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 24, 2025
10:30 am – 12:00 pm: Bilingual Storytime @ Cesar Chavez Branch | Oakland Public Library10:30 am – 11:30 am: Holiday Storytime @ Main | Alameda Free Library
11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Free Ice Skating @ Chase Center
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Winter Lights For The Solstice @ Piedmont Ave. Branch | Oakland Public Library
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Crafty Wednesdays @ Main Library | Oakland Public Library
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Movie Time: The Nutcracker @ Centerville Library
Thursday, December 25, 2025
7:30 am – 9:00 am: Free Admission Hours @ San Francisco Botanical GardenFriday, December 26, 2025
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Fairyland 510 Fridays @ Children’s Fairyland11:00 am – 11:30 am: Kwanzaa Storytime @ North Branch | Berkeley Public Library
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Free Ice Skating @ Chase Center
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
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.
Best Places to Take Kids in Concord
Discover 15+ destinations and small town treasures for families to plan an amazing day in Concord.
Hikes for Tykes: Exploring the Regional Parks
Hikes for Tykes offers guided toddler-friendly nature walks and exploration in various East Bay Regional Parks.
