Children's Fairyland is situated on the beautiful Lake Merrit, definitely one of the best tourist attractions in Oakland. You can take walks around the lake, watch sailors and windsurfers, and picnic in many of the beautiful park areas provided around the lake. At night the lake is lit up - just make sure to go with friends if you plan to walk Lake Merrit at night.
To keep all the kids happy, check out the nearby Oakland Zoo, one of the finest in California with lots of stuff for the family to do. The Oakland Museum of California and the downtown Oakland area can be both fun and educational places to visit. They represent the history of the city of Oakland, and its place in California's development.
Another of the tourist attractions in Oakland is its smaller, but not much newer than San Francisco's, Chinatown. There are plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining in Oakland's Chinatown, and it is far easier to park in and navigate than is San Francisco's Chinatown. With the many Chinese-American residents of Oakland, you can definitely be assured of wonderfully authentic and mouthwatering meals at its restaurants.
One of the famed tourist attractions in Oakland is Jack London Square. It offers lots of shops and dining opportunities, overlooking the San Francisco bay. While you're there, don't forget to visit Heinhold's First and Last Chance Saloon. This tiny wooden structure is also known as "Jack London's Rendezvous," since it was frequented by the author as a young person. From Jack London Square you can also catch ferries to visit San Francisco or Vallejo, and a ride on the San Francisco Bay is well worth it.
If you're looking for entertainment, you should definitely check the schedule at the Oakland Coliseum, which has both indoor and outdoor stadiums. Famous rock bands frequently perform at the Coliseum. Alternately, if you're a sports fan, one the greatest tourist attractions in Oakland is still the Coliseum, which plays host to the Athletics, the Raiders, and the Golden State Warriors. There's usually a chance to catch a home game, though if you don't buy tickets in advance, you may not be able to get them.