We’ve got a ton of 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 kids in the East Bay already. Put your wallet away. Clicking the red title will take you right to our calendar entry with lots more info.
Sunday, September 26, 2021
Mare Island PedalFest: Family-friendly Bike Festival
Location: Mare Island – Building 253, 575 Connolly Street Vallejo
Are you and your kids avid bikers? Check out Mare Island PedalFest! This family-friendly cycling event has activities for cyclists of all ages and abilities.…
Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: $0 - $50 (range)
Drop-In Art Making at BAMPFA
Location: Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) – 2155 Center Street Berkeley
The museum’s popular Fisher Family Art Lab reopens in September, welcoming drop-in visitors of all ages to explore their creativity through hands-on artmaking. To help…
Time: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: $10 for general admission, FREE for kids 18 & under, parent accompanying child 13 & under, and UC Berkeley students
Sponsor
Model Railroad Museum Theme Day - Western Pacific / Union Pacific
Location: Golden State Model Railroad Museum – 900-A Dornan Drive Point Richmond
Head over to the Golden State Model Railroad Museum to see some exclusive trains during their monthly theme days! Every 4th Sunday of the month,…
Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: $5 for Adults and Children age 12+, $3 for Senior Citizens (63+) and Children age 4 - 11, Free for children under 4, $10 for Families
Tilden's Tiny Trains You Can Ride
Location: Golden Gate Live Steamers (miniature trains) – 2701 Grizzly Peak Blvd Orinda
The free (with donation) public train rides have resumed at Golden Gate Live Steamers every Sunday from noon to 3 pm weather permitting. The station…
Time: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cost: FREE but donation is encouraged
Sponsor
Halloween Ribbon Banner Art Workshop
Location: Michaels, Emeryville – 3991 Hollis St. Emeryville
Itching to get creative? Join Michaels in-store for a kid-friendly art workshop on how to make Halloween Ribbon Banners! This mini Halloween garland will enhance…
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Paint-a-Pot - Art Workshop at the Ruth Bancroft Garden (RSVP)
Location: Ruth Bancroft Gardens – 1552 Bancroft Rd Walnut Creek
Head over to the Ruth Bancroft Garden for an adorable craft session where your kid will paint a 3” puppy pot with floppy felt ears…
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Cost: $9.50
Music & Movement with Miss J
Location: Kids Play Zone – 900 Market Street, Suite M Oakland
Join Miss J for circle time and music at Kids Play Zone! Get the kiddos bonding and moving in this music-oriented activity, then enjoy open…
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: Free plus cost of regular entry ($12 for first child, $10 per each additional child)
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Oakland Zoo Vaccine Pop-Up: Get a FREE Family Pass
Location: Oakland Zoo – 9777 Golf Links Road Oakland
Spend a FREE day at the zoo after getting your COVID vaccine at the Oakland Zoo's Pop-Up Vaccine Clinic! Receive your free COVID-19 vaccine at…
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Friday, October 1, 2021
Drop-In Art Making at BAMPFA
Location: Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) – 2155 Center Street Berkeley
The museum’s popular Fisher Family Art Lab reopens in September, welcoming drop-in visitors of all ages to explore their creativity through hands-on artmaking. To help…
Time: 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: $10 for general admission, FREE for kids 18 & under, parent accompanying child 13 & under, and UC Berkeley students
Saturday, October 2, 2021
Arts & Crafts, Games, and Storytime at the Himalayan Fair
Location: Live Oak Park – 1301 Shattuck Ave Berkeley
Head over to Berkeley’s Live Oak Park on October 2 & 3, 2021 for the 38th Annual Himalayan Fair. This festival has something for everyone!…
Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: Free entry
Throwback Malibu Barbie pop-up truck
Location: Stoneridge Shopping Center – 1 Stoneridge Mall Rd Pleasanton
2021 Totally Throwback Malibu Barbie Truck is touring the U.S. to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the original California girl, Malibu Barbie. Making two stops…
Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: Free to visit, $$ to buy cute souvenirs
Drop-In Art Making at BAMPFA
Location: Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) – 2155 Center Street Berkeley
The museum’s popular Fisher Family Art Lab reopens in September, welcoming drop-in visitors of all ages to explore their creativity through hands-on artmaking. To help…
Time: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: $10 for general admission, FREE for kids 18 & under, parent accompanying child 13 & under, and UC Berkeley students
Sunday, October 3, 2021
Arts & Crafts, Games, and Storytime at the Himalayan Fair
Location: Live Oak Park – 1301 Shattuck Ave Berkeley
Head over to Berkeley’s Live Oak Park on October 2 & 3, 2021 for the 38th Annual Himalayan Fair. This festival has something for everyone!…
Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: Free entry
First Sundays at OMCA
Location: Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) – 1000 Oak Street Oakland
Spend your weekend at First Sundays at OMCA! Grab a custom to-go picnic box from OMCA's café and enjoy the updated sculpture and outdoor spaces,…
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cost: Free, suggested donation of $5 per person
Drop-In Art Making at BAMPFA
Location: Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) – 2155 Center Street Berkeley
The museum’s popular Fisher Family Art Lab reopens in September, welcoming drop-in visitors of all ages to explore their creativity through hands-on artmaking. To help…
Time: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: $10 for general admission, FREE for kids 18 & under, parent accompanying child 13 & under, and UC Berkeley students
Model Trains at the Golden State Model Railroad Museum
Location: Golden State Model Railroad Museum – 900-A Dornan Drive Point Richmond
Check out the Golden State Model Railroad Museum. Watch operating model trains on three layouts in the 10,000 square foot museum. It's an inexpensive, fun-filled…
Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: $5 for Adults and Children age 12+, $3 for Senior Citizens (63+) and Children age 4 - 11 (free for children under 4), $10 for Families
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Music & Movement with Miss J
Location: Kids Play Zone – 900 Market Street, Suite M Oakland
Join Miss J for circle time and music at Kids Play Zone! Get the kiddos bonding and moving in this music-oriented activity, then enjoy open…
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: Free plus cost of regular entry ($12 for first child, $10 per each additional child)
Thursday, October 7, 2021
Jazz on the Green Concert (RSVP)
Location: Lake Chabot – 17600 Lake Chabot Rd Castro Valley
Enjoy a Jazz filled evening from a local band at Lake Chabot Golf Course in Oakland. This is a fun, family-friendly event with proceeds from…
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: General admission is $5, kids under 13 are FREE
Poppin' Thursday All Ages Skate Party
Location: Grove Park – 1730 Oregon Street Berkeley
Join the roller skate party that's free and fun for all ages on the Grove Street Park basketball courts. DJ music will be playing and…
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: FREE bring your own skates & helmet
Friday, October 8, 2021
Parade of Ships (Fleet Week)
Location: Marina Green, San Francisco – Marina Green Dr. San Francisco
San Francisco Fleet Week hosts the largest Parade of Ships on the West Coast, and it is free. Come see the Fleet enter the Bay…
Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: Free
Drop-In Art Making at BAMPFA
Location: Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) – 2155 Center Street Berkeley
The museum’s popular Fisher Family Art Lab reopens in September, welcoming drop-in visitors of all ages to explore their creativity through hands-on artmaking. To help…
Time: 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: $10 for general admission, FREE for kids 18 & under, parent accompanying child 13 & under, and UC Berkeley students
Market Beats Free Concert at The Public Market
Location: The Public Market – 5959 Shellmound St Emeryville
Make your way to The Public Market in Emeryville for FREE live music, good food, and fun! Grab some tasty food & drinks and and…
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: Free entry
Sunset Science at Chabot (RSVP)
Location: Chabot Space & Science Center – 10000 Skyline Blvd Oakland
Enjoy a warm summer evening of activities and stargazing on Chabot’s stunning Observation Deck! Learn about stellar concepts and enjoy special demonstrations, hands-on challenges, and…
Time: 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Cost: Adult: $15, Youth: $5, Members: Free
Saturday, October 9, 2021
Barbie Truck Malibu Tour
Location: Broadway Plaza – 1275 Broadway Plaza Walnut Creek
2021 Totally Throwback Malibu Barbie Truck is touring the U.S. to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the original California girl, Malibu Barbie. Making two stops…
Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: Free to visit, $$ to buy cute souvenirs
Costume Swap & Play Time
Location: Swings and Wings – 2307 Blanding Ave Suite E Alameda
Swings & Wings is hosting a costume swap and free play session along with Toy Safari. Here's how it works: Drop off a clean, gently…
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: Costume donated in advance of the 10/9 party
Rockridge Rock-N-Stroll
Location: Rockridge District – 435 College Ave. Oakland
The Rockridge District in Oakland welcomes East Bay families to Rock-N-Stroll, a community celebration on the Second Saturday of each month. Retailers, restaurants, and service…
Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
Drop-In Art Making at BAMPFA
Location: Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) – 2155 Center Street Berkeley
The museum’s popular Fisher Family Art Lab reopens in September, welcoming drop-in visitors of all ages to explore their creativity through hands-on artmaking. To help…
Time: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: $10 for general admission, FREE for kids 18 & under, parent accompanying child 13 & under, and UC Berkeley students
Fun on the Farm - Bubble Fun
Location: Forest Home Farms Historic Park – 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd San Ramon
Check out Fun on the Farm for FREE crafts and activities for all ages to learn about farm life and the late Victorian era! These…
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Movies on the Roof - Coco (RSVP)
Location: Lesher Center for the Arts – 1601 Civic Drive Walnut Creek
Join Lesher Center for the Arts on top of the Lesher Center Garage for a night of family fun! Enjoy a family favorite outdoor movie…
Time: 7:15 pm - 9:15 pm
Cost: $5 per person
Sunday, October 10, 2021
Pancake Breakfast at the West Point Inn
Location: West Point Inn – 100 Old Railroad Grade San Anselmo
Make your way to the West Point Inn for a delicious pancake breakfast! Enjoy your food over the Inn's spectacular views of the San Francisco…
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children
Drop-In Art Making at BAMPFA
Location: Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) – 2155 Center Street Berkeley
The museum’s popular Fisher Family Art Lab reopens in September, welcoming drop-in visitors of all ages to explore their creativity through hands-on artmaking. To help…
Time: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: $10 for general admission, FREE for kids 18 & under, parent accompanying child 13 & under, and UC Berkeley students
Model Trains at the Golden State Model Railroad Museum
Location: Golden State Model Railroad Museum – 900-A Dornan Drive Point Richmond
Check out the Golden State Model Railroad Museum. Watch operating model trains on three layouts in the 10,000 square foot museum. It's an inexpensive, fun-filled…
Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: $5 for Adults and Children age 12+, $3 for Senior Citizens (63+) and Children age 4 - 11 (free for children under 4), $10 for Families
Monday, October 11, 2021
Habitot Pop-up Event (RSVP)
Location: Ohlone Park – Martin Luther King Jr. Way & Milvia St Berkeley
Habitot’s beloved mobile exhibits, plus art, STEM, and maker activities are going on the road! Head over to Ohlone Park on October 11th for a…
Time: 9:45 am - 5:00 pm
Cost: Donation-based, pay-what-you-can (suggested donation is $35 per family)
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Music & Movement with Miss J
Location: Kids Play Zone – 900 Market Street, Suite M Oakland
Join Miss J for circle time and music at Kids Play Zone! Get the kiddos bonding and moving in this music-oriented activity, then enjoy open…
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: Free plus cost of regular entry ($12 for first child, $10 per each additional child)
Friday, October 15, 2021
Drop-In Art Making at BAMPFA
Location: Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) – 2155 Center Street Berkeley
The museum’s popular Fisher Family Art Lab reopens in September, welcoming drop-in visitors of all ages to explore their creativity through hands-on artmaking. To help…
Time: 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: $10 for general admission, FREE for kids 18 & under, parent accompanying child 13 & under, and UC Berkeley students
Saturday, October 16, 2021
Drop-In Art Making at BAMPFA
Location: Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) – 2155 Center Street Berkeley
The museum’s popular Fisher Family Art Lab reopens in September, welcoming drop-in visitors of all ages to explore their creativity through hands-on artmaking. To help…
Time: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: $10 for general admission, FREE for kids 18 & under, parent accompanying child 13 & under, and UC Berkeley students
Fun on the Farm - Tractor Day
Location: Forest Home Farms Historic Park – 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd San Ramon
Check out Fun on the Farm for FREE crafts and activities for all ages to learn about farm life and the late Victorian era! These…
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Movies on the Roof - Hocus Pocus (RSVP)
Location: Lesher Center for the Arts – 1601 Civic Drive Walnut Creek
Join Lesher Center for the Arts on top of the Lesher Center Garage for a night of family fun! Enjoy a family favorite outdoor movie…
Time: 7:15 pm - 9:15 pm
Cost: $5 per person
Sunday, October 17, 2021
Farmyard Story Time
Location: Ardenwood Historic Farm – 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont
The Little Red Hen, the Billy Goats Gruff and other farm friends are waiting to meet you! Join the story circle for some classic barnyard…
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Cost: Free, plus Ardenwood admission fee
Drop-In Art Making at BAMPFA
Location: Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) – 2155 Center Street Berkeley
The museum’s popular Fisher Family Art Lab reopens in September, welcoming drop-in visitors of all ages to explore their creativity through hands-on artmaking. To help…
Time: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: $10 for general admission, FREE for kids 18 & under, parent accompanying child 13 & under, and UC Berkeley students
Picnic on Telegraph
Location: Temescal District – Telegraph Avenue, 41st to 51st Streets Oakland
#DiscoverTemescal outdoors along Telegraph Ave at Picnic on Telegraph! Spend the day walking, shopping, and dining out on the street all while supporting Temescal businesses…
Time: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: Free entry
Model Trains at the Golden State Model Railroad Museum
Location: Golden State Model Railroad Museum – 900-A Dornan Drive Point Richmond
Check out the Golden State Model Railroad Museum. Watch operating model trains on three layouts in the 10,000 square foot museum. It's an inexpensive, fun-filled…
Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: $5 for Adults and Children age 12+, $3 for Senior Citizens (63+) and Children age 4 - 11 (free for children under 4), $10 for Families
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Acorn Crafts for Kids at the Ruth Bancroft Garden (RSVP)
Location: Ruth Bancroft Gardens – 1552 Bancroft Rd Walnut Creek
Head over to the Ruth Bancroft Garden for an educational class & craft session designed for kids, all about eucalyptus trees! The formal instruction will…
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Cost: $5
Music & Movement with Miss J
Location: Kids Play Zone – 900 Market Street, Suite M Oakland
Join Miss J for circle time and music at Kids Play Zone! Get the kiddos bonding and moving in this music-oriented activity, then enjoy open…
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: Free plus cost of regular entry ($12 for first child, $10 per each additional child)
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Oakland Zoo Vaccine Pop-Up: Get a FREE Family Pass
Location: Oakland Zoo – 9777 Golf Links Road Oakland
Spend a FREE day at the zoo after getting your COVID vaccine at the Oakland Zoo's Pop-Up Vaccine Clinic! Receive your free COVID-19 vaccine at…
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Friday, October 22, 2021
Drop-In Art Making at BAMPFA
Location: Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) – 2155 Center Street Berkeley
The museum’s popular Fisher Family Art Lab reopens in September, welcoming drop-in visitors of all ages to explore their creativity through hands-on artmaking. To help…
Time: 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: $10 for general admission, FREE for kids 18 & under, parent accompanying child 13 & under, and UC Berkeley students
Saturday, October 23, 2021
Drop-In Art Making at BAMPFA
Location: Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) – 2155 Center Street Berkeley
The museum’s popular Fisher Family Art Lab reopens in September, welcoming drop-in visitors of all ages to explore their creativity through hands-on artmaking. To help…
Time: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: $10 for general admission, FREE for kids 18 & under, parent accompanying child 13 & under, and UC Berkeley students
Fun on the Farm - Crafting with felt
Location: Forest Home Farms Historic Park – 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd San Ramon
Check out Fun on the Farm for FREE crafts and activities for all ages to learn about farm life and the late Victorian era! These…
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Sunday, October 24, 2021
Drop-In Art Making at BAMPFA
Location: Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) – 2155 Center Street Berkeley
The museum’s popular Fisher Family Art Lab reopens in September, welcoming drop-in visitors of all ages to explore their creativity through hands-on artmaking. To help…
Time: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cost: $10 for general admission, FREE for kids 18 & under, parent accompanying child 13 & under, and UC Berkeley students
Model Railroad Museum Theme Day - Foreign to California
Location: Golden State Model Railroad Museum – 900-A Dornan Drive Point Richmond
Head over to the Golden State Model Railroad Museum to see some exclusive trains during their monthly theme days! Every 4th Sunday of the month,…
Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: $5 for Adults and Children age 12+, $3 for Senior Citizens (63+) and Children age 4 - 11, Free for children under 4, $10 for Families
These and other amazing family-friendly activities are kept on our calendar. Find more over there >
