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
Sunday, October 11, 2026
9:00 am – 2:00 pm: Kensington Farmers' Market @ Kensington Farmers’ Market9:00 am – 10:00 am: Movement and Sports for Girls @ Lake Temescal, North Entrance
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Harvest Festival @ Ardenwood Historic Farm
11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Jack London Square Farmers Market @ Jack London Square
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Cal Field Hockey @ Underhill Field, UC Berkeley
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Craft Workshop: Ghost in a Jar @ Michaels, Emeryville
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Fairy Princess Party @ The Backyard
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Author Visit: Jennifer Liss @ Mrs. Dalloway’s Bookstore
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Mariachi in the Library @ Main | Alameda Free Library
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Ferry Lawn Concerts @ Jack London Square
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
10+ Drop-in Toddler Activities in the East Bay for $10 or Less
A helpful list of toddler drop-in classes and activities that don't require advanced planning, for East Bay kids and parents.
Arctic Tour Gets You Behind The Scenes at Fentons Creamery
Tour Fentons Creamery in Oakland on the Arctic Tour for ages 6 and up. Brr. Bring a hoody for the deep freeze.
6 Tot-Friendly Splash Parks in the East Bay
We've rounded up our favorite splash pads in the East Bay - perfect for pre-swimmers and toddlers to get cool in the summer heat.
Bay Area Fruit Picking Guide
Fruit picking is a year-round activity in California. Here's your guide to the what/where/when/how of Bay Area farms and orchards.
Roberts Regional Recreation Area: An Oakland Park with a Swimming Pool
Roberts Park AKA Roberts Regional Recreation Area is tucked away in the Oakland Hills with a huge playground, a calm pool, plus hiking trails and ...
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.
The Temescal Farmer’s Market, Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt & Frog Park
This Oakland playground is filled on Sundays with folks who have walked over from the Farmer's Market. Try it any day of the week!
East Bay Fireworks & Other Fourth of July Events
Parades, drone shows, flags, festivals, & fireworks! Our Fourth of July Guide for East Bay families has it all.
Lake Anza is Best for a Hot Day
Berkeley in summer is unpredictable weather-wise. For the hot days, I recommend packing up the requisite beach gear and heading for Lake Anza.
Cal Athletic Events: Free and Cheap Fun for Kids in Berkeley
Cal sporting events are local family fun - and often free!
