99 Days of Summer Fun for East Bay Kids

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 | Fathers Day Ideas | 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 June

East Bay Summer Concert Round-Up for Families

Bay Area Fruit Picking Guide

Summer Fairs and Festivals for Bay Area Families

East Bay Outdoor Movie Round-Up

Plan Your Day: Free & Cheap Drop-in Activities Tomorrow

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See more free & cheap activities on our calendar >

Guide to Father’s Day

Getting ready for June and celebrating our dads, babas, daddies, zaddies, papas, fathers, and pops. Oh my goodness. Don’t forget the grandpas, beepas, pop pops, grandfathers, and zaides. See our Hecka Useful Father’s Day Guide >

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.

Reserve your tickets to Gilroy Gardens

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.

Lake Anza is Best for a Hot Day

Best Bay Area Beaches You Can Visit Today

What Parents Should Know About Bay Area Water Parks

Where Do You Swim in the East Bay?

6 Tot-Friendly Splash Parks in the East Bay

Swimming Lessons for East Bay Kids

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:

• Oakland Outdoor dining with kids
• Alameda Outdoor dining with kids
• Berkeley Outdoor dining with kids
• Breweries where kids can have fun
• Best ice cream spots
• Favorite milkshake spots
• Favorite East Bay boba places

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).