Summer isn’t over quite yet, and there’s still plenty of time to check off items from your summertime bucket list. Need some inspiration for East Bay fun activities? Here’s a rundown of the top things to do with kids in August.
Big thanks to Chase Center for sponsoring this guide to the best Bay Area happenings in August for families! This August, Monster Trucks return to Chase Center for Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire, an action-packed show for the whole family.Â
Save the Date for These Exciting Community Events
- July 29-Aug 2: Space Week at Chabot Space and Science Center
- Aug. 1: Oakland Public Library End of Summer Party
- Aug. 1-2: Fremont Festival of Arts
- Aug. 4: National Night Out
- Aug. 6: Meet a Monster Truck
- Aug. 8: Touch-a-Truck or Fascinating Reptile Hike
- Aug. 8-9: The Giant Bay Area Aloha Fest
- Aug 9: Whimsy Willow Splash and Splat
- Aug 10: Summer Movie Deal: Muppets Treasure Island
- Aug. 12: Perseid Meteor Shower Star Party
- Aug. 15: Tot Jamboree
- Aug 15-16: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire at Chase Center
- Aug 18: Hikes for Tykes
- Aug 19: Musical Story Time with the Story Time Band
- Aug. 22: Family Movie Night on the Farm
- Aug. 25: Free Entrance Day to National Parks
- Aug. 29-30: Puppet Fair at Children’s Fairyland
Check our kid-friendly events calendar for something special every day >
Check out our 99 Days of Summer for seasonal inspiration!!
Reserve Tickets to Hot Wheels Glow-N-Fire at Chase Center
Don’t miss Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire at the Chase Center August 15–16. See giant Hot Wheels Monster Trucks launch into gravity-defying jumps, crush cars, and perform thrilling stunts, all brought to life with spectacular special effects. Deal: Get 2 for 1 adult tickets with code: HWBOGO. Find more upcoming ticketed performances and events >
Watch a Movie Under the Stars
Enjoy a movie under the stars with family-friendly favorites on the big screen. Catch Maleficent at Jack London Square, Hoppers in Hayward, The SpongeBob Movie at Codornices Park, and many more opportunities to enjoy family-friendly films alfresco. Movies begin just after sunset at local parks and gathering spaces–such a simple way to earn the title of “best parent ever.” Bring blankets, chairs, and picnic dinners or snacks to make the most of the outing. See the full outdoor movie round-up >
Last Call for Summer Fun
With just a few weeks of summer left, now’s the perfect time to soak up the long sunny days. From outdoor adventures to evenings under the stars, don’t miss the chance to check some classic summer experiences off your family’s bucket list. Here’s a list of 20+ things to do in the East Bay before summer is over >
August is National Peach Month
Whether or not you celebrate food-themed holidays, we can all agree that peaches are delicious! And there’s something special about picking your own fruit. Take advantage of the peak season to select your own peaches, apricots, and other stone fruit at local farms within day-trip driving distance. Now is also the time to pick berries and other seasonal fruit. See all the details in our Bay Area Fruit Picking Guide >
Enjoy a Campfire (No camping required)
Discover bats, spiders, and other local animals at one of the East Bay Regional Park District’s evening campfire programs. These community events center around a theme and are filled with songs, games and other activities to spur nature-based discovery. Bonus, they are free and drop-in friendly. Learn more >
Dip, Dive, and Splash
Keep cool this August! From waterslides to fountains, discover some of the best East Bay places to get soaked. Whether you’re looking for thrilling waterslides at one of the Bay Area’s many waterparks, an afternoon floating in the pool, a fun-filled splash park, or a family staycation with ResortPass or Swimply, there are plenty of ways to beat the summer heat.
Favorite Free & Cheap Happenings
Need some planning inspiration? We’ve got you covered! We gathered up our favorite free and inexpensive activities in the East Bay to serve as a go-to itinerary when you’re in a pinch. Find more free & cheap events this month >
- Mondays – El Cerrito splash park
- Tuesdays – Discount Tuesdays at the movies
- Wednesdays –Sulphur Creek Nature Center
- Thursdays – Visit Blake Gardens in Kensington
- Fridays – 510 Summer Fridays at Fairyland
- Saturdays – Anthony Chabot Campfire
- Sundays – Tot Splash at Aquatic Center
Plus, plan an outing to one of the world-class museums in the Bay Area; take advantage of free admission on certain days. Learn more about ways to get into museums for free >
- Aug. 1-2: Bank of America Free Museum Days
- Aug. 2: Family Storytelling at Asian Art Museum and First Sunday at OMCA (nearly free!)
- Aug. 4: Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco
- Aug. 4 and every Saturday: de Young Museum in San Francisco
- Aug. 5: GLBT Historical Society Museum in San Francisco
- Aug. 6: BAMPFA in Berkeley and Museum of Craft and Design
- Aug. 11: San Francisco Botanical Garden
s p o n s o r 
Big thanks to Chase Center for sponsoring this guide to the best Bay Area happenings in August for families! Experience the thrills of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire as it rolls into Chase Center on August 15–16. Grab your tickets today.
What are your plans for the final month of summer? Tell us in the comments section.
