Best Things to do in October with East Bay Kids

Boo-ya, it is October! We’re heading into the season of pumpkins, fall festivals, corn mazes, outdoor fun, and of course, Halloween. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of amazing East Bay activities for the kids in our lives.

We appreciate Bay Area Discover Museum for sponsoring our October list of great activities for families. Dive into Halloween Magic at Bay Area Discovery Museum’s Goblin Jamboree, a family fundraiser where the museum transforms into a wickedly fun Halloween wonderland! Reserve tickets now; prices increase on October 1.

📅 Save the Date for These Exciting Community Events

• Oct. 1: Oaktoberfest in Dimond
• Oct. 2-10: San Francisco Fleet Week
• Oct. 3: Try (it) Out Sports Workshop for Girls+
• Oct. 5: Musical Storytime Band at Freight and Salvage
• Oct. 7: Fall Family Day at Richmond Art Center
• Oct. 8: $5 Admission Day at The Lawrence and Community Music Day
• Oct. 12-14: Lake Merritt Autumn Lights Festival
• Oct. 13-14: Walnut Creek Oktoberfest
• Oct. 14: Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
• Oct. 15: Chalk Festival in Fremont
• Oct. 18: Fratello Marionettes’ Production of Peter And the Wolf
• Oct. 21: Berkeley Harvest Festival and Richmond Fall Festival
• Oct. 21-22: BADM’s Goblin Jamboree Weekend 1
• Oct. 22: Fall Picnic in Kensington
• Oct. 25-29: BADM’s Goblin Jamboree Weekend 2
• Oct. 27: Eden Night in Hayward
• Oct. 28: Berkeley Public Library Comic Con and Lowriders at Library
• Oct. 29: Oakland Dia de los Muertos Festival
• Oct. 31: Halloween!

Check our kid-friendly events calendar for something special every day >

Halloween Happenings

Halloween is my family’s favorite holiday. There are so many themed events from annual showstoppers like Halloween Jamboree and Boo at the Zoo to family-friendly haunted trains, and themed storytimes. So grab a costume and join the fun. It’s truly a holiday that children and kids-at-heart can enjoy! See our Halloween Guide for Families >

Reserve Tickets to Shows & Performances

Sing and dance with Peppa Pig in concert or enjoy a performance of Cinderella that’s the perfect runtime for kiddos. Find more upcoming ticketed performances and events >

It’s Time for Apple Picking, Pumpkin Patching, and Corn Mazing

If your family is all about apples, we rounded up a handful of apple orchards in the Bay Area that should have a delicious crop well into October. And don’t forget to visit the farm for a day of pumpkin picking and strolling through the corn maze. See our guide to Bay Area Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes filled with excellent choices for families. Remember to always confirm hours with the orchard or farm by phone or social media in advance.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations

Hispanic Heritage Month continues through October 15. There are multiple ways to celebrate the diverse Latinx communities and cultures throughout the East Bay and beyond. Look for drop-in crafting at local libraries and bilingual performances and special shows. Find more opportunities to mark the vibrant histories, cultures, and contributions of Latinx individuals in our Hispanic Heritage Month Guide > Later in the month, there are many Dia de los Muertos events, too!

📅 Favorite Free & Cheap Happenings

Need some planning inspiration? We’ve got you covered! We gathered up our favorite free and inexpensive activities in the East Bay to serve as a go-to, weekday itinerary when you’re in a pinch. Find more free & cheap events this month >

• Mondays – Bounce at Itty-Bitty Storytime in Richmond
• Tuesdays – Join Hikes for Tykes (first, third, and fifth Tuesdays)
• Wednesdays – View a Fish Feeding at Crab Cove
• Thursdays –  Sing and read at English/Spanish Storytime in Hayward
• Fridays – Stroll through Blake Garden in Kensington

Plus, 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 >

• Oct. 1: Asian Art Museum in San Francisco and First Sunday at OMCA (nearly free!)
• Oct. 3, plus every Saturday: de Young Museum in San Francisco
• Oct. 3: Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco
• Oct. 4: GLBT Historical Society Museum in San Francisco
• Oct. 5 BAMPFA in Berkeley & SFMOMA
• Oct. 5: SFMOMA in San Francisco
• Oct. 6: Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco
• Oct. 7-8: Bank of America Free Museum Days
• Oct. 10: San Francisco Botanical Garden
• Oct. 14: Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco

Thanks again to Bay Area Discovery Museum. The Bay Area Discovery Museum’s mission is to create playful learning experiences that inspire a passion for discovery in every child. With mind-blowing exhibits, outdoor adventures, Golden Gate views, and enough fun to tire out the most energetic kids, we’ve got you covered for a day of non-stop giggles and unforgettable memories.

Find more activities on our East Bay Families Events Calendar every day of the month.