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, April 19, 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Bioblitz-ing @ Tilden Nature Center10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Messy Art Day 2026 @ El Cerrito Preschool Cooperative (ECPC)
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Spring Potions @ Whimsy Willow
10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Throwing Shade Art Mob @ Webster Park
10:00 am – 11:30 am: Walnut Dice & Ohlone Games @ Coyote Hills Regional Park
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Sunday Storytime @ Tilden Regional Park
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Berkeley Streets Kids' Bike Clinic + Race @ Ohlone Park
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: G.O.A.T. @ Tilden Little Farm
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: SFCO Sensory Friendly Family Concert @ Crowden School
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Bay Area Falcons Ultimate Frisbee @ Fremont High School
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
Park Profile: Whale Park in Alameda Point
Alameda has a super playground with tons of space to run, climb and play including a big whale climbing structure, swings, and basketball court.
Free Drop-in Art Workshops with MOCHA in the Library
Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) is partnering with Public Libraries to offer free art workshops to children throughout the week.
East Bay Fireworks & Other Fourth of July Events
Parades, pancakes, flags, festivals, & fireworks! Our Fourth of July Guide for East Bay families has it all.
Drop-in Craft Projects at Michaels Stores
Join a free kid-friendly weekend craft session at Michael's in San Leandro, Emeryville, Alameda, or Pinole. Usually in a seasonal theme.
Cal Athletic Events: Free and Cheap Fun for Kids in Berkeley
Cal sporting events are local family fun - and often free!
19+ Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth With Kids
Celebrate Juneteenth, June 19th, with community gatherings, great meals, lively music, and cultural celebrations. Or a little of everything.
Half-day Trip: Lafayette Reservoir & Playground
This lovely East Bay spot for stroller walks and picnics has a wonderful new playground.
Ride a concrete slide in Berkeley
Get your thrills by zipping down a cement slide in the Berkeley Hills. There are TWO concrete slides in Berkeley that we know of.
A Crafter’s Paradise: East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse
The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse is "every teacher's first stop and every artist's second home" for a good reason. Find your treasure.
East Bay Father’s Day Guide
Looking for things to do on Father's Day in Oakland? Here are some local-ish ideas for treating, entertaining, and celebrating Dad.
