Discounts for East Bay Families
- Save on groceries. $20 Off + FREE Delivery on your first order when you spend $75 or more at Safeway.com.
- Free diapers. USE CODE: ‘510FAMILIES’ @ www.earth-baby.com to receive 1 pack of compostable diapers, 1 pack of compostable wipes, and 4 weeks of EarthBaby delivery, pick up, and compost service for FREE! No contract, subscription, or obligation necessary.
- More East Bay deals & discounts >
Family Fun in the East Bay
Best Places in the Bay Area for Camping With Little Kids
Here are our favorite Bay Area places to go tent camping with our little kids — plus some cabin camping options for good measure.
5 Open Gyms with Drop-in Hours
If your kid is bouncing off the walls, check this list of places where that kind of thing is welcome.
San Ramon Indoor Play Space: Kidplex
Kidplex is a modern, interactive play center. Take off your shoes and check out the movement activities, ball pits, and pretend play stations.
Academic Summer Camps for East Bay Kids
Want to make learning fun this summer? These educational summer camps include cool offerings in the East Bay from math to writing.
15+ Places to Run with a Jogging Stroller in the East Bay
From Lafayette to Richmond, and Berkeley, great paths for any runner with a jogging stroller. Here are 13 places to run with a baby on board.
The Black Joy Parade Returns to Oakland on Feb 23
The Black Joy Parade in Oakland, the largest free, family-friendly event of its kind in California, celebrates the Black experience and the culture.
10+ East Bay Yoga Studios with Prenatal Yoga
Stressed, exhausted, or excited about an upcoming birth? Prenatal yoga just might be the place for you.
Spring Break Camps in the East Bay
It’s that time of year: Spring Break! Here is a list of programs that offer one-week sessions while school is closed during April.
Oakland Roots Soccer Team Moves to the Coliseum
Have you been to a pro soccer game with your kids? The Oakland Roots play at the Oakland Coliseum through October.
CIT Programs: Berkeley & Oakland Summer Camps
For kids who are outgrowing day camp, here are some next steps to explore youth leadership and fun together.
Spotlight on EBI’s Inquiry-Driven, Play-Based Preschool Program
For East Bay Families ​seeking a school to nurture their child’s natural curiosity, EBI offers an inspiring play-based pre-kinder program.
Half-day Trip: Sulphur Creek Nature Center in Hayward
This wild animal rehabilitation center in Hayward allows kids to get up close and personal with drop-in hours and special programs.
Youth Soccer in the East Bay: A Parent’s Guide
Where, how, and when to sign kids up for soccer programs that match their developmental level.
Cal Bears Baseball and Softball Games: Good, Cheap Fun
Daytime baseball and softball games at Cal are easy family outings, especially when discounted. See the 2025 schedules.
Spring Break Inspiration: Joshua Tree and Palm Springs
A family-friendly trip adventure in Southern California, covering Joshua Tree and Palm Springs in one week.
Vacation Inspiration: Yosemite with Little Kids
Looking for a drivable vacation that’s relatively affordable and truly awe-inspiring for all ages? Yosemite National Park should be top on your list!
Sign Up for Free Trial Classes for Kids!
We love to try out a class before committing to a full session. Here are a few places that offer occasional free trials on kids’ classes.
BAMPFA for Kids and Families
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, BAMPFA, is for families and children with FREE admission for many and a hands-on art lab.
How to Get in FREE to Dozens of Bay Area Museums, Science Centers, + Gardens
Many of the Bay Area’s very best museums are free at least one day each month. If you arrive early, you can visit world-class museums for $0 plus snacks.
Fundraise Locally: East Bay Restaurants and Shops That Give Back to Schools and Teams
A list of local businesses that will partner with you for fundraisers.
Swim at Strawberry Canyon Pool in the Berkeley Hills
Most of the pool is dedicated to recreational swimming, and about a third is shallow, warm, kid-friendly water.
Now Open: El Cerrito Splash Park
At the opposite end of the building from the swimming pool entrance, the splash pad welcomes visitors to the El Cerrito swimming pool by providing a water play area.
San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Park
We love the splash-centric water playground, a large inflatable obstacle course, and swim lane pools all at a reasonable price.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord, a Mega Waterpark in the East Bay
Hurricane Harbor Concord is a giant water park for thrill-seekers and kids who love to splash. Lazy river. Children’s sprayground for small people. Opens May 29 for the season.
Lake Anza is Best for a Hot Day (Open for 2025)
Berkeley in summer is unpredictable weather-wise. For the hot days, I recommend packing up the requisite beach gear and heading for Lake Anza.
Take the Richmond Plunge
Surrounded by high ceilings and lovely murals, the Richmond Plunge indoor swimming pool is epic. Chilly water but nice, clean locker rooms.
When are Lake Temescal and Lake Anza Open for Swimming?
As of Summer 2023, Lake Temescal in Oakland is closed for swimming and Lake Anza is open. Be sure to check water quality before you go.
Tot Splash and Family Swim at Richmond Swim Center
Tot splash hours at Richmond Swim Center are inviting!
Where Do You Swim in the East Bay?
We’ve rounded up all the best places to swim in the East Bay: seasonal pools, water parks, beaches, lagoons, and even private pools you can rent by the hour!
Most Affordable (Cheap!) East Bay Summer Camps
East Bay Summer camps can still be found for less than $250 per week if you know where to look plus tips on finding more hidden savings.
Open for Swimming & Recreation: Lake Temescal in Oakland
Lake Temescal is a beautiful (almost hidden) gem nestled next to the Highway 24/13 interchange, near Montclair, in Oakland.
6 Tot-Friendly Splash Parks in the East Bay
We’ve rounded up our favorite splash pads in the East Bay – perfect for pre-swimmers and toddlers to get cool in the summer heat.
Ticket Alert: Teen Night at SF Symphony
Designed as a perfect event for families looking to introduce teens to classical music in a lively and engaging way!
Best Things to Do With Kids in March
Plays and places to play for kids in the Bay Area this March: flowers, baseball, day trips, messy art, and hikes!
East Bay Classes for a Great Workout With a Baby in Tow
Want to workout with baby in tow? We love group exercise options that make it possible for moms to bring baby along. Here are 5+ in the East Bay.
Welcome to {510} Families
For parents looking for more fun with their kids in the East Bay, this is your online guide. You’ll find free and cheap activities for babies and kids in Oakland, Berkeley and surrounding areas.
Discover what you can do this weekend, where you can play, and how to find everything an East Bay family needs. Help us build this community: submit tips and make comments. Thank you for visiting.
Discover our never-ending calendar of fun stuff to do with kids in the East Bay!
– Heather & Whitney
