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, August 11, 2026
7:30 am – 4:00 pm: Free Admission SF Botanical Gardens @ San Francisco Botanical Garden9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Explore Blake Garden @ Blake Garden
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Visit with Wildlife @ Sulphur Creek Nature Center
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Back to School Boba Bar @ Moraga Public Library
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Wee Play: Drop-In Playtime @ Alameda Veterans Memorial Building10:30 am – 11:00 am: Family Storytime @ El Sobrante Library
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Sing Me a Storytime @ Lafayette Library and Learning Center
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Storytime on the Lawn @ North Branch | Berkeley Public Library
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Toddler Yoga @ Orinda Library
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Roller Disco Daze @ Marin County Fairgrounds
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
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.
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!
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.
