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
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Explore Blake Garden @ Blake Garden10:00 am – 4:00 pm: WildCare's Ambassador Zone @ WildCare Animal Rescue
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Kodomo no hi @ North Branch | Berkeley Public Library
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: LEGO Club @ Central Library | Berkeley Public Library
8:30 pm – 10:30 pm: Discount Drive-In Movies @ West Wind Solano Drive-In
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Wee Play: Drop-In Playtime @ Alameda Veterans Memorial Building10:30 am – 11:00 am: Baby & Me @ West End Branch | Alameda Free Library
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Storytime on the Lawn @ North Branch | Berkeley Public Library
11:00 am – 11:30 am: Little Listeners Storytime @ San Lorenzo Library
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Kids Craft Hour @ Albany Library
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
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.
When are Lake Temescal and Lake Anza Open for Swimming?
Lake Temescal and Lake Anza are open weekends until Memorial Day, then daily all summer. But wait! Check the water quality before you go.
Open for Swimming & Recreation: Lake Temescal in Oakland
Lake Temescal is a beautiful (almost hidden) gem nestled next to the Highway 24/13 interchange, near Montclair, in Oakland.
Celebrating Women’s History Month in the East Bay
Looking for a way to celebrate Women's History Month with your family? Check out this handy list!
The Black Joy Parade Returns to Oakland on Feb 22
The Black Joy Parade in Oakland, the largest free, family-friendly event of its kind in California, celebrates the Black experience and the culture.
East Bay Summer Concert Round-Up for Families
If your family loves listening to live music, check out our round-up of outdoor concerts -- most of which are free -- to enjoy this ...
Free and Cheap Activities Scheduled This Month
Free and Cheap activities for your family this month. Some of the best things in life are FREE, right? Now go do them with your ...
Where Can New Parents Meet Each Other in the East Bay?
Looking for an opening to connect with other new mothers? Here are some resources including support groups and activity groups in the East Bay.
Free & Cheap Activities in Tilden Regional Park
Tilden Park has fantastic free and low-cost activities for families. Which one of our favorites do you love?
How to Enjoy a Campfire Without Camping
Experience a glowing campfire without the hassle of camping at EBPRD's summertime campfire programs
