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
Thursday, January 29, 2026
10:00 am – 11:30 am: Play Cafe @ 81st Avenue Branch | Oakland Public Library10:00 am – 10:30 am: Toddler Time @ Albany Library
10:15 am – 11:15 am: Toddler Storytime @ Montclair Branch | Oakland Public Library
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Family Storytime @ Pinole Library
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Mother Goose on the Loose @ Main | Alameda Free Library
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Toddler Storytime and Playtime @ Rockridge Branch | Oakland Public Library
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Cal Men's Swimming & Diving @ Spieker Aquatics Complex
Friday, January 30, 2026
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Explore Blake Garden @ Blake Garden9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Tot Splash (Ages 7 and Under) @ Richmond Plunge
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Fairyland 510 Fridays @ Children’s Fairyland
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
On Sale Now: Golden Gate Park Lights Up with Lightscape
Lightscape at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is a glorious ticketed one-mile wander through light and sound.
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.
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.
