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, May 19, 2026
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Explore Blake Garden @ Blake Garden10:00 am – 4:00 pm: WildCare's Ambassador Zone @ WildCare Animal Rescue
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Storytime and Playtime @ Melrose Branch | Oakland Public Library
10:15 am – 10:30 am: Toddler Storytime @ Piedmont Ave. Branch | Oakland Public Library
10:30 am – 11:45 am: Hikes for Tykes: Crab Cove @ Crab Cove Visitor Center
10:30 am – 11:30 am: Toddler Plus Storytime @ Main | Alameda Free Library
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Storytime and Garden Play @ Elmhurst Branch | Oakland Public Library
11:45 am – 12:15 pm: Baby Bounce @ Montclair Branch | Oakland Public Library
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Crafternoons @ Claremont Branch | Berkeley Public Library
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Read to a Dog @ Fremont Main Library
Free & Cheap Resources 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.
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 ...
{510} Family Faves with Beautiful Brown Adventures’ Angel
Angel is a Puerto Rican and Indigenous mom of two in Alameda, a doula, and a co-founder of Beautiful Brown Adventures. Here are her faves.
Save The Date: Solano Avenue Stroll
Solano Avenue in Berkeley and Albany will come together for their superfun Solano Stroll on Sunday afternoon, September 11, 2022.
