Free and Cheap this month

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.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Black History Celebration

Location: Frances Albrier Community Center – San Pablo Park – 2800 Park St Berkeley
Come celebrate with our community! Frances Albrier youth will showcase their understanding and appreciation of the powerful legacy of African American history. They will entertain and teach you through the performing arts! Snacks will be served.
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: FREE

Liberation and Healing through Story-Telling

Location: Ann Martin Center – 1375 55th Street Emeryville
In order to reclaim our personal and collective sense of empowerment, we can deal with trauma through creative expression and story-telling. Telling our stories is crucial in the healing process and for mastering our narrative. This workshop will discuss the history of story-telling in the black community and other marginalized…
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: FREE

Friday, February 22, 2019

Friday Family Day at Albany Bowl

Location: The 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 Adult Lounge – 945 Risa Road LAFAYETTE
Join us Fridays 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, and experiences at home.…
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.

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/Toddler Story Time

Location: Tarea Hall Pittman South – Berkeley Public Library – 1901 Russell St Berkeley
Join us as we discover the joy of books and language in this highly participatory program of books, songs, finger plays, friendly puppets and movement activities. This 25-minute program is followed by a 30-minute open play time with toys, puppets and manipulatives. Please note: This is a participatory lapsit-style program…
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Cost: FREE

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

Free Learn & Play for Family, Friend, and Neighbor Caregivers

Location: Oakland Public Library: West Oakland Branch – 1801 Adeline St Oakland
Join us for our new Learn & Play! This playgroup series will focus on child and adult learning. The first week, children and caregivers will enjoy a traditional playgroup. The next week, we will provide child care to allow caregivers time to come together and learn how adults can support…
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Cost: FREE

A Beautiful Mess Art Class

Location: Melrose Branch – Oakland Public Library – 4805 Foothill Boulevard Oakland
What are we making? Whatever you want -- and it's going to be beautiful. And messy. This afterschool art program allows kids to focus more on the process than the product, whether we're using clay, watercolors, charcoal, or odds and ends. We might not know where this art project is…
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Cost: FREE

Afterschool Art With MOCHA

Location: West Oakland Branch – Oakland Public Library – 1801 Adeline Street Oakland
A free drop-in art program led by the Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) every Friday starting at 3:30. Join artists from MOCHA, who will lead us in many forms of art. Come create with us!
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: FREE

Build Fridays

Location: Piedmont Ave Branch – Oakland Public Library – 80 Echo Ave Oakland
Design, build and explore every Friday after school. Legos and Duplos every week, plus building surprises... come see what we have this week! Will it be Keva planks, marble run, or something new?
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Cost: FREE

Water Park Free Fridays

Location: East Oakland Sports Center – 9161 EDES AVENUE Oakland
On FREE FRIDAYS wrist bands will be handed out 1 hour before each session based on a first come first serve basis. You must be present to receive a wrist band/admission. No holding spots for people in line or cutting others. Children under 48 inches must be accompanied by an…
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Cost: FREE

Saturday, February 23, 2019

Sweat4Paradise, a Family Stroller Strides class to benefit the survivors of the 2018 Camp Fire

Location: Doyle Hollis Park – 1319 61st St Emeryville
We are dedicating this Family Friendly Stroller Strides Class to our sister franchise FIT4MOM Chico who’s families were hit hard by the Camp Fire in November. Many members and their community lost their homes. Help FIT4MOM Chico as they have been helping the families of the 11,000+ homes that were…
Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Cost: $10 cash donation is recommended

25th Annual College Preparatory School Giant Used Book Sale

Location: Buttner Auditorium, The College Preparatory School – 6100 Broadway Oakland
Find out why this annual event is a favorite of local book lovers (and book resellers). Thousands of books for all ages (and some media) are offered at terrific bargain prices. Most books $1-2, a few slightly higher, mass-market fiction (including many mysteries) and some children’s books lower. The quality…
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 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 MPACT Family Dance Classes

Location: Oakland Public Library – Cesar Chavez Branch – 3301 E. 12th Street, Suite 271 Oakland
Luna Dance Institute offers FREE family dance for adults and children. MPACT (Moving Parents and Children Together) classes are a fun and comfortable way for families to play and dance together. They facilitate the parent-child bond through relationship-based dance curriculum, and help parents gain confidence in their ability to interact physically with…
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 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

Kids Club Fingerprint Bugs

Location: Michaels Emeryville – 3991 Hollis St Emeryville
They craft, you shop! Kids 3 yrs and up can enjoy creating different projects each week. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $2/kids 3-5yrs; $5/kids 6yrs and older

Toy-Cycle Day! All Ages of Toys Swap

Location: Arbolado Park – 3256 Arbolado Drive Walnut Creek
ALL AGES TOY SWAP! Bring a Toy, Take a Toy! Your little one outgrowing their toys? Need some new items for your little one to explore? Enjoying the Kondo way and want to find something new that sparks joy? TOY-CYCLE: Bring a toy(s) your child is aged out of and…
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Cost: FREE

TreasureFest

Location: Treasure Island – 500 Ave N Treasure Island
Last weekend each month February thru Nov. 2019 TreasureFest is a popular monthly market on Treasure Island, central to the Bay. A monthly celebration of all things local & unique to the Bay Area. The two-day market is fun for all ages. Pets are welcome and parking is free. Shop:…
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: $4 general entry online/$7 at the gates, kids 12-and-under are free.

Unique Derique

Location: West – Berkeley Public Library – 1125 University Ave Berkeley
Unique Derique comes to entertain with hambone body percussion, physical comedy, and circus skills (developed at the Pickle Family Circus, among other places)! Don't miss this hilarious program that promises fun for the whole family! All ages!
Time: 10:30 am - 11:15 am
Cost: FREE

Art Buzz Kids Birthday Party!

Location: Wine & Design – 204 Broadway Oakland
Come check out the various classes Wine & Design offer for kids! We are celebrating our 1-year birthday - raffle prizes, face painting and snacks provided.
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE

E-Dance for Typical and Special Needs Kids

Location: St. Peter's Fellowship Hall – 294 Broadmoor Blvd San Leandro
Hip-hop, modern dance, Zumba®, and more! Dance is a fun way to express yourself and get exercise. Classes are ideal for kids age 4-12. Classes feature kid-friendly routines and are led by experienced and fun instructors. Parents need to sign a waiver before class so please arrive a few minutes…
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: FREE

Paint-a-tile session to be part of the Diversity Wall

Location: Bay Street – 5616 Bay Street Emeryville
Be a part of the first ever Bay Street Art Wall to celebrate love and diversity through artistic expression. Free to participate, all ages are invited to join @kblx1029 radio personality Sterling James at Bay Street on Saturdays in February and March to paint 12” x 12” acrylic tiles, with…
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: Free

Storytime "I am Martin Luther King, Jr."

Location: Barns & Noble El Cerrito Plaza – 6050 El Cerrito Plaza El Cerrito
Join us for our biography kids' book series as we read about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an inspiring leader who had a dream of peace and love for all children everywhere. Plus get a coupon from our Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4!
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: FREE

Preschool Storytime

Location: Albany Library – 1247 Marin Avenue Albany
Storytime is back! Join the Albany Library every Saturday for stories, songs, and a fun craft activity. This storytime is designed for ages 3-6 but all are welcome!
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: FREE

Cal Men's Swimming vs. Stanford

Location: Spieker Aquatics Complex – 2301 Bancroft Way Berkeley
Come cheer on Cal Men's swimming team!
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE

Cal Women's Tennis vs. UCLA

Location: Hellman Tennis Center – 14 Frank Schlessinger Way Berkeley
Come cheer on Cal Women's Tennis team!
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE

FREE MPACT Family Dance Classes

Location: Oakland Public Library – 81st Avenue branch – 1021 81st Ave. Oakland
Luna Dance Institute offers FREE family dance for adults and children. MPACT (Moving Parents and Children Together) classes are a fun and comfortable way for families to play and dance together. They facilitate the parent-child bond through relationship-based dance curriculum, and help parents gain confidence in their ability to interact physically with…
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE

MAKEbreak: Crunchy Spring Slime

Location: Michaels Emeryville – 3991 Hollis St Emeryville
Mix in colorful pony beads and glitter for a satisfying crunch when you play! Supplies are provided, including pre-made slime.
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cost: FREE

Family Nature Fun

Location: Crab Cove Visitor Center – 1231 McKay Ave Alameda
The tides roll in and out making each day a chance to discover something new. Our shoreline is bursting with bird life and other signs of the season. Come explore with us and have fun with family-friendly activities. To see what's happening this week, check here>
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cost: Free

Cal Beach Volleyball vs. San Francisco

Location: Clark Kerr Sand Courts – Sports Lane Berkeley
Come cheer on Cal's Beach Volleyball Team!
Time: 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: FREE

Solo Recital

Location: Golden Key Piano School – 1809 University Ave berkeley
Please join at Golden Key Piano School for the solo recitals of Jaslene Lai, Haley Willem, and Michael Chechenin. Jaslene has been taking piano lessons at Golden Key since 2013. This school year she has been working towards having her first solo recital. Michael and Haley are joining her to…
Time: 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Cost: FREE

JazzArt: Black History Month

Location: North – Berkeley Public Library – 1170 The Alameda Berkeley
What could be better than music and art together? Live jazz by violinist India Cooke and drummer Don Robinson, accompanied by stories presented by artist and educator Lisa DiPrima, all while you create art. Art supplies will be provided. Ages 4 and up.
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Cost: FREE

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Tot Splash

25th Annual College Preparatory School Giant Used Book Sale

Location: Buttner Auditorium, The College Preparatory School – 6100 Broadway Oakland
Thousands of books for all ages (and some media) are offered at terrific bargain prices. Most books $1-2, a few slightly higher, mass-market fiction (including many mysteries) and some children’s books lower. The quality is high, the selection wide – there is truly something for everyone at this sale. $5/bag…
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE

Farmers Market and Hands-On Crafts at the Kids' Corner

Location: Jack London Square – Broadway and Embarcadero Oakland
The Jack London Square Farmers Market is operated by CUESA at Oakland’s Jack London Square on Sundays (10 am to 3 pm), year round, rain or shine. Founded in 1989, the Jack London Square Farmers Market has deep roots in Oakland, providing a vibrant waterfront marketplace for Bay Area families. Every Sunday…
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: FREE

Kensington Farmers' Market

Location: Kensington Farmers' Market – 379-389 Colusa Ave Kensington
Kensington Farmers' Market is open for business every Sunday from 10am to 2pm, rain or shine, on Oakview Avenue between Colusa Circle and Santa Fe Avenue in Kensington, California (here's a map), and serving the neighboring communities of Berkeley, Albany and El Cerrito. Our market features live music and live…
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE

TreasureFest

Contra Costa Camp & School Fair

Location: Acalanes High School – 1200 Pleasant Hill Rd. Lafayette
The free Contra Costa Camp and School Fair returns to Lafayette for the seventh year with free activities and over 75 exhibitors allowing attendees to view a smorgasbord of camps, enrichment programs, schools, S.T.E.M. and S.T.E.A.M. programs, performing arts, preschools, cooking, educational, sports and other programs available this spring and…
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE admission, free parking

Cal Women's Tennis vs. USC

Location: Hellman Tennis Center – 14 Frank Schlessinger Way Berkeley
Come cheer on Cal Women's Tennis team!
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE

Black Joy Parade and Celebration

Location: Harrison St & 14th St – Harrison St & 14th St Oakland
Black Joy Parade is a hyper-positive, family-friendly turn up that celebrates the Black experience and our community's contribution to cultures past, present and future. You are invited to come be present, be creative, be open and be free.
Time: 12:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE

Family Nature Fun

Lego Building Event

Location: Michaels Emeryville – 3991 Hollis St Emeryville
Join us in our classroom for a special LEGO building event! Purchase any LEGO product at Michaels on the day of the event, then bring your purchase and receipt to our classroom to start building a LEGO picture frame! The event is open to children ages 4 and up. Supplies…
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: Purchase any LEGO product at Michaels on the day of the event.

Diverse Families Kindergym PlayDay for Under 3s

Location: Temple Beth Abraham – 327 MacArthur Blvd Oakland
Come join us in our 36th year in our large, fun-filled space for jumping, climbing, ball pit, slides, singing, stories, snack, parachute, bubbles, community building and so much more!! We are Foster/Adopt, LBGTQ, differently-abled, solo carers, refugees immigrants and others. All are welcome!! Thank you for SPREADING THE WORD!! Free…
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: FREE/$Donation for the Food Bank Greatly Appreciated!

Monday, February 25, 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

Little Splashers Drop-in Class

Location: Richmond Swim Center – 4300 Cutting Blvd 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.