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
Thursday, April 30, 2026
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Chop and Chat – Cooking Fun @ Melrose Branch | Oakland Public Library4:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Bike Month Kick-off @ Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza
Friday, May 1, 2026
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Explore Blake Garden @ Blake Garden9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Pop-N-Play @ Ruby’s Tumbling
10:00 am – 10:50 am: Preschool Yoga Class @ Yama Kids Yoga
10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Wee Play: Drop-In Playtime @ Alameda Veterans Memorial Building
10:15 am – 11:00 am: Bouncing Babies Storytime @ Fremont Main Library
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Story Time @ Crab Cove @ Crab Cove Visitor Center
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Toddler Plus Storytime @ Main | Alameda Free Library
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Opera For Kids @ Central Library | Berkeley Public Library
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
Oakland Parks and Playgrounds
Best free thing to do with kids in Oakland? A playground or park! Stay as long or short as you like.
Profile: Fremont’s Central Park
Fremont's Central Park offers tons of space to run and play, picnic, boat, and exercise, there is a unique playground unlike any I've seen.
Crab Cove Beach and Visitor Center in Alameda
Children will enjoy exploring Crab Cove beach in Alameda, but start with the visitor center to get more out of your trip!
Oct. 14: Free BORP Adaptive Sports Expo — Register Now
Oct. 14, the BORP Adaptive Sports Expo is a free opportunity for people with disabilities to try many different sports + recreation activities at 3 ...
Big Fun at the Port of Oakland’s Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
Preschoolers will love Middle Harbor Shoreline Park at the Port of Oakland with the best views of the Bay! Container ships lots of giant stuff ...
Things to Do with Kids in Oakland’s Park Blvd. Glenview District
In the midst of the tree-lined boulevard and rows of bungalows, comes a small but bountiful stretch of mom and pop shops, eateries, salons, small ...
Take the Bay Day Challenge With Your Kids
Take on the Bay Day Month of Challenges with your kids September 7 to October 7. See the Bay + win prizes.
Lake Merritt Playground Profile: Snow Park
Across the lake from Fairyland, the newly renovated Snow Park is a beautiful, urban playground you must visit.
7 Playgrounds & Viewing Spots for Boat-Loving Kids
Sail over to these nautical-inspired play structures throughout the East Bay if your kid can't get enough of boats! Plus, details on where to spot ...
Berkeley Park Profile: San Pablo Park
Visit Berkeley's oldest park for new play structures, big fields, baseball, basketball, tennis, community center, and room to run.
