Fairyland's 75th Anniversary!

In 2025, Fairyland Celebrates 75 Years of Imagination, Community, Education, and Magic. 

Once upon a dream... 

In 1948, visionary nursery owner Arthur Navlet dreamed of creating a place where kids could step into an immersive fairy tale world built just for them, where imagination reigned supreme and was the key to endless adventures.  

On September 2, 1950, Fairyland opened its gates as the country’s very first storybook theme park. Navlet’s wildest dreams came true on this day with the support of the Lake Merritt Breakfast Club, Oakland’s parks superintendent, William Penn Mott Jr., and dedicated Oakland citizens. 

In a time when no other amusement parks were created specifically for young children, Fairyland’s much-needed magic and groundbreaking designs would go on to inspire Walt Disney and countless other theme parks, shaping the future of family entertainment.

Fairyland has continued to grow and evolve, becoming an iconic destination and a cherished community oasis that delights Bay Area kids, their grownups, and grownups who will always be kids at heart. What started with lush gardens, attractions, animals, rides, storybook sets, and puppet shows went on to include year-round cultural celebrations and performances, storytelling and folklore that reflects Oakland’s diverse population, and a panoply of ever-growing educational programs.

Through every evolutionary twist and turn, Fairyland has stayed true to its founding mission and vision of enriching and upholding a sacred childhood for all and being rooted in service to the community. 

Fairyland stands proud to be a haven for hands-on, screen-free learning and to provide a safe, family-centered, inclusive environment where play, joy, and the transformative power of stories are unlocked for generations of children and families. 

Dreaming Together

As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we invite our community to reflect on the moments that have made Fairyland a beloved part of your life. Do you have a favorite memory or story about your time at Fairyland? Share it with us and help us preserve the magic for future generations. Your stories are at the heart of our history, and we want to hear from you!

Support and Connect with Us

Fairyland’s future is brighter than ever—thanks to you! As we look towards the next 75 years, we invite you to join us in making the next chapter of Fairyland even more magical. There are many ways to stay connected and support the park:

• Become a Member: Experience unlimited Fairyland magic and join us for a special year of VIP perks and Anniversary celebrations. 
   
• Make a Donation: Your generous contribution of any size ensures the magic of Fairyland lives on for generations of Bay Area kiddos.
   
• Volunteer: Be a part of the Fairyland Family and get your fill of warm and fuzzy Fairyland feelings by volunteering at our events and programs.
   
• Stay Informed: Sign up for our e-newsletter, the Magic Leaf, and follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on all things Fairyland.
  
  
• Get Social: Share your Fairyland family fun in 2025 by tagging Fairyland and using the hashtag #Fairyland75. Your stories and posts could be shared on our Facebook and Instagram pages!  

Fairyland has been a garden of imagination for 75 years, and the magic keeps unfolding. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we invite you to be a part of our story. Together, we’ll continue to inspire young people's dreams and create memories that will last another 75 years. 

Thank you for 75 years of support. 

Thank you for 75 years of partnership.

Thank you for 75 years of being in the Fairyland family. 

Thank you for helping us make Fairyland possible for ALL. 

Thank you for making 75 years not only possible but absolutely dreamy. 

Fairyland is magic we create together.