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, June 24, 2026
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Reptile Show with East Bay Vivarium @ Piedmont Ave. Branch | Oakland Public Library6:30 pm – 7:00 pm: Rainbow Rox @ Albany Library
Thursday, June 25, 2026
9:00 am – 7:00 pm: Splash Park @ El Cerrito Swim Center9:00 am – 11:00 am: Tiny Tides @ The Wave at Emerald Glen Park
10:00 am – 11:30 am: Play Cafe @ 81st Avenue Branch | Oakland Public Library
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Storytime @ El Cerrito Library
10:30 am – 11:30 am: Summer Tinker Tots @ Main Branch | San Leandro Public Library
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Exploration Station @ San Pablo Public Library
11:00 am – 11:45 am: Insect Discovery Lab @ Melrose Branch | Oakland Public Library
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Story Stroll @ Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Park
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
Stafford Lake Bike Park in Marin: An Epic Playground for Bike Lovers
This 17-acre family-friendly mountain bike course offers all the exciting jumps, challenging tricks, and clever toys that mountain bikers of all ages will love.
Park Profile: Totland in Berkeley
We love Totland for toddlers, and especially for parents who are on their own with a new second baby. Swings, climbing things, spinny rides, and ...
National Night Out Gatherings in the East Bay
August 5 is National Night Out, a day centered on community building. Organize an event among your neighbors, or join a city-led event. Find one ...
Cheap Summer Movies in Alameda
For $10 per person, you can go to every movie in the Kids Movie Series this summer hosted by The Alameda Theatre & Cineplex on ...
Event Alert: Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire
July 26-27, you'll want to be in Downtown Alameda for the Annual Art & Wine Faire. Attending is free, but attractions have a fee.
Swings on Bridgeview Trail are Delightfully Dangerous
The handbuilt swings hidden among the majestic redwoods and dripping vines make this small hike much more exciting for children.
BAMPFA for Kids and Families
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, BAMPFA, is for families and children with FREE admission for many and a hands-on art lab.
44 Best Activities for Teens in the East Bay & Beyond
What to do with East Bay teens? Our teenagers' Bay Area favorites include museum deals, hiking, beach day, little farm, & fire pits at ocean ...
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.
