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
Sunday, November 23, 2025
9:00 am – 1:00 pm: Montclair Village Farmers' Market @ Montclair Village10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Kensington Farmers' Market @ Kensington Farmers’ Market
10:00 am – 11:00 am: Pine Nut Bead Making @ Coyote Hills Regional Park
10:30 am – 12:00 pm: Get Ready for Thanksgiving @ Temple Israel of Alameda
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Sunday Storytime @ Tilden Regional Park
11:00 am – 7:00 pm: Drop-In Art Making @ Berkeley Art Museum (BAMPFA)
11:00 am – 6:00 pm: Model Railroad Train Show @ Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Spinning Yarns @ Tilden Nature Center
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm: Family Storytime @ Main | Alameda Free Library
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Storytime at Mr. Mopps @ Mr. Mopps’ Children’s Books & Toys
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
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.
Best Christmas Lights in the East Bay
We love holiday lights! Whether you stay in the car and do a "drive-by" or get out to stroll, East Bay Christmas light displays are ...
Fourth Street Lights Up With Dazzling Holiday Lights
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, head on down to Berkeley's Fourth Street at Delaware for an extra dose of holiday cheer beginning at 5 pm.
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 ...
On Sale Now: Golden Gate Park Lights Up with Lightscape
Lightscape at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is a glorious ticketed one-mile wander through light and sound.
Best Bay Area Christmas Events for Families
Your Christmas planner of family-friendly Bay Area Christmas event picks for toddlers to teens.
East Bay Candy Buyback — Turn Candy into Cash!
East Bay children can exchange Halloween candy for cash at a Halloween candy buyback at the dentist's office.
10+ All-Abilities Playgrounds and Play Spaces Near Oakland
Inclusive playgrounds are designed with innovative features to welcome children of all ages and capabilities. These are within an hour of Oakland.
Free Storytimes Around the East Bay
A round-up of kid-friendly storytimes in the next 30 days including libraries, bookstores, and other fun places. Let someone else read your baby a book.
