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, December 16, 2018
GIFTY 2018 Holiday Craft Market
Location: The Crucible – 1260 7th Street Oakland
At GIFTY 2018, dozens of leading East Bay artists, craftspeople, and Crucible faculty members will be selling their best handmade pieces in a holiday celebration of local creative culture. With vendors showcasing exquisite pieces of jewelry, locally designed clothing and accessories, whimsical metal sculptures, practical ceramic tableware, and more, you are sure…
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Jack London Square Farmers' Market
Location: Jack London Square – 70 Washington Street Oakland
This waterfront market offers the best of California's agricultural bounty direct from local farmers to you. You can find fruits, vegetables, greens and nuts as well as freshly baked breads and pastries, delicious specialty foods, fresh flowers and much more.
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost:
Decorate a Holiday Stocking
Location: Fourth Street – Fourth Street Berkeley
Come select a holiday stocking to decorate with a variety of your favorite charms and characters. All materials provided, stocking included. Rain or shine! Across from Peet’s.
Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Free Selfies with Santa and Children’s Arts & Crafts at Bay Street
Location: Bay Street – 5616 Bay Street Emeryville
Ring in the holidays with free festive fun at Bay Street. People and pets are invited to stop by Bay Street’s Center Plaza to visit and take FREE selfies with Santa Claus as well as enjoy free hot apple cider and children's arts & crafts. The shopping center’s Center Plaza will…
Time: 12:00 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
Diverse Families Kindergym PlayDay for Under 3s
Location: Temple Beth Abraham – 327 MacArthur Blvd Oakland
Come together with other families and your Under 3 little ones to play, support and connect at large, fun-filled space for jumping, climbing, ball pit, slides, music, stories, snack, parachute, bubbles, community building and so much more!! We are Foster/Adopt, LBGTQ, differently-abled, solo carers, refugees and many others. ALL are…
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: FREE/$Donation for the Food Bank Greatly Appreciated!
Family-friendly holiday movie
Location: Neptune Court and Adventure Court – 523 South Shore Center West Alameda
Grab a cozy blanket and an early dinner to join in this holiday film festival. All shows are kid-friendly to a degree.
Time: 6:15 pm - 9:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Monday, December 17, 2018
Baby & Toddler Storytime
Location: Berkeley Public Library – South Branch (Tarea Hall Pittman) – 1901 Russell Street Berkeley
Please bring a blanket to sit on. 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…
Time: 10:15 am
Cost: FREE
Free Rockin' Kids Sing-Along
Location: Albany Library – 1247 Marin Avenue Albany
Join East Bay children's musician Stephanie Pepitone for some singing, dancing and an instrument petting zoo. Fun for all ages; specializing in early childhood development. Featuring a mix of original children's music, multilingual nursery rhymes and family-friendly rock ‘n roll favorites.
Time: 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Cost: Free
Caroling in the Elmwood (26th Annual)
Location: Elmwood District (meet at Sweet Dreams on the corner of College & Russell, then roaming) – 2901 College Ave. Berkeley
Please join the 26th Annual Christmas Caroling in the Elmwood. Stroll on College Ave. with neighbors and merchants. Hot cider and treats follow. Gather at 2901 College Ave at 6:00pm, in front of Sweet Dreams on the corner of College and Russell. Song sheets provided (includes traditional and secular holiday seasonal lyrics). Carolers travel both…
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: Free
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Sandboxes to Empowerment - Free Playgroup
Location: Carmen Flores Recreation Center – 1637 Fruitvale Ave. Oakland
Join us for our FREE Playgroups for Oakland residents at Carmen Flores Recreation Center. Our FREE playgroups are for children ages 0-5 and their parent/caregiver. We offer fun developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences that prepare children and families for structured school environments. Our weekly playgroups offer circle time, arts…
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Jamaroo Dance & Music Class!
Location: Habitot Children's Museum – 2065 Kittredge St. Berkeley
Get those wiggles out and let the little ones dance around at the free dance and music class. Kids will develop coordination, strength, balance, self esteem, flexibility, music appreciation, creative thinking and more! The class is held weekly in the Infant-Toddler Garden.
Time: 10:30 am
Cost: Free with admission/membership, $12.00 – Children & Adults (FREE under 12 mo.)
Baby Bounce
Location: Albany Library – 1247 Marin Avenue Albany
As your child's first and best teacher, we invite you to participate in early literacy activities with your child. Join us for singing, stories, and fun with rhythm and play! **This interactive program is designed for children under 15 months and a participating adult caregiver.
Time: 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Cost: FREE
Movie and Pizza Night
Location: Golden Gate Branch Library – 5606 San Pablo Ave Oakland
Join us for an early evening screening of a family-friendly animated movie!
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Free Child + Parent/Caregiver Playgroups
Location: Willie Keyes Recreation Center – 3131 Union Street Oakland
Join our FREE playgroup at Willie Keyes Recreation Center for Oakland Residents. We offer fun developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences that prepare children and families for structured school environments. Our weekly playgroups offer circle time, arts and crafts, free play, snack, monthly yoga/movement class, field trips, story time and much more.…
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: Free
Thursday, December 20, 2018
$1.50 Thursday Bowl Special
Location: Albany Bowl – 540 San Pablo Ave Albany
Every Thursday is "Let's Bowl" Special at Albany Bowl. The special $1.50 per person price is for walk-ins only, call for reservation prices (still need to pay for shoe rental which is $4.50 per person).
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cost: $1.50 per person, per game and $4.50 shoe rental per person
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
Sandboxes to Empowerment - Free Playgroup
Location: Carmen Flores Recreation Center – 1637 Fruitvale Ave. Oakland
Join us for our FREE Playgroups for Oakland residents at Carmen Flores Recreation Center. Our FREE playgroups are for children ages 0-5 and their parent/caregiver. We offer fun developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences that prepare children and families for structured school environments. Our weekly playgroups offer circle time, arts…
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Caroling in the Elmwood (26th Annual)
Location: Elmwood District (meet at Sweet Dreams on the corner of College & Russell, then roaming) – 2901 College Ave. Berkeley
Please join the 26th Annual Christmas Caroling in the Elmwood. Stroll on College Ave. with neighbors and merchants. Hot cider and treats follow. Gather at 2901 College Ave at 6:00pm, in front of Sweet Dreams on the corner of College and Russell. Come to one or both caroling strolls, Monday and Thursday. Song sheets…
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Friday, December 21, 2018
Friday Family Day at Albany Bowl
Location: Albany Bowl – 540 San Pablo Ave Albany
Drop in* and enjoy the striking Friday price at Albany Bowl! Not limited to only families, open to all bowlers! *Special price is for walk-ins only. Call for reservation prices.
Time: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Cost: $1.50 pp/game
Free Child + Parent/Caregiver Playgroups
Location: Willie Keyes Recreation Center – 3131 Union Street Oakland
Join our FREE playgroup at Willie Keyes Recreation Center for Oakland Residents. We offer fun developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences that prepare children and families for structured school environments. Our weekly playgroups offer circle time, arts and crafts, free play, snack, monthly yoga/movement class, field trips, story time and much more.…
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: Free
Family-friendly holiday movie
Location: Neptune Court and Adventure Court – 523 South Shore Center West Alameda
Grab a cozy blanket and an early dinner to join in this holiday film festival. All shows are kid-friendly to a degree.
Time: 6:15 pm - 9:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Stroller Strides, mommy & me outdoor fitness
Location: Doyle Hollis Park – 1327 62nd St 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: 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Cost: First class is free!
Grand Lake Farmers' Market
Location: Grand Lake – Grand Ave and Lake Park Ave Oakland
It's easy to see why the Grand Lake - Oakland Farmers Market is widely acclaimed as the best farmers market in the East Bay. Making the most of the cozy Splash Pad Park, this market welcomes over 44 local farmers, 30 specialty food purveyors, and a handful of local artisans.…
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: Free
Downtown Berkeley Farmers Market
Location: Downtown Berkeley – Center Street @ Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 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. Our markets feature fruits, vegetables, nuts, baked goods, jams and preserves, juices, olive oils, tofu, meat, cheese, prepared foods, nursery plants, and flowers. Often, musicians…
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Kids Club Craft with Michaels
Location: Michaels, Emeryville – 3991 Hollis St. Emeryville
They craft, you shop! Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per project, ages 3+, supplies included. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: $2-5/Child
Free Crafts for Kids
Location: Lakeshore Learning Center – 1929 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Walnut Creek
Join Lakeshore Learning every Saturday for a fun, free craft. Best for ages 3+.
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Free Selfies with Santa and Children’s Arts & Crafts at Bay Street
Location: Bay Street – 5616 Bay Street Emeryville
Ring in the holidays with free festive fun at Bay Street. People and pets are invited to stop by Bay Street’s Center Plaza to visit and take FREE selfies with Santa Claus as well as enjoy free hot apple cider and children's arts & crafts. The shopping center’s Center Plaza will…
Time: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Family-friendly holiday movie
Location: Neptune Court and Adventure Court – 523 South Shore Center West Alameda
Grab a cozy blanket and an early dinner to join in this holiday film festival. All shows are kid-friendly to a degree.
Time: 6:15 pm - 9:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Jack London Square Farmers' Market
Location: Jack London Square – 70 Washington Street Oakland
This waterfront market offers the best of California's agricultural bounty direct from local farmers to you. You can find fruits, vegetables, greens and nuts as well as freshly baked breads and pastries, delicious specialty foods, fresh flowers and much more.
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost:
Free Selfies with Santa and Children’s Arts & Crafts at Bay Street
Location: Bay Street – 5616 Bay Street Emeryville
Ring in the holidays with free festive fun at Bay Street. People and pets are invited to stop by Bay Street’s Center Plaza to visit and take FREE selfies with Santa Claus as well as enjoy free hot apple cider and children's arts & crafts. The shopping center’s Center Plaza will…
Time: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Family-friendly holiday movie
Location: Neptune Court and Adventure Court – 523 South Shore Center West Alameda
Grab a cozy blanket and an early dinner to join in this holiday film festival. All shows are kid-friendly to a degree.
Time: 6:15 pm - 9:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
CJM Community Free Day
Location: Contemporary Jewish Museum – 736 Mission Street San Francisco
The CJM's Community Day is a free, fun-filled day of art that has become an annual tradition for Bay Area families. Enjoy the day exploring the galleries with your family and friends or nosh on latkes at Wise Sons.
Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Thursday, December 27, 2018
$1.50 Thursday Bowl Special
Location: Albany Bowl – 540 San Pablo Ave Albany
Every Thursday is "Let's Bowl" Special at Albany Bowl. The special $1.50 per person price is for walk-ins only, call for reservation prices (still need to pay for shoe rental which is $4.50 per person).
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cost: $1.50 per person, per game and $4.50 shoe rental per person
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
Friday, December 28, 2018
Friday Family Day at Albany Bowl
Location: Albany Bowl – 540 San Pablo Ave Albany
Drop in* and enjoy the striking Friday price at Albany Bowl! Not limited to only families, open to all bowlers! *Special price is for walk-ins only. Call for reservation prices.
Time: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Cost: $1.50 pp/game
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Stroller Strides, mommy & me outdoor fitness
Location: Doyle Hollis Park – 1327 62nd St 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: 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Cost: First class is free!
Grand Lake Farmers' Market
Location: Grand Lake – Grand Ave and Lake Park Ave Oakland
It's easy to see why the Grand Lake - Oakland Farmers Market is widely acclaimed as the best farmers market in the East Bay. Making the most of the cozy Splash Pad Park, this market welcomes over 44 local farmers, 30 specialty food purveyors, and a handful of local artisans.…
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: Free
Downtown Berkeley Farmers Market
Location: Downtown Berkeley – Center Street @ Martin Luther King, Jr. Way 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. Our markets feature fruits, vegetables, nuts, baked goods, jams and preserves, juices, olive oils, tofu, meat, cheese, prepared foods, nursery plants, and flowers. Often, musicians…
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Kids Club Craft with Michaels
Location: Michaels, Emeryville – 3991 Hollis St. Emeryville
They craft, you shop! Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per project, ages 3+, supplies included. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: $2-5/Child
Music Time with Megan
Location: Berkeley Public Library – Central – 2090 Kittredge Berkeley
Multi-instrumentalist and music educator Megan Schoenbohm sings "kindie rock" songs (indie rock for kids) full of vibrance and sparkle. Come listen, dance, and sing along! Ages 3-7 Third floor, Community Meeting Room
Time: 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: FREE
Make Some Noise! Noisemaker Craft
Location: Oakland Public Library – Dimond Branch – 3565 Fruitvale Ave Oakland
Get ready to celebrate the New Year with this all-ages noisemaker craft! Supplies will be provided.
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Monday, December 31, 2018
New Year's Eve for Kids!
Location: Berkeley Public Library – Central – 2090 Kittredge Berkeley
Too young to ring in the New Year at midnight? Well, it's always midnight somewhere. We'll ring in the New Year little kid style with crafts, songs, and a story and then countdown to midnight in the island nation of Sao Tome and Principe (3:00 PM our time). Ages 3-6,…
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Tilden Park open on New Year's Day
Location: Tilden Regional Park – Central Park Dr & Lake Anza Road Berkeley
Tilden Park is open on New Year's Day. Little Farm 8:30am-4pm | free Merry-go-round 11am-5pm | $3 per ride Steam Train 11am-5pm | $3 per ride
Time: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Cost:
FREE Family Yoga on New Year's Day
Location: Yama Kids Yoga – 2631A Ashby Ave Berkeley
Bring in the New Year with a FREE Family Yoga Class at Yama Kids Yoga. Family yoga is an introduction to yoga class, with a mixture of yoga games, postures, music, meditation, and fun. Our hope is that this yoga class will give families an opportunity to learn about yoga, to…
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Make: Mother Nature's Holiday Gifts
Location: Sulphur Creek Nature Center – 1801 D Street Hayward
Welcome our wild neighbors into the New Year by making a variety of tasy treats. Children and adults alike will enjoy creating their own edible works of art to string on trees for the birds and squirrels to feast on. Refreshments for the creative artists will be provided. No registration…
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Mother Nature's Gifts
Location: Sulphur Creek Nature Center – 1801 D St. Hayward
Welcome our wild neighbors into the New Year by making a variety of tasty treats. Children and adults alike will enjoy creating their own edible works of art to string on trees for the birds and squirrels to feast on. Refreshments for the creative artists will be provided. No registration…
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Thursday, January 3, 2019
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
Friday, January 4, 2019
LEGO Club
Location: Oakland Public Library – Dimond Branch – 3565 Fruitvale Ave Oakland
Design, build, and explore with thousands of LEGO® and Duplo® on the first Friday of each month from 3:30-5:00. Come play!
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Saturday, January 5, 2019
Stroller Strides, mommy & me outdoor fitness
Location: Doyle Hollis Park – 1327 62nd St 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: 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Cost: First class is free!
These and other amazing family-friendly activities are kept on our calendar. Find more over there >
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