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
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Wee Play: Drop-In Playtime @ Alameda Veterans Memorial Building10:30 am – 11:00 am: Family Storytime @ El Sobrante Library
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Sing Me a Storytime @ Lafayette Library and Learning Center
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Storytime on the Lawn @ North Branch | Berkeley Public Library
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm: Rockin' Kids Sing-Along @ Albany Library
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Kids Craft Hour @ Albany Library
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Read to a Dog! @ Lakeview Branch | Oakland Public Library
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Concerts in the Park @ Memorial Park | Albany
Thursday, September 10, 2026
7:30 am – 9:00 am: Free Admission Hours @ San Francisco Botanical Garden10:00 am – 11:30 am: Play Cafe @ 81st Avenue Branch | Oakland Public Library
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
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 ...
East Bay Fireworks & Other Fourth of July Events
Parades, drone shows, flags, festivals, & fireworks! Our Fourth of July Guide for East Bay families has it all.
Lake Anza is Best for a Hot Day
Berkeley in summer is unpredictable weather-wise. For the hot days, I recommend packing up the requisite beach gear and heading for Lake Anza.
Cal Athletic Events: Free and Cheap Fun for Kids in Berkeley
Cal sporting events are local family fun - and often free!
Golf With Us: Kids Play Golf for $5 or Less
Youth on Course members, ages 6 to 18, can play a round of golf at over 1,300 participating courses for $1 to $5 after paying ...
Summertime Reading Games Powered by the Libraries
Summer is for reading! Many area public libraries offer summer reading games, community events & many cool kid-sized prizes for reading.
19+ Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth With Kids
Celebrate Juneteenth, June 19th, with community gatherings, great meals, lively music, and cultural celebrations. Or a little of everything.
Arlington Park & Clubhouse: Lots to Explore in El Cerrito
Arlington Park has tons of green space and is one of those winding parks that has a variety of areas to explore beyond the play ...
East Bay Father’s Day Guide
Looking for things to do on Father's Day in Oakland? Here are some local-ish ideas for treating, entertaining, and celebrating Dad.
