New York probably doesn’t instantly strike most people as the most affordable or family-friendly city and while that is true to a certain extent, there are so many activities that are very affordable or even free.
To prove our point, we’re sharing 30 fun free things to do in NYC with kids. These are all family-friendly activities and we’ve got ideas for every season of the year.
Save this list for your next vacation or spring break with kids, you can thank us later 😉
1. Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is home to 30,000 natural history and cultural objects. It encourages hands-on learning so little ones can interact with the things they’re learning about. You can visit for free every Thursday from 2-6pm.
2. Staten Island Ferry
Board the Staten Island Ferry and enjoy a 25-minute boat ride along the Hudson River with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. There are both indoor and outdoor decks on the boat.
3. Playgrounds
NYC might be the concrete jungle, but it has no lack of incredible playgrounds all across the boroughs.
Here are some of the best playgrounds in NYC:
- Billy Johnson Playground in Central Park
- Pier 51 Playground on Hudson River Park
- Ancient Playground near the Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Nelson A. Rockefeller Park in Battery Park City
- Domino Park in Williamsburg
- Pelican Bay Playground in the Bronx
4. Jazz Concert
Catch some live jazz at Trinity Church on Wall Street, which also happens to be the oldest church in Manhattan. Before you go, read up on the fascinating history of the church where Alexander Hamilton is buried.
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5. Explore Central Park
Between 20+ playgrounds, grassy fields, hiking trails, ball fields, a zoo, and a boathouse, there are countless family-friendly activities in Central Park. Check out Central Park’s guide to the best spots for kid-friendly adventures.
6. Harry Potter Store
Harry Potter fans will love a trip to the Harry Potter store, where they’ll be transported to the magical world of Hogwarts. Although you need to wait in line to visit the store, there’s a virtual system so you can “get in line” without actually waiting.
7. Karma Kids Yoga
Introduce your little one to yoga at Karma Kids Yoga unique storytime which incorporates yoga poses. It’s great for kids of all ages and levels. It’s free on Wednesdays at 11:30am.
8. Bronx Zoo
Explore more than 6,000 species at the Bronx Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the United States! Admission is free every Wednesday.
9. Splash Pad
Cool off during the hot summer days at a splash pad or sprinkler park. It might seem silly in any place outside of New York City, but it’s such a common, fun, and free activity for city kids.
Here are some of the best splash pads in NYC:
- Pier 6 Water Lab at Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Chelsea Waterside Play Area in Chelsea
- Sweetwater Playground at Domino Park
- Heckscher Playground in Central Park
- Teardrop Park in Battery Park City
10. Governor’s Island
This carless island is a family-friendly oasis. There’s plenty of grass for running and playing and educational centers to explore. In the winter, there’s a Winter Village with an ice skating rink and winter activities.
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11. NYPL
Spend a morning or afternoon exploring the New York Public Library. From the famous lions on the front steps named Patience and Fortitude to the fascinating collection of treasures inside, there’s much to capture your little one’s attention here.
12. Rooftop Park
Have you checked out the new park on the rooftop of Pier 57? This park, sponsored by Google, is a great place to enjoy a picnic dinner and watch the sun set over the skyline. There’s also plenty of grass for running around and getting the last bits of energy out.
13. Hudson River Discovery Tank
Curious to learn about the Hudson River’s ecosystem? Check out the free gallery and classroom at Pier 57 where you can learn about the plants and creatures that live beneath the surface.
14. Little Island
Exploring Little Island Park is fun in itself with all of the interactive elements but there are also scheduled activities for all ages, including kid-friendly events. Check out the calendar of events which includes free concerts and guided tours through the island’s flora and fauna.
15. Movie at Bryant Park
Watch a movie under the stars at Bryant Park during the warm summer months. It’s a favorite New York tradition! Movies are on every Monday night and the lawn opens at 5pm for picnicking with the movie beginning at 8pm. There are plenty of family-friendly movies in the mix, check out the schedule of movies here.
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16. Federal Reserve
Take a peek inside the NY Federal Reserve with a free guided tour offered on Mondays through Fridays at 1pm and 2pm. You can make an advance reservation here.
17. FAO Schwarz
Even if you’re not buying anything, a visit to FAO Schwarz is always a good time. It’s the oldest toy store in the United States and has lots of fun stations to play. This is a great spot to go on a cold or rainy day.
18. National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian is a Smithsonian museum which houses over 12,000 artifacts. It documents the ways Native American Indians led innovation in the Americas. At the imagiNATIONS Activity Center, kids can explore scientific principles behind Native innovations and technologies that remain a part of our daily lives. Admission to the museum is always free.
19. Shakespeare in the Park
A highlight of the summer is Shakespeare in the Park, put on for free by community members in Central Park. It’s a must-see!
20. Take Care of NYC Parks
Lend a hand to maintaining and preserving the wonderful parks of NYC through the stewardship program, where volunteers can help with planting, harvesting, and propagating.
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21. Museum of Modern Art
Enjoy some modern art with your kids at the Museum of Modern Art. Admission is always free for kids under 16 and is free for adults on the first Friday of every month from 4-8pm. There’s a lot to do in the museum from exploring the permanent collection to checking out a special exhibition to watching a movie in the theater (which is included with admission).
22. Queens Botanical Garden
Get out in nature at the Queens Botanical Garden which covers nearly 40 acres of land. You’ll find many gardens to explore including a Fragrance Walk and a Busy Bee Garden. The garden does a fantastic job with educational programs around sustainability and the environment.
Admission is free every Wednesday between 3-6pm and Sundays between 9-11am. And the garden is always free to visit during the off season, between December and March.
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23. Central Park Belvedere Castle
What kid doesn’t dream of seeing a real-life castle?! You can do just that at Central Park’s Belvedere Castle. Even the interior is open to explore and climb to the upper levels, where you can sit on a throne and enjoy a magnificent view of the park.
24. Kayaking
Head to Pier 26 in Manhattan where you can rent free kayaks during the summertime and paddle around the Hudson River.
25. Beach Day
Spend the day at Rockaway Beach, where you can swim and play or enjoy the amazing playground kids can’t seem to get enough of. The beach is equipped with amenities like bathrooms, showers, and plenty of dining options if you opt to purchase food.
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26. Queens County Farm Museum
The Queens County Farm Museum is New York City’s largest piece of undisturbed farmland (celebrating 325 years this year!). The 47-acre farm is free to visit daily and guests can tend to the livestock, including hens, steer, alpacas, sheep, goats and pigs, and attend educational workshops. It’s fun for all ages!
27. Swimming Pool
Did you know NYC has free swimming pools (both indoor and outdoor)?
Here are some of the best free swimming pools:
- Astoria Park Pool in Queens
- Hamilton Fish Pool on the Lower East Side
- John Jay Pool on the Upper East Side
- Sunset Park Pool in Brooklyn
28. Story Time
Every weekend, Brooklyn-based bookstore Books Are Magic, hosts story times for kids. It’s a great way for your kids to meet the authors of their favorite books. Readings are every Saturday and Sunday at 11am. You can check out the full schedule of upcoming authors and readings here.
29. Sports Program
Is your kid wanting to get into sports? Check out New York City’s free youth sports programs for ages 8 and up, which include baseball/softball, basketball, football, golf, street hockey, track, tennis, and more.
30. Hike
Get out in nature and go for a hike! There are some great opportunities for hiking super close to NYC. Some family-friendly spots are Bronx River Greenway and Inwood Hill Park.
That wraps up our list of 30 free things to do in NYC with kids. Have you tried any of these? What would you add to this list?