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
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Little Explorers STEM Time @ Manor Branch | San Leandro Public Library4:30 pm – 5:15 pm: Mariela’s Music Time @ Ira Jinkins Community Center
6:30 pm – 7:15 pm: Soul 4Kidz @ Dimond Branch | Oakland Public Library
8:30 pm – 10:30 pm: Discount Drive-In Movies @ West Wind Solano Drive-In
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Wee Play: Drop-In Playtime @ Alameda Veterans Memorial Building10:30 am – 11:00 am: Baby & Me @ West End Branch | Alameda Free Library
10:30 am – 11:30 am: Possibly Puppets @ Richmond Civic Center Plaza
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Storytime on the Lawn @ North Branch | Berkeley Public Library
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Teddy Bear Picnic @ Lincoln Park
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Toddler & Me Dance Fitness Class @ Castro Valley Library
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
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.
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.
