Free & Cheap
Family-friendly Bay Area Fun on The Cheap
Discounted admission to museums, plays, classes and other tips to discover free fun for East Bay Area children.
Upcoming Free or Cheap Events in the East Bay
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Doodle Hour @ Hercules Library2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Kids Craft Hour @ Albany Library
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Stay & Play with MOCHA @ San Lorenzo Library
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm: MOCHA at the Library @ Montclair Branch | Oakland Public Library
Thursday, January 8, 2026
7:30 am – 9:00 am: Free Admission Hours @ San Francisco Botanical Garden10:00 am – 11:30 am: Play Cafe @ 81st Avenue Branch | Oakland Public Library
10:00 am – 10:30 am: Toddler Time @ Albany Library
10:15 am – 11:15 am: Toddler Storytime @ Montclair Branch | Oakland Public Library
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Family Storytime @ Pinole Library
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Mother Goose on the Loose @ Main | Alameda Free Library
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
Best Places to Take Kids in Concord
Discover 15+ destinations and small town treasures for families to plan an amazing day in Concord.
Oakland’s Mountain View Cemetery Holiday Circle of Lights
This easy evening outing includes a festive holiday light display and it's located near tons of dinner spots.
What Are The Closest Snow Play Trips for Bay Area Families?
Where to take Bay Area kids to play in the snow? Skip the lifts. Here are five options for kid-friendly snow play with snowshoes or ...
Where to Mail Your Letters to Santa
Here's how to send your children's letters to Santa Claus, some with special mailboxes to the North Pole and some ways even easier!
Parents’ Guide to Solano Avenue
Ten kid-friendly spots between The Alameda and San Pablo Avenue.
Best Bay Area Christmas Events for Families
Your Christmas planner of family-friendly Bay Area Christmas event picks for toddlers to teens.
Sensory-Friendly Santa Claus Visits
Find special times and places where Santa will be available for special needs children.
10+ Free Holiday Happenings at Alameda South Shore Center
Beginning with a tree lighting Nov. 28 through Christmas Eve, your family can visit Santa Claus and see holiday movies outdoors.
Paws to Read: A Cuddly Option for Young Readers
Children can practice reading to trained furry friends in supportive literacy programs found at various East Bay library branches.
Winter Brainstorm: 25 Things to Do that Cost $10 or Less
$10 is enough for a fun family outing with a little kid in the Bay Area. Here are 25 low-cost ideas!
