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, January 24, 2026
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm: Free Telescope Viewings @ Chabot Space & Science CenterSunday, January 25, 2026
9:00 am – 10:00 am: Birds and Things @ Tilden Nature Center9:00 am – 1:00 pm: Montclair Village Farmers' Market @ Montclair Village
9:00 am – 10:30 am: Wings of the Wetland @ Coyote Hills Regional Park
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Family Crafts @ 81st Avenue Branch | Oakland Public Library
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Kensington Farmers' Market @ Kensington Farmers’ Market
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Sunday Storytime @ Tilden Regional Park
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Wake Up The Farm @ Ardenwood Historic Farm
11:00 am – 7:00 pm: Free Community Day @ Berkeley Art Museum (BAMPFA)
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Mushroom Hike @ Tilden Nature Center
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
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.
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.
A Little Kids’ Guide to Downtown Benicia
Downtown Benicia is the cutest little place with some big history. With California's third capitol building, picnic, seashore, treats & more!
Celebrating Diwali with Kids in the East Bay
Buy your tickets now for these family-friendly Navratri and Diwali events in the East Bay and South Bay. Tickets will sell out.
Shop Local: Christmas Crafts to Enjoy Together
Here are the holiday crafts I love to do with my young daughter and the local shops where we pick up supplies in Berkeley, Oakland, ...
