Never run out of family fun ideas for your Bay Area summer break with our epic bucket list! We have gathered all our faves between Memorial Day and Labor Day. We hope you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in the East Bay — and beyond! — this summer.
Thank you to Gilroy Gardens for sponsoring our guide to summer activities in the East Bay and beyond. Super popular with kids under twelve, Gilroy Gardens is hosting extra special summer deals and activities.
Water Play, Pools, Beaches | Summertime Events + Outings | Outdoor Dining + Treats | Summer at Gilroy Gardens | All About Camps
Summertime Events + Outings
This Summer, the Bay Area is rich with county fairs, outdoor movies, celebrations, gardens, and ripe fruit for the picking. Hike outdoors, splash in the lakes, and celebrate the sunshine with outings in the woods! Enjoy beaches, campfires, dinner outside, and a giant scoop of ice cream. See our kid-friendly calendar for lots more ideas >
Best Things To Do With Kids in July
Plan Your Day: Free & Cheap Drop-in Activities Tomorrow
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
10:00 AM: Library Obstacle Course, Berkeley10:30 AM: Baby & Me, Alameda
10:30 AM: Family Storytime, El Sobrante
10:30 AM: Mariela’s Music Time, Oakland
10:30 AM: Teddy Bear Picnic, Alameda
11:30 AM: Later Gator Storytime, San Lorenzo
12:30 PM: JAMaRoo for Kids, Hayward
1:00 PM: Drummm!, Oakland
1:00 PM: Mike the Magician, Oakland
2:30 PM: Animal Puppet Show, Fremont
.
See more free & cheap activities on our calendar >
Summer Fun at Gilroy Gardens
Our sponsor, Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, has loads of upcoming special events to entertain the whole family. Kids ages 1-12 love exploring this unique horticultural theme park. Throughout the warm summer months, there are plenty of places to cool off at the Water Oasis and Lakeside Splash. Bring your swimsuit and sunscreen!
- Cherry Jubilee (June 5-July 5): This award-winning festival of food and family activities returns with 50+ cherry-inspired culinary creations, live entertainment, and educational zones, and a Very Cherry Tasting Card. Save half on Cherry Jubilee tickets with code 510CHERRY.
- Fourth of July Weekend (July 3-5): Enjoy extended hours for the last weekend of Cherry Jubilee. Military and first responders enter for free.
- Carnival Nights (Weekend evenings Aug 15-Sept 17): Discover big top fun with magic shows, juggling acts, balloon animals, and all your favorite rides lit up at night.
- Family Camp Nights (June 20, July 11, Aug 1): These overnight adventures include dinner and a movie, camping in tents under the stars, and breakfast to fuel up for a day of action in the park the next day.
Water Play: Where to Cool Off & Beat the Heat
Gilroy Gardens offers gentle water play for little ones at the original Water Oasis and Lakeside Splash, with bigger slides and bigger splashes at Brave the Bucket. Rent a cabana so the whole family has a place to “chill out” and relax.
Outdoor Dining & Treats
Summertime outdoor eating is the best. Enjoy the later sunshine and let the bugs clean up while getting a pizza delivered to the playground, or pay a visit to one of these places to eat with kids:
Thank you again to Gilroy Gardens for sponsoring our guide to summer activities in the East Bay and beyond. Save half on Cherry Jubilee tickets with code 510CHERRY (expires July 5, 2026).
