Bay Area Kids GO

Free Things to Do with Kids in the Bay Area

Looking for free activities for kids in the Bay Area? You're in the right place. We curate the best free family-friendly events happening across San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Berkeley, Palo Alto, and the entire Bay Area — updated daily so you never miss out.

4 Upcoming Events

Black Joy Parade and Celebration
Black Joy Parade and Celebration
Feb 22, 2026
Oakland
Venue TBA
Lunar New Year at City Center Bishop Ranch
Lunar New Year at City Center Bishop Ranch
Feb 22, 2026
San Ramon
City Center Bishop Ranch
Oakland Lunar New Year Parade
Oakland Lunar New Year Parade
Feb 28, 2026
Oakland
Wilma Chan Park
Lunar New Year Festival with History San Jose
Lunar New Year Festival with History San Jose
Mar 14, 2026
San Jose
History San Jose
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Frequently Asked Questions

What free things can kids do in the Bay Area?

The Bay Area offers hundreds of free activities for kids including playground visits, free museum days (like the first Tuesday at SFMOMA or the de Young), outdoor nature walks, library story times, farmer's market festivals, free concerts in parks, and seasonal community events. Check our updated list above for this week's free events.

Are there free outdoor activities for kids in San Francisco?

Yes! San Francisco has many free outdoor activities including Golden Gate Park playgrounds, beach days at Ocean Beach or Baker Beach, hiking at Lands End or the Presidio, the free Exploratorium community days, and seasonal festivals in Dolores Park and Union Square.

Where can I find free story times for kids in the Bay Area?

Most Bay Area public libraries offer free weekly story times for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Check your local library's schedule for the San Francisco Public Library, Oakland Public Library, San Jose Public Library, and Berkeley Public Library. Many bookstores like Books Inc. also host free story times.