• Location: Lake Merritt, Oakland

• Website: http://www.lakemerritt.org/

• Pricing: Free

• Hours: Dusk til dawn

Description: Lake Merritt is a beautiful place to take a walk, run, picnic, or take your children. Lake Merritt is 3.4 miles of outdoor area set against the backdrop of the bustling city of Oakland and its downtown area. Lake Merritt has two children's parks, the famous Children's Fairyland, Multiple restaurants surrounding it from every angle, Saturday Farmer's Market, and is just a hop, skip, and jump from the Grand Lake shopping and dining areas including the Grand Lake theatre which is an Oakland Landmark. If you are out for exercise the lake offers a wonderful view while you walk, run, or jog. Bring your child's stroller, bike, or anything with wheels to help get them around. Lake Merritt is home of many festivals, runs, and events. Being out by the Lake is always a pleasant time with plenty of other people trying to enjoy the day as well!

Highlights: If you go on Saturday you can catch the Farmer's Market before or after you get some exercise. If you get hungry after exercising there is no end to the choices of restaurant's that you can walk to. Very family friendly environment right in the heart of Oakland.

Tips: If you wanna get around it with kids, bring some wheels and make a stop at one of the two parks for a break. Bring hand sanitizer for the bathroom and water to keep yourself hydrated!