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, April 25, 2019
Livestream: Berkeley Peregrine Falcon Hatch Day
Location: Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) – 2155 Center Street Berkeley
On the outdoor screen! Stop by BAMPFA’s colossal outdoor screen on Addison Street between Shattuck and Oxford in downtown Berkeley on Thursday, April 25 to check out the livestream and meet the falcon experts! Berkeley’s most famous falcons—Annie and Grinnell—are nesting in the Campanile for the third consecutive year. If…
Time: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Cost: Free on the outdoor screen
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: 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
Kids Learning Program for Environmentalists
Location: Sierra Club SF Bay Chapter – 2530 San Pablo Ave. Suite i Berkeley
Future environmentalists under 6 and their caregivers are invited to join us for the kick-off of a new educational series for young children at the Sierra Club SF Bay Chapter. This new bimonthly program is designed to engage kids with stories and activities about the wonders of nature and the importance…
Time: 10:30 am - 11:15 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
Scientific Adventures: Wildlife Garden (Habitat Installation and Planting)
Location: Golden Gate Branch | Oakland Public Library – 5606 San Pablo Avenue Oakland
Are you up for a challenge? Scientific Adventures for Families (SAFG) presents a new STEAM project each month, designed to put your creative, collaborative mind to the test. In January, join us for a program dedicated to creating a wildlife-friendly garden habitat at the Golden Gate Branch Library. We will…
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 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
Friday, April 26, 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.
Baby/Toddler Story Time
Location: Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch | Berkeley Public Library – 1901 Russell Street 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
Saturday, April 27, 2019
FIT4MOM Stroller Barre Free Preview Class
Location: The Pergola at Lake Merritt – 599 El Embarcadero Oakland
FIT4MOM 510 is launching Stroller Barre!! And you can try it for free! Stroller Barre® is a 60-minute cardio and strength interval class designed to improve posture, stability, and mobility. This workout combines moves inspired by barre, ballet, pilates, and yoga to help you regain posture and alignment while strengthening…
Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Cost: FREE
Albany Preschool's Magical Creatures Open House
Location: Albany Preschool – 850 Masonic Ave Albany
Albany Preschool is holding an open house. Come join for a morning of water play and magical creatures and learn what a co-op is and the school's philosophy on play based learning. Check out the amazing outside yards and indoor play spaces! Wonderful community of parents and teachers will be…
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
Kids Club Arts & Crafts
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
TreasureFest - Mother's Day Market
Location: Treasure Island – Ave. of the Palms San Francisco
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.
5th Annual Acorn Festival
Location: Golden Oak Montessori of Hayward – 2652 Vergil Ct. Castro Valley
Sponsored by the PTO, our 5th annual Acorn Festival, will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. This is a community event, and all are invited to attend. The theme is Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM). There will be a variety of hands…
Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Children's Storytime
Location: Barnes & Noble, Bay Street – 5604 Bay Street Emeryville
Join storytime and get a coupon from the café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4. Check out the store website for this week's book.
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Children's Storytime
Location: Barnes & Noble El Cerrito – 6050 El Cerrito Plaza El Cerrito
Join us for Storytime and get a coupon from our Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4! Check out the store website for this week's book.
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Free Crafts for Kids
Location: Lakeshore Learning Outlet – 1144 Montague Ave San Leandro
Join us every Saturday for FREE crafts for kids. No reservation necessary. To find out what we're making, check here>
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Free Trial KickStart Mini Soccer Class for 3 year olds
Location: John Muir Middle School Field – 1444 Williams St. San Leandro
In the KickStart Mini Soccer Classes for 3 year olds, players get the best introduction to soccer and learn soccer FUNdamentals through group classes in a nurturing environment that's sure to inspire the love of the game! 3 year old players have a great time learning to use their feet,…
Time: 11:00 am - 11:55 am
Cost: Free Class (1 hour) for New Players
UnPeeled: A Free Children's Carnival for the Entire Family
Location: Urban Adamah – 1151 Sixth Street Berkeley
BANANAS is excited to host the 2nd Annual UnPeeled Children’s Carnival this year! Drop in for an afternoon of spring-inspired fun and excitement. UnPeeled is a FREE children’s carnival where the entire family can enjoy great food, fun games, and lots of music and dance. Fun-filled, age-appropriate activities include storytime,…
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: FREE
KidsFest DinoROAR!
Location: Bladium Sports and Fitness Club – 800 West Tower Ave Alameda
KidsFest features all of Bladium’s Birthday Party, Camp Bladium, and Soccer programs for everyone to see and experience. The entire sports complex will be packed with a mix of DINO-MITE activities, and games. That’s over 83,000 sqft of ROAAARRRingly good fun! ADMISSION IS FREE. • Music & DJ • Inflatable…
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 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
Fish Feeding
Location: Crab Cove Visitor Center – 1231 McKay Ave Alameda
Learn about Bay creatures and get a good view of our crabs, flounder, perch, pipefish, & more -while they eat. Like a dive in the Bay without getting wet
Time: 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Cost: Free
Sunday, April 28, 2019
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.
Cirque du Summer - the greatest camp expo on earth!
Location: Albany Community Center – 1249 Marin Ave Albany
The City of Albany Recreation & Community Services invites you to Cirque du Summer Camp Expo – the greatest camp expo on earth! You have the opportunity to experience first-hand what our camps have to offer – while you are chatting with instructors, your children can get their hands dirty…
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Dollar Day Sunday
Location: Golden Gate Fields – 1100 Eastshore Hwy Berkeley
Enjoy the famous Dollar Day Deals every Sunday during the Winter/Spring Meet. Enter the track through our Buchanan Street entrance for $1 General Parking, $1 General Admission, $1 Programs, $1 Hot Dogs, $1 Beers, and $1 Mimosas. Dollar Day deals conclude following the start of Race 7.
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cost: $1 admission
Farmers Market and Hands-On Crafts at the Kids' Corner
Location: Jack London Square – 70 Washington Street 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
Toddler Watercolor Painting in the Garden
Location: Gardens at Lake Merritt – 666 Bellevue Ave. Oakland
Come play with watercolors in the garden with local artist, Barbra Ignatiev, who will be painting and providing a FREE fun watercolor activity for kids and adults. All materials are included. The Toddler Garden at Lake Merritt is a 26-plot community garden for toddlers ages 0-4. Demonstrations are held every…
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Cost: FREE
TreasureFest - Mother's Day Market
Location: Treasure Island – Ave. of the Palms San Francisco
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.
Wildlife Festival & Food Trucks
Location: Wagner Ranch Nature Area – 350 Camino Pablo Orinda
Come enjoy the beautiful historic ranch and 18-acre nature preserve, rarely open to the public. Join a variety of activities for all ages, especially kids. Featuring wildlife fun at the Frog Pond (red-legged frogs and our resident western pond turtle, Mr. T). Visit friendly goats & colorful parrots in the…
Time: 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
Cost: FREE
A's PLAY BALL
Location: Laurel Ball Fields – 850 Laurel Road Oakley
A’s PLAY BALL presented by Bank of America is coming to your neighborhood! The A's PLAY BALL tour is coming to Oakley on Sunday, April 28! Join us 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,…
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Cost: Free
These and other amazing family-friendly activities are kept on our calendar. Find more over there >
Leave a Reply