70 Free Things To Do in New York City With Kids (2023)
New York City is one of the most exciting cities in the world, with endless activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. However, keeping kids entertained in the city can be expensive. Fortunately, there are plenty of free activities to do with kids in New York City. From parks and playgrounds to museums and festivals, there’s no shortage of fun things to do that won’t break the bank. Here are 70 free things to do in New York City with kids:
70 Free Engagements For Kids in New York
Central Park
Take a stroll through the iconic Central Park and enjoy the many activities available, including free concerts, events, and playgrounds.
Bryant Park
Enjoy free activities such as chess, ping-pong, and carousel rides at this picturesque park.
High Line
This elevated park is a unique way to explore the city, with art installations, gardens, and stunning views.
Staten Island Ferry
Take a free ferry ride to Staten Island and enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline.
New York Public Library
Explore the beautiful interior and browse the extensive collection of books and resources.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Enjoy free admission on Tuesdays and Saturdays during certain times of the year to see the beautiful flowers and plants.
Museum of Modern Art
Free admission is available on Fridays from 4-8 pm.
Bronx Zoo
Free admission is available on Wednesdays.
American Museum of Natural History
Although the admission price is suggested, visitors can pay what they wish.
National Museum of the American Indian
Learn about the culture and history of Native Americans for free.
Staten Island Children’s Museum
Enjoy free admission on Wednesdays from 3-5 pm.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Free admission is available on Thursdays from 2-6 pm.
Queens County Farm Museum
Visit this working farm for free and enjoy the gardens, farm animals, and seasonal events.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Enjoy the waterfront views and free events such as movie screenings and concerts.
Governors Island
Take a free ferry ride to this island and enjoy the parks, bike paths, and events.
Coney Island
Take a trip to this iconic beach and enjoy the free boardwalk, amusement park, and fireworks.
Prospect Park
This expansive park offers free events, playgrounds, and scenic views.
The Cloisters
Visit this museum dedicated to medieval art and architecture for free on Fridays from 4-6 pm.
Socrates Sculpture Park
Enjoy free outdoor exhibitions and events at this waterfront park.
New York Hall of Science
Free admission is available on Fridays from 2-5 pm and Sundays from 10-11 am.
Children’s Museum of the Arts
Enjoy free admission on Thursdays from 4-6 pm.
Museum of the Moving Image
Free admission is available on Fridays from 4-8 pm.
The Museum at FIT
Learn about fashion history and design for free.
The Skyscraper Museum
Discover the history and design of skyscrapers for free.
The Hispanic Society of America Museum & Library
Visit this museum dedicated to the art and culture of Spain and Latin America for free.
The Morgan Library & Museum
Enjoy free admission on Fridays from 7-9 pm.
The Frick Collection
Visit this museum dedicated to European art and decorative arts for free on Sundays from 11 am to 1 pm.
The National Museum of Mathematics
Discover the fun side of math with free admission on Thursdays from 2-6 pm.
The New York Historical Society
Learn about the history of New York City and the United States for free on Fridays from 6-8 pm.
The Rubin Museum of Art
Visit this museum dedicated to Himalayan art for free on Fridays from 6-10 pm.
The Brooklyn Museum
Enjoy free admission on the first Saturday of every month from 5-11 pm.
The Whitney Museum of American Art
Free admission is available on Fridays from 7-10 pm.
The Guggenheim Museum
Pay what you wish on Saturdays from 5:45-7:45 pm.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Although the admission price is suggested, visitors can pay what they wish.
The Museum of the City of New York
Enjoy free admission on Sundays from 10 am to noon.
The New York Aquarium
Free admission is available on Wednesdays after 3 pm.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Take a free tour of the bank and learn about the economy and monetary policy.
The Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Enjoy stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.
Grand Central Terminal
Take a free self-guided audio tour of this iconic train station.
The New York City Fire Museum
Learn about the history of firefighting for free.
The Museum of American Finance
Learn about the history of American finance for free on Saturdays from 10 am to noon.
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum
Free admission is available on Tuesdays from 5-8 pm.
The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Enjoy free admission on Saturdays from 6-9 pm.
The New York Transit Museum
Learn about the history of public transportation in New York City for free on Wednesdays from 3-6 pm.
The Paley Center for Media
Visit this museum dedicated to television and radio for free.
The Sony Wonder Technology Lab
Explore the latest in technology and entertainment for free.
The Public Theater
Enjoy free Shakespeare in the Park performances during the summer.
The Lincoln Center
Enjoy free concerts and events throughout the year.
The Apollo Theater
Take a free tour of this historic theater and learn about its legendary performers.
The New York Philharmonic
Enjoy free concerts and events throughout the year.
The Brooklyn Academy of Music
Enjoy free concerts and events throughout the year.
The Jazz Standard
Enjoy free jazz performances on Sunday afternoons.
The Blue Note
Enjoy free jazz performances on Monday nights.
The Brooklyn Flea
Shop for unique and vintage items for free.
The Union Square Greenmarket
Sample local produce and baked goods for free.
The New York City Waterfalls
Enjoy the free public art installation of waterfalls throughout the city.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Watch the iconic parade for free.
The Times Square Ball Drop
Ring in the New Year with this free celebration.
The Lunar New Year Parade
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with this free parade.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Watch the parade for free on March 17th.
The New York City Marathon
Cheer on the runners for free along the route.
The Mermaid Parade
Watch the colorful parade in Coney Island for free.
The Halloween Parade
Watch the creative costumes and floats for free.
Central Park
Explore the park’s many attractions and natural beauty for free.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Enjoy stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline for free.
The High Line
Take a stroll along this elevated park for free.
The Staten Island Ferry
Take a free ride across New York Harbor for stunning views of the city skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
The Coney Island Boardwalk
Walk along the iconic boardwalk and enjoy free entertainment.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Enjoy free admission on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to noon.
The Queens Botanical Garden
Enjoy free admission on Wednesdays from 3-6 pm and Sundays from 9-11 am.
Conclusion
New York City can be an expensive destination, but there are plenty of free activities to enjoy with your kids. From world-class museums to beautiful parks and unique festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy without spending a dime. By planning your trip around these free activities, you can have an affordable and memorable family vacation in the Big Apple. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore all that New York City has to offer, without breaking the bank!
