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
Saturday, December 13, 2025
11:00 am – 7:00 pm: Drop-In Art Making @ Berkeley Art Museum (BAMPFA)5:15 pm – 7:30 pm: Free Outdoor Xmas Movie @ Neptune Court and Adventure Court
Sunday, December 14, 2025
9:00 am – 1:00 pm: Montclair Village Farmers' Market @ Montclair Village10:00 am – 11:30 am: Free Family Matinee: Elf @ Rialto Cinemas Cerrito
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Holiday Family Fun Day @ Metropolitan Golf Links
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Kensington Farmers' Market @ Kensington Farmers’ Market
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Sunday Storytime @ Tilden Regional Park
11:00 am – 7:00 pm: Drop-In Art Making @ Berkeley Art Museum (BAMPFA)
11:00 am – 2:30 pm: Old-Fashioned Christmas @ Ardenwood Historic Farm
11:00 am – 3:00 pm: Pictures with Santa @ IKEA, Emeryville
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
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.
Where Do You Take Guests From Out-of-Town?
To show off the East Bay to your friends from back home, where do you go? We've got culture, stunning views, the Bay, and redwoods!
Late Summer Brainstorm: 25 Things to Do that Cost Less Than $10
Summer bucket list of family fun outings that cost less than 10 bucks for one adult and one child
