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, April 1, 2026
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Sing N Storytime @ Lafayette Library and Learning Center10:30 am – 11:00 am: Storytime on the Lawn @ North Branch | Berkeley Public Library
11:00 am – 11:30 am: Little Listeners Storytime @ San Lorenzo Library
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Kids Craft Hour @ Albany Library
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm: MOCHA at the Library @ Montclair Branch | Oakland Public Library
Thursday, April 2, 2026
9:30 am – 11:00 am: Together Wee Play @ James Kenney Park & Community Center10:00 am – 11:45 am: Garden Playdate @ Melrose Branch | Oakland Public Library
10:00 am – 11:30 am: Play Cafe @ 81st Avenue Branch | Oakland Public Library
10:00 am – 10:30 am: Toddler Time @ Albany Library
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Storytime @ El Cerrito Library
Free & Cheap Resources for Families
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
Discover San Francisco’s Randall Museum
The Randall Museum is a FREE wildlife museum with live animals, trains and is next to a short steep hike to a killer view.
Profile: West Oakland Farm Park & Playground
West Oakland Farm Park has it all according to my little ones: farm, playground, green space, animals, and an amazing mission.
10 Mostly Free & Cheap Outings for Mixed Ages in the East Bay
With kids age two to nine, it is hard to find something for everyone. Here are ten terrific East Bay places that we all love.
9 Playground Ziplines for Bay Area Kids
Our favorite nearby ziplines in the East Bay are in Berkeley and Alameda, but we found a dozen more for adventurous kids to try.
Park Profile: Colorful Krusi Park in Alameda
Krusi Park in Alameda is a super fun playground to bring both toddlers and school aged kids alike. My four kids asked to go two ...
14 Free and Cheap Birthday Party Places
A dozen spots to host a kid's birthday party for cheap -- or free -- in the East Bay Area! These are our go-to budget-friendly ...
How to Enjoy a Campfire Without Camping
Experience a glowing campfire without the hassle of camping at EBPRD's summertime campfire programs
