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, January 16, 2026
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Explore Blake Garden @ Blake Garden9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Pop-N-Play @ Ruby’s Tumbling
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Tot Splash (Ages 7 and Under) @ Richmond Plunge
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Fairyland 510 Fridays @ Children’s Fairyland
10:15 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
11:00 am – 5:00 pm: Open Play @ Small Talk City
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Cal Men's Tennis @ Hellman Tennis Center
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Movie Night: Moana 2 @ Cellarmaker Berkeley
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
Best Alameda Beaches for Little Kids
Easy parking, shallow waters, and open space make Alameda's beaches ideal, free outings for families.
Park Profile: Centennial Park in El Cerrito
Centennial Park playground near the Ohlone Greenway has natural surfaces, climbing ropes, sand, and a platform swing. Great for kids under five.
What to Do With Kids in Fremont
Some of the most fun you can have with kids in Fremont no matter what the season. Where to go to play, learn, and go ...
Best BARTable Play for Toddlers
Riding BART can be a real treat for train-loving toddlers. Here is a handful of mostly free BART-friendly destinations for toddlers and their parents.
Tilden Park Botanic Garden, Free Fun for All Ages
The Tilden Regional Parks Botanic Garden, an enchanted, not-so-secret garden, is a magical place for visitors of all ages at no cost.
Choose Your Adventure at Lands End: A San Francisco Hiking Destination
Come to Lands End to hike, but stay for the beautiful views and exploration. Put this San Francisco destination on your "Places to Visit" list.
Codornices Park Birthday Party: Keeping it Simple
Find out how to throw a simple and cheap birthday party at Codornices Park in Berkeley
Park Profile: Solano Playlot in Richmond
Add this park to your "must visit" list: Solano Playlot in Richmond. Fun for the kids with nearby treats and snacks worth a stop.
Where to Ride a Carousel in the East Bay
For classic childhood fun, we rounded up 12 carousels to ride in the East Bay and beyond.
Together Wee Play: Drop-in Play in Berkeley
Together Wee Play is a free, drop-in play program for kids 4 and younger. It is hosted 4 mornings a week at indoor and outdoor ...
