Trying to keep kids busy all summer without spending a fortune? Same.
The good news: Fremont-Newark-Union City has plenty of free and budget-friendly family fun, from parks and playgrounds to library programs, splash pads, outdoor concerts, local trails, and easy no-spend adventures.
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids in Fremont-Newark-Union City, cheap summer activities for families, or budget-friendly places to take kids near Fremont-Newark-Union City, our 2026 guide is a great place to start.
Here are 30+ free and cheap things to do with kids in Fremont-Newark-Union City this summer.
More Summer Fun in Fremont-Newark-Union City
- Get a free printable summer fun bucket list
- Find camps in our Summer Camp Guide
- See what’s happening this week on our Events Calendar
- Sign the kids up for VBS for free or cheap fun
Outdoor Adventures
- Visit a local park or playground for an easy afternoon outside.
- Take a hike, or try one of your family’s favorite walking spots.
- Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at enjoying the outdoors.
- Plan a Fremont-Newark-Union City playground tour and visit a few playgrounds and at least one new-to-you park. Check out the Parks and Playgrounds Guide for some great options.
- Explore a local labyrinth or two.
- Go birdwatching, bug hunting, or nature spotting.
- Take family photos at Shinn Park or Ardenwood Farm.
- Plan a trip to a U-Pick Farm. Check out our Guide to U-Pick Farms for some ideas.
Water Fun
- Cool off at a local splash pad, pool, or creek.
- Spend the day at a local beach.
- Skip rocks, search for shells, or look for beach glass at a local beach, creek, or shoreline.
- Take a sunset walk at Quarry Lakes or Coyote Hills.
- Set up backyard water play with sprinklers, buckets, or water balloons.
Free Events & Entertainment in Fremont-Newark-Union City
- Enjoy a free or cheap movie.
- Attend a free outdoor concert - check the event calendar.
- Watch an outdoor movie.
- Explore local festivals and fairs where admission is often free - check the event calendar.
- Browse local farmers markets and let kids pick one small treat or snack.
- Check for upcoming free museum days or family days.
- Browse our full list of family-friendly events in Fremont-Newark-Union City.
Quick win for this week: New free and cheap events are added all the time. Check the Macaroni KID Fremont-Newark-Union City calendar before the weekend so you don’t miss something easy, fun, and close to home.
Library & Learning Fun
- Visit local libraries for story times, special events, and air conditioning.
- Join the summer reading program at the local library.
- Check out museum passes, activity kits, or other free family resources from the local library.
- Attend a free craft, STEM, music, or performance event at a local library, museum, or community center.
- Make a weekly library visit to your favorite local library as part of your summer routine.
Cheap Places to Take Kids in Fremont-Newark-Union City
- Visit a low-cost museum, children’s museum, nature center, or discovery center.
- Try a discount day at a local attraction, museum, pool, or family fun spot.
- Go bowling, roller skating, or ice skating, play mini golf, go swimming, or play at a local indoor play place during a special deal time.
- Use a family membership to local museum, zoo, pool, garden, or attraction to make repeat visits cheaper. Check out our Guide to Annual Passes Your Family Will Love for some ideas.
- Plan a small treat outing to a local ice cream shop, donut shop, bakery, coffee shop, or favorite snack spot.
- Ride the Niles train, ferry, bus, carousel, or other local novelty kids would enjoy.
Before You Go
Prices, hours, deals, and free offerings can change, so it’s always smart to double-check details before heading out.
Don’t Lose This List!
Bookmark this page and check back throughout the summer. New free events, cheap activities, and family-friendly ideas pop up all season long in Fremont-Newark-Union City.
Better yet, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter so you don’t miss a thing this summer. We’re always adding new events, free activities, local guides, and family-friendly ideas for Fremont-Newark-Union City families.
