Francisco Shakespeare performs “A Midsummer Night's Dream” at Children's Fairyland
Jane Tyska, San Jose Mercury News - March 15, 2013
Over 400 second and third-grade students attended the event, which was aimed at improving literacy.
Oakland's Fairyland Children's Theater teaches kids it's cool to be kind
Martin Snapp, Contra Costa Times - January 17, 2013
The heart of the Children’s Theatre program: big kids being nice to little kids.
