Berkeley Public Library provides free summer lunches and activities for youth. 

Children and teens ages 18 and under can receive a free lunch and take part in activities such as cooking classes, arts and crafts, games, and hands-on projects. Meals are provided in partnership with the Berkeley Unified School District. 

Date: Tuesday – Thursday  

Time: 12PM – 1:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Central Library - Central Children's Story Room, 2090 Kittredge St., Berkeley 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Join Berkeley Public Library for a storytelling workshop through music and dance. 

Experience storytelling through music and dance. No scripts or previous experience are needed, and children are encouraged to participate through movement, imagination, and creative expression. 

Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026 

Time: 3PM - 4PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch, 1901 Russell St., Berkeley 

Link: Click here for more information.

The City of Alameda is inviting families to participate in free summer recreation activities for children and caregivers. 

Children can take part in games, creative play, and recreation activities during the afternoon drop-in program at local open spaces. The program is designed for a wide range of ages and gives families flexible opportunities to enjoy outdoor play and community activities throughout the summer. Registration is required. 

Date: Monday - Friday 

Time: 12:30PM - 4:30PM 

Cost: Free  

Location: Jean Sweeney Open Space, 280 Constitution Way, Alameda and Lincoln Park Open Space, High St. & Fernside Blvd., Alameda 

Link: Click here to register. 

The Dublin Wave is inviting families to a water play program for toddlers and preschoolers. 

Little ones ages 0-5 can splash, explore spray features, and spend time in the Splash Zone before the waterpark opens for the day. Adults must actively supervise children throughout their visit. 

Date: Every Tuesday & Thursday 

Time: 9AM - 11AM 

Cost: Residents: $3 per child. Non-residents: $4 per child. Parents and guardians are free. 

Location: The Dublin Wave, 4201 Central Pkwy., Dublin 

Link: Click here for more information.

BANANAS is hosting a virtual parent workshop on speech and language tips.

Learn tips from a pediatric speech therapist to encourage speech and language development during visits to farms and zoos. Parents and caregivers will discover ways to turn everyday outings into opportunities for conversation, learning, and communication.

Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026

Time: 10AM - 12PM

Cost: Free

Location: Online (Zoom)

Link: Click here to register.

The City of Alameda is inviting families to participate in free summer recreation activities for children and caregivers. 

Children can take part in games, creative play, and recreation activities during the afternoon drop-in program at local open spaces. The program is designed for a wide range of ages and gives families flexible opportunities to enjoy outdoor play and community activities throughout the summer. Registration is required. 

Date: Monday - Friday 

Time: 12:30PM - 4:30PM 

Cost: Free  

Location: Jean Sweeney Open Space, 280 Constitution Way, Alameda and Lincoln Park Open Space, High St. & Fernside Blvd., Alameda 

Link: Click here to register. 

The City of Newark is inviting families to an outdoor summer concert. 

Listen to live music featuring salsa, cumbia, old school, funk, R&B, and tribute bands throughout the summer. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of live entertainment.

Date: Every 2nd & 4th Friday

Time: 5PM - 7:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Shirley Sisk Grove, 2086 NewPark Mall Rd., Newark 

Link: Click here for more information. 

The City of Berkeley is hosting an outdoor movie in the park.

Watch the movie under the evening sky and bring blankets or low-back chairs for seating. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

Date: Friday, August 7, 2026

Time: 8:15PM - 10:45PM

Cost: Free

Location: Grove Park, 1730 Oregon St., Berkeley

Link: Click here to register.

Join East Bay Kidical Mass for a family-friendly group bike ride.

Ride an easy, no-drop loop with children, families, and supporters before gathering for waffles, churros, and ice cream. Guides will help the group stay together throughout the ride, and children receive stickers, safety vests, and bike bells while supplies last.

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026

Time: 10:30AM - 1:30PM

Cost: Free

Location: Snow Park, Harrison St. & 19th St., Oakland

Link: Click here to register.

New City Church is hosting a back-to-school festival.

Pick up free backpacks and school supplies, enjoy ice cream, and take part in summer fun activities. The festival is free and open to the community.

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026

Time: 11AM - 1PM

Cost: Free

Location: Laurel Elementary School, 3750 Brown Ave., Oakland

Link: Click here for more information.

The City of San Leandro is hosting a Touch-A-Truck Event.

Honk horns, push buttons, and climb aboard fire trucks, police cars, and utility vehicles in this hands-on family adventure. Open to all ages.

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026

Time: 10AM - 1PM

Cost: Free

Location: Marina Park, 14001 Monarch Bay Dr., San Leandro

Link: Click here for more information.

Castro Valley Park Splash pad is open for the summer. 

Children can run through spray features and take breaks at the surrounding park areas.  

Date: Wednesday - Sunday 

Time: 11AM - 6PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Castro Valley Park Splash Pad, 18988 Lake Chabot Rd., Castro Valley 

Link: Click here for more information. 

The City of Dublin is inviting families to cool off with water play and outdoor recreation. 

Little ones can run through spray features and splash around while parents relax nearby or spread out on the grass. Playground areas, picnic spots, and open space make it easy to turn a quick visit into a day at the park.  

Date: Everyday  

Time: 11AM – 7:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Emerald Glen Park, 4201 Central Pkwy., Dublin 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Family Paths is inviting young and expecting parents to participate in a virtual parenting education series. 

The 10-week series focus on building safe, supportive environments for children while strengthening communication, confidence, and parenting skills. Sessions are designed for young and expecting moms and dads ages 21 and under who live in or attend school in Oakland, Piedmont, or Alameda, with other participants considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Date: Every Tuesday 

Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM 

Cost: Free or Sliding scale for qualifying families. 

Location: Online (Zoom) 

Link: Call (800) 829-3777 to register. 

The Dublin Wave is inviting families to a water play program for toddlers and preschoolers. 

Little ones ages 0-5 can splash, explore spray features, and spend time in the Splash Zone before the waterpark opens for the day. Adults must actively supervise children throughout their visit. 

Date: Every Tuesday & Thursday 

Time: 9AM - 11AM 

Cost: Residents: $3 per child. Non-residents: $4 per child. Parents and guardians are free. 

Location: The Dublin Wave, 4201 Central Pkwy., Dublin 

Link: Click here for more information.

Pleasanton Downtown Association is hosting a summer concert series.

Listen to live music from local and regional bands during this weekly outdoor concert series. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of music in the park. 

Date: Every Friday

Time: 7PM - 8:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Lions Wayside Park, 320 First St., Pleasanton 

Link: Click here for more information. 

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District is hosting an outdoor movie night.

Watch Hoppers on a giant outdoor screen and bring a picnic dinner, low-back chairs, or blankets.

Date: Friday, August 14, 2026

Time: 7PM

Cost: Free

Location: Tennyson Park, 28377 Huntwood Ave., Hayward

Link: Click here for more information.

The City of Berkeley is hosting a free Fatherhood Initiative Support Group.

Connect with other fathers and father figures while exploring parenting, healthy relationships, and stress management topics. Children are welcome to attend with their parent or caregiver, and refreshments and giveaways are provided.

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026

Time: 10:30AM - 12:30PM

Cost: Free

Location: West Berkeley Family Wellness Center, 1900 Sixth St., Berkeley

Link: Click here to register.

The Hayward Area Historical Society is hosting a family event with hands-on activities.

Enjoy storytime with Leo Can Swim and The Sandcastle That Lola Built, then learn about the history of salt along the Hayward shoreline. Kids can make a unique salt crystal sculpture to take home.

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026

Time: 11AM - 3PM

Cost: Free

Location: Hayward Area Historical Society, 22380 Foothill Blvd., Hay

Link: Click here for more information.

Castro Valley Park Splash pad is open for the summer. 

Children can run through spray features and take breaks at the surrounding park areas.  

Date: Wednesday - Sunday 

Time: 11AM - 6PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Castro Valley Park Splash Pad, 18988 Lake Chabot Rd., Castro Valley 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Healthy Black Families, Inc. is hosting a monthly motherhood circle.

Connect with other mothers, caregivers, and community supporters while gaining practical resources on early childhood development and kindergarten readiness. Dinner and free childcare are provided, along with two guest presentations.

Date: Monday, August 17, 2026

Time: 5PM

Cost: Free

Location: Healthy Black Families, Inc., 2927 Adeline St., Berkeley

Link: Click here to register.

Family Paths is inviting young and expecting parents to participate in a virtual parenting education series. 

The 10-week series focus on building safe, supportive environments for children while strengthening communication, confidence, and parenting skills. Sessions are designed for young and expecting moms and dads ages 21 and under who live in or attend school in Oakland, Piedmont, or Alameda, with other participants considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Date: Every Tuesday 

Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM 

Cost: Free or Sliding scale for qualifying families. 

Location: Online (Zoom) 

Link: Call (800) 829-3777 to register. 

The Hayward Chamber of Commerce is inviting families to attend a summer street party. 

The event features live music, food vendors, local shopping, and a lively outdoor atmosphere in the city center. It is open to all ages and offers an evening community gathering with entertainment and activities throughout the streets.  

Date: Every 3rd Thursday

Time: 5PM - 9PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Downtown Hayward, B St. & Main St., Hayward 

Link: Click here for more information. 

BANANAS is hosting a workshop on early communication and sign language.

Learn and review sign language from the summer series, including food vocabulary, action words, animals, location words, and colors. The session builds on everyday routines to support toddler communication.

Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026

Time: 10AM - 12PM

Cost: Free

Location: Online (Zoom)

Link: Click here to register.

Celebrate community, culture, and creativity every Friday night in Oakland.

Families and community members are invited to enjoy this beloved weekly event at the Oakland Museum of California, featuring live music, dance, hands-on activities, and food trucks curated by Off the Grid. With late-night access to museum galleries, lawn games, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend with fun for all ages.

Date: Every Friday

Time: 5PM - 9PM 

Cost: Free. Gallery access available with ticket purchase.

Location: Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Step aboard Kiddo's Chu Chu Train with Fremont Hub. 

Little ones can climb aboard Kiddo's Chu Chu Train for a ride through the shopping center. The train departs from the pick-up area across from Five Below. 

Date: Every Friday 

Time: 12:30PM - 2:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Fremont Hub, Argonaut Way & Mowry Ave., Fremont  

Link: Click here for more information. 

Union City is hosting an outdoor movie night.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch Zootopia 2 under the evening sky.

Date: Friday, August 21, 2026

Time: 6:30PM - 10PM

Cost: Free

Location: Kennedy Community Park, 1333 Decoto Rd., Union City

Link: Click here for more information.

The City of Berkeley is hosting a free Fatherhood Initiative Support Group.

Connect with other fathers and father figures while exploring parenting, healthy relationships, and stress management topics. Children are welcome to attend with their parent or caregiver, and refreshments and giveaways are provided.

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026

Time: 10:30AM - 12:30PM

Cost: Free

Location: West Berkeley Family Wellness Center, 1900 Sixth St., Berkeley

Link: Click here to register.

Castro Valley Park Splash pad is open for the summer. 

Children can run through spray features and take breaks at the surrounding park areas.  

Date: Wednesday - Sunday 

Time: 11AM - 6PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Castro Valley Park Splash Pad, 18988 Lake Chabot Rd., Castro Valley 

Link: Click here for more information. 

The City of Dublin is inviting families to cool off with water play and outdoor recreation. 

Little ones can run through spray features and splash around while parents relax nearby or spread out on the grass. Playground areas, picnic spots, and open space make it easy to turn a quick visit into a day at the park.  

Date: Everyday  

Time: 11AM – 7:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Emerald Glen Park, 4201 Central Pkwy., Dublin 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Family Paths is inviting young and expecting parents to participate in a virtual parenting education series. 

The 10-week series focus on building safe, supportive environments for children while strengthening communication, confidence, and parenting skills. Sessions are designed for young and expecting moms and dads ages 21 and under who live in or attend school in Oakland, Piedmont, or Alameda, with other participants considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Date: Every Tuesday 

Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM 

Cost: Free or Sliding scale for qualifying families. 

Location: Online (Zoom) 

Link: Call (800) 829-3777 to register. 

The Dublin Wave is inviting families to a water play program for toddlers and preschoolers. 

Little ones ages 0-5 can splash, explore spray features, and spend time in the Splash Zone before the waterpark opens for the day. Adults must actively supervise children throughout their visit. 

Date: Every Tuesday & Thursday 

Time: 9AM - 11AM 

Cost: Residents: $3 per child. Non-residents: $4 per child. Parents and guardians are free. 

Location: The Dublin Wave, 4201 Central Pkwy., Dublin 

Link: Click here for more information.

Pleasanton Downtown Association is hosting a summer concert series.

Listen to live music from local and regional bands during this weekly outdoor concert series. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of music in the park. 

Date: Every Friday

Time: 7PM - 8:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Lions Wayside Park, 320 First St., Pleasanton 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Join Old Oakland for a family-friendly block party. 

Visitors can listen to live music, shop from local vendors, play games, and sample food from neighborhood businesses. The event takes place along 9th Street and features art, community activities, and outdoor entertainment. 

Dates: Every 4th Friday 

Time: 5PM - 9PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: 9th Street between Broadway & Washington St., Oakland 

The City of Berkeley is hosting a free Fatherhood Initiative Support Group.

Connect with other fathers and father figures while exploring parenting, healthy relationships, and stress management topics. Children are welcome to attend with their parent or caregiver, and refreshments and giveaways are provided.

Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026

Time: 10:30AM - 12:30PM

Cost: Free

Location: West Berkeley Family Wellness Center, 1900 Sixth St., Berkeley

Link: Click here to register.