Albany Library is inviting readers to a picnic storytime. 

Bring a book, blanket, or chair along with snacks and drinks to share while reading outdoors. There will be henna and free books available while supplies last. 

Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026 

Time: 11AM - 1PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Memorial Park, 1325 Portland Ave., Albany 

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 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 San Lorenzo Library is providing free summer lunches for youth.

Children and teens under age 18 can pick up a healthy meal to eat while supplies last. Lunches are distributed on the front patio in partnership with the San Lorenzo Unified School District. 

Date: Monday – Thursday  

Time: 12PM - 1PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: San Lorenzo Library, 395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo 

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. 

The Newark Library is providing free summer lunches for youth. 

Free lunches are available for children and teens ages 1 to 18 through a partnership with the Newark Unified School District. Meals are distributed inside the library lobby while supplies last, and children and teens must be present to receive lunch. 

Date: Monday – Thursday  

Time: 12:30PM - 1:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Newark Library, 37055 Newark Blvd., Newark 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Meet animals with Berkeley Public Library. 

Children and their families can get a close look at a variety of animals, which may include baby chicks, rabbits, turtles, snakes, ducks, lizards, and tarantulas. The program takes place outdoors on the North Branch lawn. 

Date: Monday, July 13, 2026 

Time: 3PM - 4PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: North Branch Library - North Branch Lawn, 1170 The Alameda, Berkeley 

Link: Click here for more information.

Weekly food giveaway in Downtown Hayward. 

Come to a weekly food giveaway in downtown Hayward. 

Date: Every Tuesday 

Time: 9AM 

Cost: Free  

Location: 1063 A St., Hayward 

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. 

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. 

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.

The San Lorenzo Library is providing free summer lunches for youth.

Children and teens under age 18 can pick up a healthy meal to eat while supplies last. Lunches are distributed on the front patio in partnership with the San Lorenzo Unified School District. 

Date: Monday – Thursday  

Time: 12PM - 1PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: San Lorenzo Library, 395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo 

Link: Click here for more information. 

The Newark Library is providing free summer lunches for youth. 

Free lunches are available for children and teens ages 1 to 18 through a partnership with the Newark Unified School District. Meals are distributed inside the library lobby while supplies last, and children and teens must be present to receive lunch. 

Date: Monday – Thursday  

Time: 12:30PM - 1:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Newark Library, 37055 Newark Blvd., Newark 

Link: Click here for more information. 

BANANAS is hosting a workshop on coping with grief. 

Adults can learn strategies and tools for managing grief while raising children or supporting families after a loss. The session provides psychoeducational support for parents and caregivers navigating their own experiences with grief. 

Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 

Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Online (Zoom) 

Link: Click here to register.  

Catch juggling, acrobatics, and circus performances with Prescott Circus Theatre. 

Watch young performers take the stage with juggling, stilt dancing, unicycles, and other circus acts during the annual summer show. Spanish translation and ASL interpretation will be available, and the performance is open to audiences of all ages. 

Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 

Time: 11AM & 1:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Malonga Casquelourd Center, 1428 Alice St., Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information.

Livermore Cultural Arts Council is hosting a summer concert. 

Bring blankets or lawn chairs for an evening of live music at the Bankhead Plaza. Guests may bring a picnic or purchase food from nearby restaurants. 

Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 

Time: 6:45PM - 8:15PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Bankhead Plaza, 2400 First St., Livermore 

Link: Click here for more information.

Meet wildlife ambassadors with the Union City Library. 

See animals from the Wildmind Science sanctuary while learning how predators and prey help maintain the balance of nature. Featured animals may include an armadillo, augur buzzard, crested porcupine, and spectacled owl. 

Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 

Time: 11AM - 12PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Union City Library, 34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City 

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. 

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. 

The San Lorenzo Library is providing free summer lunches for youth.

Children and teens under age 18 can pick up a healthy meal to eat while supplies last. Lunches are distributed on the front patio in partnership with the San Lorenzo Unified School District. 

Date: Monday – Thursday  

Time: 12PM - 1PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: San Lorenzo Library, 395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo 

Link: Click here for more information. 

The Newark Library is providing free summer lunches for youth. 

Free lunches are available for children and teens ages 1 to 18 through a partnership with the Newark Unified School District. Meals are distributed inside the library lobby while supplies last, and children and teens must be present to receive lunch. 

Date: Monday – Thursday  

Time: 12:30PM - 1:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Newark Library, 37055 Newark Blvd., Newark 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Berkeley Public Library is hosting an outdoor obstacle course. 

Children can follow clues and complete challenges to help find Lucky Day North de la Biblioteca, the library cat. Participants who finish the course can stop by the service desk to claim a prize while supplies last. 

Date: Every Day  

Time: All Day 

Cost: Free 

Location: North Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda, Berkeley 

Link: Click here for more information. 

BANANAS is hosting a yoga class for new parents and babies. 

The class offers a supportive space for postpartum parents to focus on self-care, strengthen their core, and ease tension while keeping their babies nearby.  

Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 

Time: 10AM - 12PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Online (Zoom) 

Link: Click here to register. 

Catch juggling, acrobatics, and circus performances with Prescott Circus Theatre. 

Watch young performers take the stage with juggling, stilt dancing, unicycles, and other circus acts during the annual summer show. Spanish translation and ASL interpretation will be available, and the performance is open to audiences of all ages. 

Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 

Time: 11AM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Malonga Casquelourd Center, 1428 Alice St., Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information.

Pack a blanket and picnic snack for a storytime with Alameda Free Library. 

Children can listen to stories under the trees while enjoying a snack alongside their favorite stuffed animals. Arrive early for playtime before the storytime begins. 

Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 

Time: 10:30AM - 11AM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Jean Sweeney Open Space, 1925 Sherman St., Alameda 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Dance and move with Castro Valley Library. 

Children can flap like butterflies, hop like bunnies, and stomp like elephants during this interactive program with Jamaroo Kids. The session encourages movement, self-expression, and gross motor skill development. 

Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 

Time: 1PM - 2PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Castro Valley Library - Chabot Canyon Room, 3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley 

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 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. 

Castro Valley Library is inviting families to enjoy an afternoon filled with games. 

Drop by to play board games, video games, and other family-friendly activities with friends and neighbors at the Castro Valley Library. Families can drop in anytime during the event to play, explore new games, and spend time together. 

Date: Every Thursday 

Time: 1PM - 3PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley 

Link: Click here for more information.

Oakland Public Library is inviting the community to celebrate summer with music, dancing, games, and family-friendly mocktails. 

The community is invited to enjoy a lively evening with hands-on mocktail making, and games. Guests are invited to dance, connect, and kick off the summer series with activities for all ages. 

Date: Every 3rd & 5th Thursday 

Time: 5:30PM - 7:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Main Library, 125 14th St., Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information. 

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. 

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.

The San Lorenzo Library is providing free summer lunches for youth.

Children and teens under age 18 can pick up a healthy meal to eat while supplies last. Lunches are distributed on the front patio in partnership with the San Lorenzo Unified School District. 

Date: Monday – Thursday  

Time: 12PM - 1PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: San Lorenzo Library, 395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo 

Link: Click here for more information. 

The Newark Library is providing free summer lunches for youth. 

Free lunches are available for children and teens ages 1 to 18 through a partnership with the Newark Unified School District. Meals are distributed inside the library lobby while supplies last, and children and teens must be present to receive lunch. 

Date: Monday – Thursday  

Time: 12:30PM - 1:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Newark Library, 37055 Newark Blvd., Newark 

Link: Click here for more information. 

BANANAS is hosting a parenting series on managing power struggles. 

Parents and caregivers can learn why children push back, how to set clear limits, and ways to encourage cooperation using brain-based strategies.  

Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026 

Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Online (Zoom) 

Link: Click here to register.

Livermore Area Recreation and Park District is hosting a sensory-friendly swim night. 

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can enjoy a swim session with reduced noise, smaller crowds, and a relaxed atmosphere. Family members and friends are welcome to attend, and admission is paid at the entrance. 

Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026 

Time: 6PM - 8PM 

Cost: $5 

Location: Robert Livermore Aquatic Center, 4444 East Ave., Livermore 

Link: Click here for more information. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Livermore Area Recreation and Park District is inviting families to enjoy a morning of sports, games, and outdoor recreation. 

Participants can try a variety of activities focused on movement, teamwork, and friendly competition. The program is open to all ages, and children must be supervised by an adult throughout the event. 

Date: Friday, July 17, 2026 

Time: 10AM - 12PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Independence Park, 2798 Holmes St., Livermore 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Join the City of Piedmont for Food Truck Friday. 

The first annual Food Truck Friday will feature a mix of savory and sweet food trucks with food available for purchase. Bring a blanket and pick up dinner from the vendors for a picnic in the park. 

Date: Friday, July 17, 2026 

Time: 6PM - 8PM 

Cost: Free admission. Food available for purchase. 

Location: Piedmont Park, 711 Highland Ave., Piedmont 

Join the City of Union City for an outdoor movie night. 

Bring low-back chairs or blankets for a screening of How to Train Your Dragon starting at dusk. Dress warmly, and pets are welcome if they remain on a leash. 

Date: Friday, July 17, 2026 

Time: 6:30PM - 10PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Charles F. Kennedy Park, 1333 Decoto Rd., Union City 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Oaktown Jazz Workshops will host a lunchtime performance at Oakland Public Library. 

Young musicians from the Oaktown Jazz Workshops Performance Ensemble will play a selection of jazz classics during this free concert.  

Date: Every Friday 

Time: 1PM - 2PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Main Library – First Floor Lobby, 125 14th St., Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information.