Wow, it’s July! Let’s make the most of this warm and carefree month. We’ll kick things off with July 4 festivities and continue with summer festivals, fruit picking, outdoor movies, and many family-friendly events to keep your summer calendar full. Dig into our round-up of exciting East Bay activities to bring fun and joy to families throughout July.
Thank you to our sponsor, the San Francisco Symphony, for sponsoring this month’s picks. This July, join star and director Danny DeVito on stage with the San Francisco Symphony for Matilda the Musical on July 25-26.
Reserve Tickets to the San Francisco Symphony
Join the San Francisco Symphony for the beloved modern fairytale Matilda. Based on the classic book by Roald Dahl, this larger-than-life story follows a brilliant young girl with extraordinary intelligence and magical powers as she discovers her strength and changes her world. This special performance features narration by Danny DeVito. Plus, kids’ tickets are half price. Purchase Tickets >
Find more upcoming ticketed performances and events >
Save the Date for These Exciting Community Events
- June 19 – July 12: Alameda County Fair
- July 1: Berkeley Community PicnicÂ
- July 3 – 5: Free Entrance Day at National Parks
- July 4: See our Fourth of July Guide for parades, fireworks, and local celebrations
- July 5: California Classic Fan Fest
- July 9: Summer Concerts in the Park
- July 10: BADM Try in Truck
- July 11: Temescal Street Fair
- July 12: Oakland Ballers Oakland Zoo Day
- July 16: Tiny Tides at the Wave
- July 17: Dive In Movie at Encinal Swim Center
- July 18: Teddy Bear Picnic at Children’s Fairyland
- July 19: Circus in the Park
- July 22: Kidchella: Reading & Music Festival
- July 24: Family Friday at Aqua Adventure
- July 25: Waterfront Flicks: ET
- July 25-26: Matilda Live in Concert
- July 31: Duncan Playful Circus
Check our kid-friendly events calendar for something special every day >
All Month: Get Your Swim On
Swim or splash your heart out at a local beach, swimming pool, splash pad, resort, or water park. The sun is warm, and the water temperatures are rising. But if the days are still a bit too cool and foggy for your liking, head deeper into the East Bay communities for a more traditional (read hotter) summer experience. Older kids will enjoy a visit to the Clarke Swim Center in Walnut Creek for swimming, plus an inflatable obstacle course. For smaller kids, give Tiny Tides at the Dublin Wave a try.
Fourth of July Celebrations
Fill your day with all things red, white, and blue for the July 4th holiday. Communities throughout the East Bay are hosting parades, incredible drone shows, fun runs, pancake breakfasts, firework displays, and other festive daytime celebrations.
Summer to Remember
For lots more ideas, check out our guide to what to do with kids during summer vacation! Plus, there are still a few weeks to enroll your children in camp; see our Summer Camp Guide.
Visit a U-Pick Farm for Fresh Peaches & Stone Fruit
Fruit picking makes a delicious day trip! Visit a U-Pick farm in the East Bay to hand-select the season’s freshest peaches, plums, apricots, and nectarines. Find other farms for fruit picking. Don’t forget to pack water and a hat — it gets hot out there.
Pro Tip: Check social media pages for current hours and details on available fruit.
Catch a Movie or Listen to a Concert Outdoors
‘Tis the season for outdoor movies and summer concerts. Watch family-friendly films on the big screen just after sunset, or enjoy the smooth sounds of a local band while the kids run around on the lawn. Bring blankets, chairs, and picnic dinners or snacks to make the most of your evening. See the full outdoor movie round-up > View the summer concert guide >
Free Museum Days
Plan an outing to one of the world-class museums in the Bay Area; take advantage of free admission on certain days. Learn more about ways to get into museums for free >
- July 1: GLBT Historical Society Museum in San Francisco
- July 2: BAMPFA in Berkeley
- July 4-5: Bank of America Free Museum Days
- July 5: Asian Art Museum in San Francisco and First Sunday at OMCA (nearly free!)
- July 7: Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco and de Young Museum
- July 14: San Francisco Botanical Garden
- Every Saturday: de Young Museum in San Francisco
Stay up Late
With school out and sunsets stretching all the way to 9pm, it’s the perfect excuse to push bedtime and squeeze in some late-night adventures. Chabot Space & Science Center offers free telescope viewings where families can explore the night sky, while East Bay Regional Park District hosts evening campfire programs and register in advance for a Bat Watch outings to make the most of your summer nights.
Favorite Free & Cheap Happenings
Need some planning inspiration? We’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up our favorite free and low-cost East Bay activities to use as a go-to itinerary when you’re short on time or ideas. Head to your local library for free family events and summer reading programs, take advantage of kids bowl free deals, and look out for discounted movie matinees for an easy, budget-friendly outing. Find more free & cheap events >
- Mondays – Garden Playdate at Melrose Branch
- Tuesdays – 5 Little Monkeys Summer Activities (all locations!)
- Wednesdays – Teddy Bear Picnic in Alameda
- Thursdays – Read to a Dog
- Fridays – 510 Summer Fridays at Fairyland
- Saturdays – Campfire Program at Dumbarton Quarry
- Sundays – Malinky Music: Bilingual Music Series
Schedule a Parents’ Night Out
Kids aren’t the only ones who can have fun over the summer. Reserve a space at Parents Night Out, also called PNO. It’s evening childcare that’s essentially a drop-off play date. The setup is a win-win for parents who want a date night and children who want to spend the evening eating pizza, making art, watching movies, or playing with other kids their age. Reserve a space for your child in advance; see all the providers >
Visit an All-Abilities Playground
July is Disability Pride Month. Teach your kids about inclusion and visit an all-abilities playground. These play spaces are universally designed to include adaptive equipment, high-quality surfaces, and many innovative features to welcome children of all ages and capabilities to play. More on how to talk to your kids about people with disabilities >
Thanks again to the San Francisco Symphony for sponsoring this month’s post. On July 25 and 26, families can experience Matilda in Concert with a live orchestra and narration by Danny DeVito. Plus, children’s tickets are available at half price.
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