Late Summer Brainstorm: 25 Things to Do that Cost Less Than $10

Having kids in the Bay Area is super fun with so much to see and do, but it can also be very expensive. And lately, it seems like everything costs more. For example, spending a Saturday morning at the Oakland Zoo can set a family of 4 back more than $100. So we’re setting out to find some fun inexpensive activities for you to enjoy. These activities cost $10 or less for one adult and a kid.

These Activities Cost $10 or Less for one Adult & a Kid

Free Activities for Families

1. Make use of free admission days at a local museum – Free
2. Library hop – try different branches’ story times – many are listed on our calendar > – Free
3. Visit the T. Rex, and other dinosaur skeletons in the Life Sciences building at UC Berkeley – Free
4. Tell stories around the campfire at Dumbarton Quarry Campground – Free
5. Collect “new” books on a Little Free Library hunt – Free
6. Get close to nature at the Sulphur Creek Nature Center – Free
7. Use the “Discover & Go” program through your library to get tickets for different outings – Free
8. Meet the reptiles at East Bay Vivarium – Free
9. Make a craft at a Michaels store – Free

Kid Activities for $5 & Under

10. Take a ride on a vintage streetcar – $3
11. Nosh while you watch them being made at Boichik Bagels 6th Street factory – $3.25
12. Catch a family-friendly movie in Richmond – $3.50
13. Cruise the bay on a ferry ride to San Francisco – $4.75
14. Share a cup of frozen yogurt at Yogurt Park – $4.75

Family Activities for About $10 & Under

15. Drop-in to Wee Play Alameda – $6
16. Ride the Tilden Park Carousel – $8
17. Hop aboard the Tilden Steam Train – $8
18. Explore the Golden State Model Railroad Museum – $8
19. Take a day trip to Pittsburg’s Small World Park – $9
20. Head to the Concord Drive-In on Tuesday evenings for discounted showings – $9.25
21. Cool off at the Encinal Swim Center – $10
22. Get wet at the El Cerrito Splash Pad – $10
23. Experiment at Science Saturdays at the Randall Museum – $10
24. Explore Children’s Wonderland Park – $10
25. Tour the Ardenwood Historic Farm – $10