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
Monday, September 21, 2026
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Pop-N-Play @ Ruby’s Tumbling10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Wee Play: Drop-In Playtime @ Alameda Veterans Memorial Building
10:30 am – 12:00 pm: Bananas Playgroup @ BANANAS – Eastmont Office
10:30 am – 11:15 am: Music & Movement Storytime @ Richmond Civic Center Plaza
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm: Baby Rhyme Time @ San Lorenzo Library
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Tiny Tots Yoga Time @ Fremont Main Library
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Little Dance Party @ Albany Library
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Explore Blake Garden @ Blake Garden10:00 am – 10:45 am: Itty-Bitty Storytime @ Richmond Civic Center Plaza
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Baby/Toddler Storytime @ Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch | Berkeley Public Library
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
Where to Find Monarch Butterflies in the East Bay
It's that time of year where Western monarchs gather in Northern California. Find out where to find them in the East Bay!
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.
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
Glenview District on Park Blvd. block between Whitmore & Glenfield is great for parents exploring, playing, and and dining with their kids.
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.
