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
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!
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.
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 ...
