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
Saturday, November 8, 2025
10:00 am – 11:30 am: Free Family Matinee: Hugo @ Rialto Cinemas Cerrito10:30 am – 4:30 pm: BPL Comic Con @ Central Library | Berkeley Public Library
10:30 am – 12:00 pm: Habitat Hike: Who Scat That? @ Coyote Hills Regional Park
11:00 am – 7:00 pm: Drop-In Art Making @ Berkeley Art Museum (BAMPFA)
11:00 am – 3:00 pm: Family Fun Saturday – Native American Heritage @ Hayward Area Historical Society
11:00 am – 12:30 pm: MOCHA at the Library @ Temescal Branch | Oakland Public Library
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Read to a Dog @ Centerville Library
11:00 am – 5:00 pm: Second Saturday @ MoAD @ Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD)
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Handmade Holiday Cards @ Tilden Nature Center
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Happy Diwali Potluck @ Union City Library
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
Join Us Wednesdays at Noon: Berkeley Music Circus
Grab an instrument -or just your voice- for a Wednesday at noon city sing-along. We'd love to see everyone sing and play along!
The Latest In Stay-Home Entertainment: Create an I Spy Game In Your Front Yard
A front yard scavenger hunt is easy to make, uses items you probably have around the house, and can even be made educational if your ...
How I Set Up a Quarantine Book and Toy Swap
My four kids are burning through every book, toy, puzzle and snack in the house. Here's what I did to refresh our toys and games ...
5 Tips to Get Your Teenager to Play Outside
As my kids get older, it is harder to take them outside into nature. Here are five strategies I’ve used to get my kids to ...
Half-day Trip to San Rafael and WildCare
A half day adventure in San Rafael starts with a visit to WildCare, a FREE rehabilitation facility for local animals that toddlers dig.
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 ...
Save the dates: Sunday Streets Berkeley
Sunday Streets Berkeley will close down to car traffic to allow families to play in the streets, dance, bike, eat, and create. It's one huge ...
Cheap birthday party: Adventure Playground
Adventure Playground is a DIY playground and a special DIY birthday party destination. Tow party supplies to the adjacent Shorebird park and party on!
Tour Fentons Creamery in Oakland
Tour Fentons Creamery in Oakland on the arctic tour for age 6 and up. Brr.
Learn to row with Berkeley High Crew (FREE)
Every spring Berkeley High Crew hosts a free Learn-to-Row Day open to youth ages 11 and up. Pre-register for this cool opportunity for your tween ...
