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
Thursday, June 25, 2026
9:00 am – 7:00 pm: Splash Park @ El Cerrito Swim Center9:00 am – 11:00 am: Tiny Tides @ The Wave at Emerald Glen Park
10:00 am – 11:30 am: Play Cafe @ 81st Avenue Branch | Oakland Public Library
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Storytime @ El Cerrito Library
10:30 am – 11:30 am: Summer Tinker Tots @ Main Branch | San Leandro Public Library
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Exploration Station @ San Pablo Public Library
11:00 am – 11:45 am: Insect Discovery Lab @ Melrose Branch | Oakland Public Library
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Story Stroll @ Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Park
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Read to a Dog @ Rockridge Branch | Oakland Public Library
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Stories that Dance: Laya Arts Collective @ Hercules Library
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
Opening Memorial Day 2026: Spray Ground at Cannery Park in Hayward
The water feature at Cannery Park in Hayward is the big draw on hot days, operating specific days from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Getting Sandy at Keller Beach in Richmond, CA
My family loved our four-hour getaway to Keller Beach in Richmond. Bring sand toys and snacks to make the most of your day.
When are Lake Temescal and Lake Anza Open for Swimming?
Lake Temescal and Lake Anza are open weekends until Memorial Day, then daily all summer. But wait! Check the water quality before you go.
Park Profile: Imagine Inclusive Playground in Dublin
Explore this, shiny, new, and expansive playground with inclusive features, just 30 minutes away from Oakland.
Celebrating Women’s History Month in the East Bay
Looking for a way to celebrate Women's History Month with your family? Check out this handy list!
The Black Joy Parade Returns to Oakland on Feb 22
The Black Joy Parade in Oakland, the largest free, family-friendly event of its kind in California, celebrates the Black experience and the culture.
10+ Drop-in Toddler Activities in the East Bay for $10 or Less
A helpful list of toddler activities and outings that don't require advanced planning, for East Bay kids and parents.
Free and Cheap Activities Scheduled This Month
Free and Cheap activities for your family this month. Some of the best things in life are FREE, right? Now go do them with your ...
Where Can New Parents Meet Each Other in the East Bay?
Looking for an opening to connect with other new mothers? Here are some resources including support groups and activity groups in the East Bay.
Free & Cheap Activities in Tilden Regional Park
Tilden Park has fantastic free and low-cost activities for families. Which one of our favorites do you love?
