Free things for families in Oakland

4 listings in Oakland, CA: free days out with kids: museums, workshops, storytimes and more.

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This weekend 2 listings

EntertainmentFree (worth about $15)

Free telescope nights at Chabot Space & Science Center

Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30–10:30pm (weather permitting)

Chabot Space & Science CenterOakland

Every Friday and Saturday night, 7:30–10:30pm, Chabot astronomers open the observatory deck, 1,500 feet above the Bay, for free views through three big telescopes, including the 1883 'Leah' and the 20-inch 'Rachel' refractors. Weather permitting: domes close in rain or high humidity, so check the telescope status first.

Verified Oct 27 · chabotspace.org

No catch

AttractionsFree (usually $25)

Free First Sundays at the Oakland Museum of California

First Sunday of each month, 11am–5pm

Oakland Museum of California

On the first Sunday of every month, admission to the Oakland Museum of California is free, now including all special exhibitions: galleries of California art, history and natural sciences, plus the garden. Open 11am–5pm. Reserve a free entry time online to skip the wait, or pick up a ticket at the desk.

Verified Oct 27 · museumca.org

Catch: Free timed ticket recommended: reserve online

Always free 2 listings

AttractionsFree (worth about $25)Eligibility applies

Free museum passes with an Oakland Public Library card (Discover & Go)

Any day, by reservation

Oakland Public Library

Oakland, Emeryville and Piedmont residents 14 and up can reserve free or discounted passes to Bay Area museums, science centers, zoos and theaters through Discover & Go. Log in with your library card, reserve a date and print the pass.

Verified Oct 27 · oaklandlibrary.org

Catch: Library card required (Oakland, Emeryville or Piedmont residents, 14+) · Some passes are discounted, not free · Two reservations at a time

Free itemsFree (worth about $6)

Free seeds from Oakland Public Library's seed libraries

During branch hours

Oakland Public Library branches

Pick up free seeds at Oakland Public Library's seed libraries in branches across the city, no library card needed, and come to free gardening workshops (seed starting on Nov 14, 2–3pm, at the Piedmont Avenue branch). Save seeds from your harvest and bring some back to share.

Verified Oct 27 · oaklandlibrary.org

No catch