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
Friday, December 12, 2025
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Pop-N-Play @ Ruby’s Tumbling9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Tot Splash (Ages 7 and Under) @ Richmond Plunge
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Fairyland 510 Fridays @ Children’s Fairyland
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Story Time @ Crab Cove @ Crab Cove Visitor Center
11:00 am – 11:30 am: Bilingual Baby Bounce @ West Branch | Berkeley Public Library
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Chess Club @ San Pablo Public Library
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Merry Ferry @ Jack London Square
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: MOCHA at the Library @ Central Library | Berkeley Public Library
4:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Downtown Holiday Festival @ East Bay Center for Performing Arts
5:15 pm – 7:30 pm: Free Outdoor Xmas Movie @ Neptune Court and Adventure Court
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
East Bay Candy Buyback — Turn Candy into Cash!
East Bay children can exchange Halloween candy for cash at a Halloween candy buyback at the dentist's office.
10+ All-Abilities Playgrounds and Play Spaces Near Oakland
Inclusive playgrounds are designed with innovative features to welcome children of all ages and capabilities. These are within an hour of Oakland.
Free Storytimes Around the East Bay
A round-up of kid-friendly storytimes in the next 30 days including libraries, bookstores, and other fun places. Let someone else read your baby a book.
Heart Smart & Head Smart: Oakland’s Aurora School for K-8
Discover a vibrant community at Aurora School, an independent K-8 institution in Oakland's Upper Rockridge neighborhood.
DÃa de Los Muertos with East Bay Kids
In the East Bay, there are lots of ways to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos including festivals, performances, and crafts with children in tow.
Indigenous People’s Heritage Month for Kids
November is Indigenous People’s Heritage Month. Here are a few ways to reflect on the cultures, traditions, and history of the Bay Area's first peoples.
Parents’ Guide to Solano Avenue
Ten kid-friendly spots between The Alameda and San Pablo Avenue.
Halloween Events for East Bay Kids
Fun and safe Halloween events and activities for kids in Oakland, Berkeley, and surrounding areas.
Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month for Kids & Families
Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 through October 15. We found a variety of ways to celebrate with kids in the East Bay.
Secret Spots: John Hinkel Park in North Berkeley
There's a terrific playground at John Hinkel Park, plus paths to explore for those who like a climb.
