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, April 14, 2026
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Free Cone Day @ Ben & Jerry’s Scoop ShopWednesday, April 15, 2026
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Storytime on the Lawn @ North Branch | Berkeley Public Library11:00 am – 11:30 am: Little Listeners Storytime @ San Lorenzo Library
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Kids Craft Hour @ Albany Library
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Downtown San Leandro Farmers' Market @ Downtown San Leandro
Thursday, April 16, 2026
9:30 am – 11:00 am: Together Wee Play @ James Kenney Park & Community Center10:00 am – 11:45 am: Garden Playdate @ Melrose Branch | Oakland Public Library
10:00 am – 11:30 am: Play Cafe @ 81st Avenue Branch | Oakland Public Library
10:00 am – 10:30 am: Toddler Time @ Albany Library
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Storytime @ El Cerrito Library
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
Codornices Park in the Berkeley Hills
Codornices Park in Berkeley has so many features that my visits have changed completely as my kids have grown older with new parts to enjoy.
A Driving Christmas Light Tour of Walnut Creek and Concord
See who is bringing holiday cheer to their neighbors with the best Christmas Lights in the greater East Bay. We've got a map for you.
Tilden Park’s Miniature Trains
Each Sunday between now and the end of September, the Golden Gate Live Steamers open their tracks to the public for rides.
Mia’s Dream Come True: All-Abilities Playground in Hayward
There is so much to do and see at Mia's Dream Come True, an all-abilities playground in South Hayward.
Worth the Drive: Heather Farm Park & Playground in Walnut Creek
One unique feature of the colorful Heather Farm playground in Walnut Creek is a set of turf covered mounds that children can slide down on. ...
Tilden Park’s Merry-Go-Round Is a Classic
The merry-go-round in Tilden Regional Park is an antique carousel with hand-carved and painted wooden carousel animals to ride.
Walk or Drive Through Christmas Lights: Candy Cane Lane in Pleasanton
My favorite part part about the Christmas lights at Candy Cane Lane is that it is a dazzling holiday outing that doesn’t require unbuckling car ...
26 Places Where Kids Can Ride Scooters
Wondering where your little one can ride a scooter around Oakland? I have 2 scooters and 2 helmets permanently in my trunk, and I know ...
25 Things to Do With Kids in Emeryville
25 fun activities, destinations, and places to wander with kids in Emeryville, CA. We love this little town with fab Bay views and hidden gems.
Take a Tour of the Boichik Bagel Factory
Take a FREE tour of the Boichik Bagel Factory in West Berkeley. Carbs, coffee, and heavy machinery - what's not to love?
