Free Things to Do with a Toddler
No-cost toddler activities and free events across the Mount Diablo area.
Updated October 5, 2026
This week: Oct 5–12 · Next week: Oct 12–19
This week's weather · It's a dry week ahead — perfect for mixing in an outdoor farmers market or car show alongside your library visits.
There's so much to do with a little one around here without spending a dime — and with dry, pleasant weather this week, it's a great time to get out and explore. Libraries, outdoor markets, and community spaces across Contra Costa County make it easy.
This week
This week is full of sweet free options for toddlers across the area. Kick things off Tuesday with the Fratello Marionettes: Spooktacular Show at Pleasant Hill Library — a fun Halloween-themed puppet show that little ones will love — or browse the Concord Farmers' Market together for a low-key outing. Wednesday is especially rich: Toddler Yoga at Orinda Library is a gentle, playful way to spend a morning, and I Heart Toddler Art at Pleasant Hill Library is perfect for little hands that love to create. If you're up for something different Thursday, the Downtown Martinez Car Show is a free outdoor event that tends to delight toddlers who are into trucks and shiny things, and Toddler Storytime & Play at Walnut Creek Library is a cozy, classic pick.
Fratello Marionettes: Spooktacular Show
OutdoorConcord Farmers' Market
Toddler Yoga
I Heart Toddler Art
Downtown Martinez Car Show
Toddler Storytime & Play
Next week
Next week brings more great free options to look forward to. NorCal Bats at Pleasant Hill Library on Tuesday is a uniquely fun (and seasonally spooky!) program that curious toddlers will find fascinating, and the Concord Farmers' Market returns Tuesday for another easy, free outing. Wednesday, Sing Me a Storytime at Lafayette Library and I Heart Toddler Art at Pleasant Hill Library are both wonderful mid-week picks for little ones. Come Saturday, the Halloween Costume Booo-tique at Concord Library sounds like a blast, and the Martinez Library Storytime is a reliable, welcoming option to round out the week.
NorCal Bats
OutdoorConcord Farmers' Market
Sing Me a Storytime
I Heart Toddler Art
Halloween Costume Booo-tique
Martinez Library Storytime
Coming up
Goblin's Grocery List Hidden Image Search
The Library Wellness Team
OutdoorConcord Farmers' Market
Halloween Costume Booo-tique
Baybayin (Filipino Calligraphy) Workshop
Eskrima (Filipino Martial Arts) Workshop
All-Ages Storytime
Sing Me a Storytime
Tips
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Are these events really free?
Yes — all the library programs and farmers markets listed here are free to attend. No registration required for most drop-in storytimes, but check the library's website to be sure.
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What's the best day for toddler-specific programming?
Wednesday and Thursday are packed with toddler and preschool storytimes across multiple libraries — great if you want to make it a regular outing.
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Can I bring a stroller?
Most library story rooms and farmers markets are stroller-friendly. Call ahead if you're unsure about space at a specific library branch.
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How do I find out if a program is canceled?
Check the Contra Costa County Library website or call your local branch before heading out — occasional breaks or holidays can affect the schedule.
More ideas
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