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, September 18, 2025
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Cultural Crafting Series @ 81st Avenue Branch | Oakland Public Library3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: LoterÃa Flowerpots @ Rockridge Branch | Oakland Public Library
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: MOCHA At The Library! @ Rockridge Branch | Oakland Public Library
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Big Truck Day @ Antioch Community Center
6:00 pm – 10:30 pm: Free Drive-In Movies @ West Wind Solano Drive-In
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Kindness Festival with Concerts in the Park @ Orinda Community Park
Friday, September 19, 2025
8:00 am – 4:30 pm: Explore Blake Garden @ Blake Garden9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Pop-N-Play @ Ruby’s Tumbling
9:00 am – 5:00 pm: Talk like a Pirate Day @ El Cerrito Library
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Tot Splash (Ages 7 and Under) @ Richmond Plunge
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
Park Profile: Whale Park in Alameda Point
Alameda has a super playground with tons of space to run, climb and play including a big whale climbing structure, swings, and basketball court.
Free Drop-in Art Workshops with MOCHA in the Library
Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) is partnering with Public Libraries to offer free art workshops to children throughout the week.
East Bay Fireworks & Other Fourth of July Events
Parades, pancakes, flags, festivals, & fireworks! Our Fourth of July Guide for East Bay families has it all.
Drop-in Craft Projects at Michaels Stores
Join a free kid-friendly weekend craft session at Michael's in San Leandro, Emeryville, Alameda, or Pinole. Usually in a seasonal theme.
Cal Athletic Events: Free and Cheap Fun for Kids in Berkeley
Cal sporting events are local family fun - and often free!
A Daycation at Don Castro Swimming Lagoon in Hayward
The clear blue water, sandy toddler-friendly beach and shallows, and affordable price all make for the perfect East Bay daycation with your family.
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.
Now Open: Swimming at Cull Canyon in Castro Valley
A swimmable lake within a stones throw from Oakland, perfect for little kids.
Lake Anza is Best for a Hot Day (Open for 2025)
Berkeley in summer is unpredictable weather-wise. For the hot days, I recommend packing up the requisite beach gear and heading for Lake Anza.
Ride a concrete slide in Berkeley
Get your thrills by zipping down a cement slide in the Berkeley Hills. There are TWO concrete slides in Berkeley that we know of.
