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
Friday, December 12, 2025
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Pop-N-Play @ Ruby’s Tumbling9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Tot Splash (Ages 7 and Under) @ Richmond Plunge
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Fairyland 510 Fridays @ Children’s Fairyland
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Story Time @ Crab Cove @ Crab Cove Visitor Center
11:00 am – 11:30 am: Bilingual Baby Bounce @ West Branch | Berkeley Public Library
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Chess Club @ San Pablo Public Library
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Merry Ferry @ Jack London Square
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: MOCHA at the Library @ Central Library | Berkeley Public Library
4:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Downtown Holiday Festival @ East Bay Center for Performing Arts
5:15 pm – 7:30 pm: Free Outdoor Xmas Movie @ Neptune Court and Adventure Court
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
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.
Berkeley Park Profile: James Kenney Park
Enjoy updated play structures and nature-based climbing areas at this Northwest Berkeley Park, just minutes away from Fourth Street.
Daytrip to Stinson Beach with kids
Stinson Beach is our favorite, FAVORITE beach in the Bay Area with kids.
The Temescal Farmer’s Market, Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt & Frog Park
This Oakland playground is filled on Sundays with folks who have walked over from the Farmer's Market. Try it any day of the week!
Half-day Trip: Lafayette Reservoir and Playground
This lovely East Bay spot for stroller walks and picnics has a wonderful new playground.
Berkeley Summer Programs for Low-Income Families
Summertime park and playground programs.
21+ Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Richmond
Visit the parks, playgrounds, pools, museums and other kids-friendly spots located in the city of Richmond. There's plenty to explore!
Bohol Circle Immigrant Park & Playground in Alameda
A waterfront playground in Alameda is ideal for playing captain of a boat or spotting cargo ships. It's located steps from Target, too!
Davenport Mini Park in Emeryville
Davenport Mini Park in Emeryville has a totally redesigned play structure that's fashioned after a ship, plus it's completely fenced in.
Best Alameda Beaches for Little Kids
Easy parking, shallow waters, and open space make Alameda's beaches ideal, free outings for families.
