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. 

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. 

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.

Monthly food distribution for Hayward residents. 

4c's of Alameda County in Hayward is offering the city's residents to attend the monthly food distribution, featuring a variety of canned and dry goods, along with nutrition tips and meal-planning ideas. Pre-registration is required due to safety guidelines and limited supplies, and participants are encouraged to bring a shopping bag. 

Date: Every 1st Thursday

Time: 1PM - 3PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: 22351 City Center Dr., Hayward 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

The City of Berkeley's WIC program is hosting a free family picnic.

Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week with music, dancing, and children’s activities. Bring blankets and enjoy free healthy food shared by community health partners.

Date: Friday, August 7, 2026

Time: 1PM - 3PM

Cost: Free

Location: George Florence Mini Park, 2121 Tenth St., Berkeley

Link: Click here to RSVP.