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
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: MOCHA Art Workshop @ Asian Branch | Oakland Public Library3:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Valentines Crafts @ Golden Gate Branch | Oakland Public Library
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Weekly LEGO Build @ Central Library | Berkeley Public Library
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
10:15 am – 10:30 am: Toddler Storytime Outdoors @ Dimond Park11:00 am – 11:30 am: Little Listeners Storytime @ San Lorenzo Library
11:00 am – 11:30 am: Stay & Play @ North Branch | Berkeley Public Library
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Family Dance @ Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch | Berkeley Public Library
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm: MOCHA Art Workshop @ Cesar Chavez Branch | Oakland Public Library
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Valentine's Day Craft @ Richmond Library | Bayview Branch
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Valentines Crafts @ Montclair Branch | Oakland Public Library
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
Half-day Trip: Sulphur Creek Nature Center in Hayward
This wild animal rehabilitation center in Hayward allows kids to get up close and personal with drop-in hours and special programs.
Sign Up for Free Trial Classes for Kids!
We love to try out a class before committing to a full session. Here are a few places that offer occasional free trials on kids' ...
How to Get in FREE to Dozens of Bay Area Museums, Science Centers, + Gardens
Many of the Bay Area's very best museums are free at least one day each month. If you arrive early, you can visit world-class museums ...
Cold or Wet Day? Go Indoor Swimming
My kids love to go to an indoor swimming pool even if the weather outside is frightful. Here are some fave East Bay pools.
Black History Month for Kids and Families in the Bay Area
Celebrate with storytimes, dance performances, and a parade! We'll be adding new kid-friendly Black History Month activities all month.
Baby Consignment Stores in the East Bay
I love that the East Bay has so many places to get quality used kids' clothes. Consignment sales are ideal for snow pants, dress clothes, ...
Favorite Valentine’s Day Activities for Families
Love is love. Valentine's Day activities for families in the East Bay. We are excited to share this round-up of love- and heart-themed activities
Where Can New Parents Meet Each Other in the East Bay?
Looking for an opening to connect with other new mothers? Here are some resources including support groups and activity groups in the East Bay.
Cal Athletic Events: Free and Cheap Fun for Kids in Berkeley
Cal sporting events are local family fun - and often free!
Kids Like IKEA Emeryville, Too
The Emeryville monster store, Ikea, is a colorful and fascinating place for a child with a bunch of hidden perks!