Surround yourself with culture in Fruitvale for the annual Latino Festival – Latin food, music, art and dancing. Head to Downtown Oakland for the Art + Soul Festival – two days of music and fun, plus a special Kids’ Zone. Roast marshmallows with friends around the campfire at Sulphur Creek. Learn how to catch bugs {more}

Walk through the Laurel Street Fair + World Music Festival to find food and fun for everyone. Enjoy music in the park at Willard in Berkeley. Bring dinner or pick up some. Alameda’s South Shore Center is hosting its Summer Beats Concert – music + activities just for kids. Hammer away at Adventure Playground before {more}

Yep, it’s still summer! There’s time for at least one more long-day-out-of-the-house adventure. Hip hop class, magic show, crafts, farmers market…

Fun with kids in August – here’s your day-by-day planner for Summer Fun with little ones: puppets, performances, playing outside.

Look up! This weekend is the Berkeley Kite Festival (Saturday + Sunday). Habitot has FREE admission Saturday for their Early Childhood Safety Fair plus Family Pride Day on Sunday. Pirates are taking over FLAX – KidsFest is a full day of art, games and learning. Dress up and join the fun! Kick it outside for {more}

Pedal-power your own food at Pedalfest this Saturday, plus tons more pedal-centered fun. Paddle around Lake Merritt on Saturday, or sail around the Berkeley Bay on Sunday. Two days of FREE rides and rentals. Enjoy Opera in Orinda – a FREE outdoor Summer concert. Head out early for dinner or to explore. See the circus {more}

Get up close and personal with BUGS at UC Botanical Garden. Ohlone Park in Berkeley is hosting Music in the Park – pick up a pizza, bring a blanket and enjoy the fun. Head to 40th Street in Oakland for a Block Party. Music, mac ‘n’ cheese and more! Sunday is National Ice Cream Day! {more}

Spend Saturday morning at the cinema – all you can eat cereal plus all you can watch toons. Just 10 bucks a person! Sit for a FREE showing of Shakespeare or Space Wars at Mosswood Park. Bring a blanket for the fun. Create art with light and recycled materials at the Berkeley Art Center. All {more}

Welcome to July, the month that starts with a bang! We’ve rounded up 31 fun & cheap activities for families with toddlers in the Bay Area.

Build a bug box with Home Depot or a slime jar at Michaels. Join your friends in Hayward for a shoreline family ride – a flat loop course with beautiful views of the bay. Dive into King Pool and enjoy a poolside BBQ – carnival games, water activities and food. Roam around the Oakland Museum {more}

Sit for Drag Queen Story Hour then enjoy cookies and face painting. Dressing up optional, but encouraged! March in the SF Pride Parade, then play in the Family Garden. Shop for handmade goods at the Patchwork Show in Jack London Square. Celebrate the Summer solstice at Alameda’s Summer Sailstice – lots of waterfront activities, plenty {more}

Show Dad some love this Father’s Day Weekend – read our guide to see how and where> Ride the Katie Train at Ardenwood Farms and enjoy a full day of train-themed fun. Sip a cup of joe while your kids craft, or craft with them – Coffee & Crafts is fun for everyone. Pirates head North {more}

Gather your shovels and pails and head to Alameda for the 51st Annual Sand Castle Contest. Shop for a unique treasure for dad at the Jack of All Trades Market. Pajamas + all you can eat cereal + cartoons = the best Saturday ever. Don’t miss Cereal Cinema at the New Parkway. Visit the Oakland {more}

It’s time for our monthly activity planner for families with toddlers: cheap drop-in plans, great outings, free classes, and kid yoga!

Book lovers head to the Bay Area Book Festival – young to old, books and fun for all. Build a wooden tic-tac-toe game at Home Depot. Spiffy orange apron included. Create rainbows at BAMPFA. Stop by Babette upstairs for an artsy snack. Craft over a movie at Sticky Art Lab, or watch one under the stars {more}