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.
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Baby Boot Camp
Location: Lake Temescal, North Entrance – 6500 Broadway Oakland
Mommy and me programs, led by nationally certified fitness professionals, provide exercise classes, nutrition, and community support for moms. Cardio drills, strength training exercises, and stretching improves overall fitness, and the ab assault at the end of class means you get a total body workout! Our classes cater to all…
Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Cost: First Class is Free
Together Wee Play Drop-In
Location: Frances Albrier Community Center (San Pablo Park) – 2800 Park St. Berkeley
This program provides a safe, fun, and exciting place for parents and caregivers to play with their children. One parent or caregiver is required for every three children. Must sign waiver form upon arrival. Ages 1-5.
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: FREE
Tot Splash
Location: Richmond Swim Center – 4300 Cutting Blvd Richmond
Shallow area play time especially for parents or caregivers and their tots who are 5 & under. Parents must remain with child.
Time: 9:45 am - 10:45 am
Cost: $2 Resident; $2.50 Non-resident. cash or check.
Tot Splash
Location: Richmond Plunge – 1 E. Richmond Ave Richmond
Shallow area play time especially for parents or caregivers and their tots who are 5 & under. Parents must remain with child.
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Cost: $2 Resident; $2.50 Non-resident. cash or check.
Baby Bounce & Playtime
Location: Golden Gate Branch | Oakland Public Library – 5606 San Pablo Avenue Oakland
Bring your babies to the library for songs, socializing, and playtime! Coffee will be provided for the adults. Best for parents and caregivers with babies from birth to 18 months. Every Wednesday at 10:15 am at Children's Room.
Time: 10:15 am - 10:45 am
Cost: FREE
Toddler Storytime
Location: Piedmont Ave. Branch | Oakland Public Library – 80 Echo Avenue Oakland
Songs, active rhymes and stories especially for ages 18 months to 3 years old.
Time: 10:15 am - 10:45 am
Cost: FREE
Toddler Time
Location: Ardenwood Historic Farm – 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont
Bring the tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Read a story, do some chores, and meet some farm friends. Little ones will enjoy a variety of activities at their own pace. We'll meet rain or shine! (1-4 yrs.)
Time: 10:30 am - 11:45 am
Cost: Free with park admission
Preschool Storytime
Location: Piedmont Ave. Branch | Oakland Public Library – 80 Echo Avenue Oakland
Stories, songs, and rhymes for kids ages 3 to 5.
Time: 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Cost: FREE
Toddler Time
Location: Bay Street – 5616 Bay Street Emeryville
Bay Street partners up with DANCE A VISION to provide an entire hour and a half of fun for kids and their parents. This fun time period will inspire imagination, reveal smiles, improve coordination, stimulate blood flow and facilitate bonding of parents with their children. Music, singing, stories, dance and…
Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Creative Learning Workshop
Location: Lakeview Branch | Oakland Public Library – 550 El Embarcadero Oakland
Explore the hidden world of microbes through sewing, collaging, designing, painting, playing, and acting! Free Super hands-on Fun Ages 9-12 Facilitated by a curriculum designer and local mom. Learn more and register here: http://bit.ly/CreativeLearningWorkshops
Time: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: Free
After School Art Program
Location: Artvale Gallery – 3463 Champion St Oakland
The after school program is FREE for all local kids K-12 Painting, Drawing, Sculpting, Collage and Paper-Works and much much more!
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: Free
Free Playgroups Family, Friend, & Neighbor
Location: BANANAS – 5232 Claremont Ave. Oakland
With a focus on serving grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nannies, neighbors, friends, playgroups offer a space to connect with one another and build community. Our free playgroups will have children laughing, exploring, and creating and we will discover the many wonderful ways that play inspires learning. Join us weekly to…
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Free coding club for kids
Location: WeWork City Center Oakland – 1111 Broadway Oakland
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has a free coding club, called a Dojo, for kids at the office space located in WeWork City Center. The team is incredibly excited to continue engaging in the community by providing a fun and social environment for kids to freely explore technology and watch their…
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Cost: Free
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Thursday "Let's Bowl" Special
Location: Albany Bowl – 540 San Pablo Ave Albany
Come bowl for $1.50 per person, per game. Special price is for walk-ins only.
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cost: $1.50 per person, per game.
Baby and Me Social Play Group (0-12M)
Location: Frances Albrier Community Center (San Pablo Park) – 2800 Park St. Berkeley
Join a fun and interactive play and socialization session twice per week. Sessions will include play time, music, stories and will give families with young children from 0 to 12 months the opportunity to meet and connect. One parent/caregiver required for each child. Register online or at the Recreation Hub.
Time: 9:30 am - 10:15 am
Cost: FREE
Baby Boot Camp
Location: Lake Temescal, North Entrance – 6500 Broadway Oakland
Mommy and me programs, led by nationally certified fitness professionals, provide exercise classes, nutrition, and community support for moms. Cardio drills, strength training exercises, and stretching improves overall fitness, and the ab assault at the end of class means you get a total body workout! Our classes cater to all…
Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Cost: First Class is Free
Katanchicks: Beth El Nursery School's Free-Range Littles Group
Location: Congregation Beth El – 1301 Oxford Street Berkeley
All are welcome to Beth El Nusery School's Free-Range Littles Group. Drop-in, free of charge to meet new people and create community in the Beth El Children's Library. For parents and babies (0-12 months).
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: Free
Together Wee Play Drop-In
Location: James Kenney Community Center – 1720 8th St Berkeley
This program provides a safe, fun, and exciting place for parents and caregivers to play with their children. One parent or caregiver is required for every three children. Must sign waiver form upon arrival. Ages 1-5.
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: FREE
Tot Splash
Location: Richmond Swim Center – 4300 Cutting Blvd Richmond
Shallow area play time especially for parents or caregivers and their tots who are 5 & under. Parents must remain with child.
Time: 9:45 am - 10:45 am
Cost: $2 Resident; $2.50 Non-resident. cash or check.
Free Playgroups for Family, Friend, & Neighbor
Location: EBALDC Lion Creek Crossings – 6818 Lion Way Oakland
With a focus on serving grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nannies, neighbors, friends, playgroups offer a space to connect with one another and build community. Our free playgroups will have children laughing, exploring, and creating and we will discover the many wonderful ways that play inspires learning. Join us weekly to…
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Cost: FREE
Little Splashers Drop-in Class
Location: Richmond Plunge – 1 E. Richmond Ave Richmond
Instructor-led class for tots (6 months-4 years) with their parent or caregiver. Please arrive for beginning of class, and exit pool at end of class. No registration or RSVP necessary for this drop-in class.
Time: 10:00 am - 10:30 am
Cost: $2 Resident; $2.50 Non-resident. cash or check.
Baby & Toddler Storytime
Location: Kensington Library – 61 Arlington Ave Kensington
Fun stories, songs, action rhymes, shaky eggs, and more! Great for increasing early literacy skills, making friends, and just having a great time!
Time: 10:15 am - 10:45 am
Cost: FREE
Play Cafe Playgroup for Toddlers
Location: Elmhurst Branch | Oakland Public Library – 1427 88th Avenue Oakland
Playgroup for toddlers ages 1 to 3 years stories and songs • play with toys • snack for children and caregivers • coffee for grownups Free! No registration, drop-ins welcome!
Time: 10:15 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Storytime
Location: El Cerrito Library – 6510 Stockton Ave El Cerrito
Babies, toddlers, preschoolers and your caregivers, join us for stories, songs, and fun! All children are welcome at this free library program.
Time: 10:15 am - 11:00 am
Cost: FREE
Toddler Storytime
Location: Montclair Branch | Oakland Public Library – 1687 Mountain Boulevard Oakland
Songs, active rhymes and stories especially for ages 18 months to 3 years, followed by Playtime! Make new friends and play with toys.
Time: 10:15 am - 10:50 am
Cost: FREE
Toddler Storytime
Location: Golden Gate Branch | Oakland Public Library – 5606 San Pablo Avenue Oakland
Songs, active rhymes and stories especially for ages 18 months to 3 years. Every Thursday at 10:15 am.
Time: 10:15 am - 10:45 am
Cost: FREE
Preschool Storytime
Location: Rockridge Branch | Oakland Public Library – 5366 College Avenue Oakland
Read-alouds, songs, and rhymes for kids ages 2 to 5, followed by play time! Meets in the Picture Book Area.
Time: 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: FREE
Toddler Storytime
Location: Rockridge Branch | Oakland Public Library – 5366 College Avenue Oakland
Songs, active rhymes and stories especially for ages 9 months to 2 years, followed by play time! Meets upstairs in the Community Meeting Room.
Time: 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: FREE
Baby and Me Social Play Group (12-24M)
Location: Frances Albrier Community Center (San Pablo Park) – 2800 Park St. Berkeley
Join a fun and interactive play and socialization session twice per week. Sessions will include play time, music, stories and will give families with young children from 12 to 24 months the opportunity to meet and connect. One parent/caregiver required for each child. Register online or at the Recreation Hub.
Time: 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Cost: FREE
Baby & Toddler Storytime
Location: Kensington Library – 61 Arlington Ave Kensington
Fun stories, songs, action rhymes, shaky eggs, and more! Great for increasing early literacy skills, making friends, and just having a great time!
Time: 11:15 am - 11:45 am
Cost: FREE
Kamishibai Stories (Japanese-style paper-theater)
Location: Rockridge Branch | Oakland Public Library – 5366 College Avenue Oakland
Enjoy Kamishibai stories on a Japanese-style paper-theater on the back of a bicycle, while you nibble on Japanese treats. All ages welcome.
Time: 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm
Cost: FREE
North Berkeley Farmers Market
Location: North Berkeley – Shattuck Avenue @ Rose Street Berkeley
The Ecology Center Farmers’ Markets are festive, family-friendly, open-air marketplaces where California farmers bring fresh, locally-grown produce and farm-processed foods to sell directly to consumers. North Berkeley Farmers Market is open year round on Thursdays.
Time: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Strawbees Engineering
Location: Main Library | Oakland Public Library – 125 14th St Oakland
Build and create with Strawbees straws and connectors. Endless opportunities for fun!
Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Oakland City Center Carnival
Location: Oakland City Center – 550 10th St Oakland
Join for a fun-filled Carnival! Free and open to the public. All ages.
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Preschool Story Time
Location: Claremont Branch | Berkeley Public Library – 2940 Benvenue Avenue Berkeley
Join an hour of stories and singing with Mr. Michael and Mr. Tim. This program is most suitable for children ages 3-5.
Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: FREE
World Turtle Day Shell-erbration
Location: Crab Cove Visitor Center – 1231 McKay Ave Alameda
Esmerelda the three-toed box turtle formally invites you to her turtley awesome birthday party. Take a shell-fie, make crafts, eat cake, and spend quality turtle time ? BYOT (Bring Your Own Turtle) to join in the fun!
Time: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Cost: Free
Friday, May 24, 2019
Friday Family Day at Albany Bowl
Location: Albany Bowl – 540 San Pablo Ave Albany
Come bowl for $1.50 per person, per game. Not limited to only families, open to all bowlers! Special price is for walk-ins only.
Time: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Cost: $1.50 per person, per game.
Little Garden Playgroup
Location: Temple Isaiah – 945 Risa Road Lafayette
Join us Fridays in the adult lounge to welcome Shabbat and explore activities designed to promote learning and development for children ages newborn – three-years-old and their caregivers. Children will engage in art, science, sensory, and gross motor curriculum while adults learn more about how to incorporate Jewish rituals, traditions,…
Time: 9:15 am - 10:15 am
Cost: $5 drop-in (suggested donation)
Together Wee Play Drop-In
Location: Frances Albrier Community Center (San Pablo Park) – 2800 Park St. Berkeley
This program provides a safe, fun, and exciting place for parents and caregivers to play with their children. One parent or caregiver is required for every three children. Must sign waiver form upon arrival. Ages 1-5.
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: FREE
Tot Splash
Location: Richmond Swim Center – 4300 Cutting Blvd Richmond
Shallow area play time especially for parents or caregivers and their tots who are 5 & under. Parents must remain with child.
Time: 9:45 am - 10:45 am
Cost: $2 Resident; $2.50 Non-resident. cash or check.
Free Playgroups Family, Friend, & Neighbor
Location: Women's Daytime Drop-In Center – 2218 Acton St Berkeley
With a focus on serving grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nannies, neighbors, friends, playgroups offer a space to connect with one another and build community. Our free playgroups will have children laughing, exploring, and creating and we will discover the many wonderful ways that play inspires learning. Join us weekly to…
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Cost: FREE
Tot Splash
Location: Richmond Plunge – 1 E. Richmond Ave Richmond
Shallow area play time especially for parents or caregivers and their tots who are 5 & under. Parents must remain with child.
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Cost: $2 Resident; $2.50 Non-resident. cash or check.
FIT4MOM Village Friday Playgroup
Location: Grove Park – 1730 Oregon St Berkeley
FIT4MOM's Friday Playgroup is fun for all ages! It begins at 10:30 am, immediately following the Stroller Strides 9:30-10:30 am class. Meet near the mural at Grove Park (inside when it rains). Check back for this week's theme! We do our best to post the details early in the week…
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Cost: FREE
Movement Story Time for Walkers
Location: Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch | Berkeley Public Library – 1901 Russell Street Berkeley
Join for marching, jumping, clapping and more! This program is all about moving, books and singing along.
Time: 10:30 am - 11:15 am
Cost: FREE
Bike-in Movie Night | Pee-Wee's Big Adventure
Location: Albany Community Center – 1249 Marin Ave Albany
Join the Albany Community Center for a “Bike in Movie”. Hosting a free showing of ‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’ (PG), a family-friendly comedy about one man-child’s cross-country adventure in search of his beloved stolen bike. It’s a bizarre story of perseverance and hope in times of adversity, and is chock-full of…
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Grand Lake Farmers Market
Location: Grand Lake – Grand Ave and Lake Park Ave Oakland
Head over to Splash Pad Park to pick up fruits and vegetables direct from the farmer and enjoy lunch on the lawn. The Oakland farmers market is open every Saturday, year-round, rain or shine, from 9am to 2pm. The Oakland Grand Lake market features over 40 local farmers, 30 specialty…
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE
FIT4MOM Stroller Strides, family outdoor fitness
Location: Christie Park – 6200 Christie Ave. Emeryville
Stroller Strides® is a functional, total-body conditioning workout designed for moms with kids in tow. Each 60-minute workout is comprised of strength training, cardio and core restoration, all while entertaining the little ones with songs, activities and fun! Each Stroller Strides instructor is skilled to meet you where you are…
Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Cost: First class is free!
A's PLAY BALL - Family Friendly Baseball Activities
Location: Castle Rock Park – 800 Hutchinson Rd. Walnut Creek
A’s PLAY BALL presented by Bank of America is coming to your neighborhood! Join for family-friendly baseball activities, including pick-up style baseball games, baseball and softball skill stations, and more. Whether you’ve played baseball for years, or never picked up a bat, kids and adults of all ages are invited…
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Free Martial Arts Class
Location: Studio Naga – 5850 San Pablo Ave OAKLAND
Welcome everyone to a FREE martial arts and self-defense class. 10-10:30am: 3-6 year-old class "Jungle Gym." Kids learn to follow directions, work with others, the basic kicks and punches, and the movements of four animals. (Monkey, tiger, snake and crane!) 10-11:30am: Kids 7 and up, including adults, are welcome to…
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Cost: Free
FREE Wildlife Nature Camp
Location: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park – 2465 34th Ave Oakland
Calling All Eco-Explorers! Youth ages 5-15 will be up to their elbows in FREE, hands-on activities. Learning through fun interactive, nature science experiences and regional field trips, your kids will find out all about the Bay Area ecosystem and become the next generation of Citizen Scientists! We have extended Welcome…
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: FREE
These and other amazing family-friendly activities are kept on our calendar. Find more over there >
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