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
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Life-size Candyland @ Castro Valley LibraryThursday, January 1, 2026
7:30 am – 4:00 pm: Holiday Free Day @ San Francisco Botanical Garden11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Fun With Felting @ Ardenwood Historic Farm
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm: Apple Cider Pressing @ Ardenwood Historic Farm
Friday, January 2, 2026
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Bilingual Baby Bounce @ West Branch | Berkeley Public Library10:30 am – 11:00 am: Story Time @ Crab Cove @ Crab Cove Visitor Center
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm: Magic Show with Brian Scott @ Fremont Main Library
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Games Galore Retro Edition @ Central Library | Berkeley Public Library
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Goodnight Farm @ Tilden Little Farm
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: MOCHA Art Workshop @ West Oakland Branch | Oakland Public Library
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
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, ...
Community Music Day at Crowden School is Back
Community Music Day at the Crowden School offers free hands-on music experiences for children.
The Impeccable Christmas Lights and Gardens at Oakland’s Temple Hill
Enjoy Christmas lights, music, and the exquisite gardens high above Oakland on Temple Hill.
What to Do With Kids on Berkeley’s Fourth Street
Berkeley's Fourth Street has the food, fun, and stuff to please folks of all ages. Up early? Love trains? Reptiles? Coffee? Toys? Come on.
Hikes for Tykes: Exploring the Regional Parks
Hikes for Tykes offers guided toddler-friendly nature walks and exploration in various East Bay Regional Parks.
