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
Friday, July 11, 2025
8:35 pm – 11:00 pm: Movies in the Park: Harry Potter @ Glendale La Loma ParkSaturday, July 12, 2025
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Craft Workshop: Textured Canvas Art @ Michaels, Emeryville10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Family Maker Event @ Redwood Heights Park & Recreation Center
10:00 am – 11:45 am: Little Explorers Petting Zoo @ Rockridge Branch | Oakland Public Library
10:30 am – 11:15 am: Cunamacue Family Dance @ Golden Gate Branch | Oakland Public Library
10:30 am – 11:15 am: Mike the Magician @ Asian Branch | Oakland Public Library
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Author Book Reading @ Claremont Branch | Berkeley Public Library
11:00 am – 7:00 pm: Drop-In Art Making @ Berkeley Art Museum (BAMPFA)
11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Family Fun – Summer at the Beach @ Hayward Area Historical Society
11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Morgan Horse Ranch Celebration @ Bear Valley Visitor Center
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
Park profile: Totland in Berkeley
We love Totland for toddlers, and especially for parents who are on their own with a new second baby. Swings, climbing things, spinny rides, and ...
Kids Bowl Free & Cheap This Summer
Kids bowl free at participating bowling alleys in the East Bay: Antioch, Concord, Dublin, and Livermore. Deals in Alameda & Oakland.
Beyond Books: More to Love from the Library
Visit your local branch for some amazing checkouts and free offerings—from power tools and baking pans to telescopes and a museum outing.
Save the Date: San Ramon Art & Wind Festival
Kick off summer at the Bay Area’s beloved free two-day festival — the San Ramon Art & Wind Festival on May 25-26, 2025.
Comic Book Day Meets Star Wars Day
Support your indie shops! Free comic book titles will be released to participating stores on the first Saturday in May.
Free Building Workshops for Kids
Calling all mini builders! Local hardware stores host a variety of free family-friendly workshops and craft projects for kids with real tools
Cheap Summer Movies in Alameda
For $10 per person, you can go to every movie in the Kids Movie Series this summer hosted by The Alameda Theatre & Cineplex on ...
Save the Date: Y for Youth Community Festival in SF
Join a free, family-friendly event with live music, play, free classes, bubbles, yoga, pickleball, Clifford the Big Red Dog, & beach party
3 Best Places to Fly a Kite in the East Bay
Flying a kite involves running outside and a little patience. When your kids tell you that they're bored, you can tell them to go fly ...
Ticket Alert: Touch A Truck Event at Balestrieri Farms
The Junior League of the East Bay is holding Touch A Truck event on 4/26 at a scenic farm in Briones. Families are invited! Book ...
