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, 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
10:30 am – 12:00 pm: Bananas Playgroup @ BANANAS – Havenscourt Cub House
10:30 am – 11:30 am: Music in the Parks @ Jean Sweeney Open Space Park
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Toddler Plus Storytime @ Main | Alameda Free Library
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Storytime and Garden Play @ Elmhurst Branch | Oakland Public Library
11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Little Bookworms Storytime @ Cherryland Library
11:45 am – 12:15 pm: Baby Bounce @ Montclair Branch | Oakland Public Library
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm: Baby Storytime @ Albany Library
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
National Night Out Gatherings in the East Bay
It's time for National Night Out, a day centered on community building. Organize an event among your neighbors, or join a city-led event. Find one ...
A Daycation at Don Castro Swimming Lagoon in Hayward
The clear blue water, sandy toddler-friendly beach and shallows, and affordable price all make for the perfect East Bay daycation with your family.
Cool Off at Castro Valley Park Splash Pad
During the summertime, a water feature at Castro Valley Community Park turns into a splash pad on Wednesdays through the weekends.
10+ Drop-in Toddler Activities in the East Bay for $10 or Less
A helpful list of toddler drop-in classes and activities that don't require advanced planning, for East Bay kids and parents.
Arctic Tour Gets You Behind The Scenes at Fentons Creamery
Tour Fentons Creamery in Oakland on the Arctic Tour for ages 6 and up. Brr. Bring a hoody for the deep freeze.
6 Tot-Friendly Splash Parks in the East Bay
We've rounded up our favorite splash pads in the East Bay - perfect for pre-swimmers and toddlers to get cool in the summer heat.
Bay Area Fruit Picking Guide
Fruit picking is a year-round activity in California. Here's your guide to the what/where/when/how of Bay Area farms and orchards.
Roberts Regional Recreation Area: An Oakland Park with a Swimming Pool
Roberts Park AKA Roberts Regional Recreation Area is tucked away in the Oakland Hills with a huge playground, a calm pool, plus hiking trails and ...
Free Drop-in Art Workshops with MOCHA in the Library
Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) is partnering with Public Libraries to offer free art workshops to children throughout the week.
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!
