Give us feedback

Choose your city

Not in NYC? Change city

GUIDE

Free Things to Do with Kids in NYC

Free family fun, no tickets required

🎯 Filters 3 53 listings

Find your thing

53listings
1

Whenpick one

Open / on now7Today8Tomorrow9This weekend12📅 Pick dates
2

Whereall areas · up to 3

New York City86📍 ManhattanBrooklyn30📍 QueensBronx7Staten Island6Lower New York33📍 Long IslandWestchester & Rockland12Lower Connecticut10New Jersey11

That's 3 areas, the max. Tap one to swap it.

3

Whatpick as many as you like

🎨 Arts & culture1🍕 Food & giveaways2🎶 Music & nightlife1🌳 Outdoors1🧘 Fitness & wellness1🧸 Family & kids39🥕 Farmers markets1🖌️ Painting & crafts1🧺 Markets & pop-ups6
4

Costpick any

FreePaid
＋ More: who's going · indoor / outdoor · access ▾

Who's goingpick one

🧸 Kids53👨‍👩‍👧 Family (all ages)53

Indoor / outdoor

🌤️ Outdoor21

Access

🚇 Transit directions1
Clear all
FreePaid
Queens ×Manhattan ×Long Island ×Clear all

Free things to do with kids in NYC: story times, family days, parades, park programs and kid-friendly pop-ups. We only list events we’ve checked on the organizer’s own site, and the list updates itself as new ones are added.

130 verified listings right now. Updated automatically.

Happening now
Every Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat · 8 AM–6 PM
45°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 23, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · kid-friendly · repeats, so you can go another time · at Union Square, 17th St between Broadway & Park Ave South, Manhattan · official listing on grownyc.org · checked Oct 23
Farmers markets

Union Square Greenmarket

📍 Union Square, 17th St between Broadway & Park Ave South · Union Square, Manhattan
Free to walk in · produce is paid
Happening now
SAT, NOV 14 · 8 AM–10 PM
45°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · registration required · kid-friendly · at The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village, Bryant Park, Manhattan · official listing on bryantpark.org · checked Oct 30
Fitness & wellness

The Rink at Bryant Park (free-admission ice skating)

📍 The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village, Bryant Park · Midtown, Manhattan
Free admission with your own skates (book a free timed slot online; released a week ahead)
Happening now
SAT, NOV 14 · 10 AM–6 PM
45°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 14, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at New York Transit Museum Grand Central Gallery, Manhattan · official listing on grandcentralterminal.com · checked Nov 14
Family & kids

New York Transit Museum Holiday Train Show

📍 New York Transit Museum Grand Central Gallery · Midtown, Manhattan
Free
Happening now
Daily · 11 AM–10 PM
45°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · kid-friendly · repeats, so you can go another time · at Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, 65 Bayard St, Manhattan · official listing on chinatownicecreamfactory.com · checked Oct 26
Food & giveaways

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

📍 Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, 65 Bayard St · Chinatown, Manhattan
Free to walk in; scoops priced in store
Happening now
Daily · 11 AM–6 PM
45°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · kid-friendly · repeats, so you can go another time · at Economy Candy, 108 Rivington St, Manhattan · official listing on economycandy.com · checked Oct 26
Food & giveaways

Economy Candy: old-school candy store since 1937

📍 Economy Candy, 108 Rivington St · Lower East Side, Manhattan
Free to walk in; candy priced in store
Happening now
SAT, NOV 14 · 11 AM–8 PM
45°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · kid-friendly · at Union Square Park (south end), Manhattan · official listing on urbanspacemarkets.com · checked Oct 29
Markets & pop-ups

Union Square Holiday Market

📍 Union Square Park (south end) · Union Square, Manhattan
Free to enter; items for sale
Happening now
SAT, NOV 14 · 11 AM–7 PM
45°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 4, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at 182 Lafayette Street, Manhattan · official listing on gruns.co · checked Nov 4
Markets & pop-ups

Grünsgiving

📍 182 Lafayette Street · 182 Lafayette Street, New York, USA, Manhattan
Free
Starts in 1h 3m
SAT, NOV 14 · 6:30 PM–8 PM
45°F · Mostly Cloudy
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Morse Hall, The Juilliard School, Manhattan · official listing on juilliard.edu · checked Oct 30
Music & nightlife

Juilliard MAP Open Recital (free)

📍 Morse Hall, The Juilliard School · Lincoln Square, Manhattan
Free; no tickets required
Starts in 15h 33m
Every Sun · 9 AM–11 AM
46°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · repeats, so you can go another time · at The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village, Manhattan · official listing on bryantpark.org · checked Nov 5
Family & kids

Bryant Park sensory quiet skate mornings (Sundays)

📍 The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village · Midtown, Manhattan
Free · registration required · Free admission with your own skates (timed reservation required). Music off 9–11 AM Sundays Nov 1–22.
Starts in 16h 33m
SUN, NOV 15 · 10 AM–1 PM
48°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at National Museum of Mathematics, Manhattan · official listing on momath.org · checked Nov 7
Family & kids

MoMath Free Play Sunday morning

📍 National Museum of Mathematics · Flatiron, Manhattan
Free · registration required · Free general admission; register all attendees; first-come, first-served once capacity is reached
Starts in 18h 3m
SUN, NOV 15 · 11:30 AM–1 PM
50°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 1, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Queens Museum, New York City Building, Queens · official listing on queensmuseum.org · checked Nov 1
Arts & culture

ArtAccess Museum Explorers for Children with Disabilities

📍 Queens Museum, New York City Building · Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
Free ArtAccess program; RSVP recommended on the dated listing. Register in advance to arrange participation.
Starts in 1d 22h
MON, NOV 16 · 3:30 PM–4:30 PM
52°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 6, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at 58th Street Library, Manhattan · official listing on nypl.org · checked Nov 6
Family & kids

STEAM Time: Air-Dry Clay Cornucopia at 58th Street Library

📍 58th Street Library · Midtown East, Manhattan
Free · registration required · Free walk-up craft for ages 5–12; limited seats, arrive early
Starts in 2d 22h
TUE, NOV 17 · 3:30 PM–4:30 PM
56°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at St. Agnes Library, Manhattan · official listing on nypl.org · checked Nov 5
Painting & crafts

Perler Bead Art at St. Agnes Library

📍 St. Agnes Library · Upper West Side, Manhattan
Free
Starts in 2d 23h
TUE, NOV 17 · 5 PM–8 PM
54°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 28, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at West 125th Street, Manhattan · official listing on neighbors.columbia.edu · checked Oct 28
Family & kids

Harlem Holiday Lights

📍 West 125th Street · Harlem, Manhattan
Free
Starts in 4d 23h
Every Thu · 5 PM–6 PM
60°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 4, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · repeats, so you can go another time · at The Shops at Columbus Circle, Manhattan · official listing on theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com · checked Nov 4
Markets & pop-ups

Broadway Under The Stars

📍 The Shops at Columbus Circle · The Shops at Columbus Circle, New York, USA, Manhattan
Free
Starts in 5d 17h
FRI, NOV 20 · 11 AM–6 PM
59°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 13, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at The Paris Theater, Manhattan · official listing on paristheaternyc.com · checked Nov 13
Markets & pop-ups

New Beverly Cinema 1977 @ Paris Theatre

📍 The Paris Theater · 4 West 58th Street, New York, NY 10019, Manhattan
Free
Starts in 5d 20h
Every Fri · 2 PM–5 PM
62°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 1, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · repeats, so you can go another time · at New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), Queens · official listing on nysci.org · checked Nov 1
Family & kids

NYSCI Free Community Hours (Fridays)

📍 New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) · Corona, Queens
Free · registration required · Free; reserve tickets from 10 AM the same day
Starts in 6d 19h
SAT, NOV 21 · 1 PM–2:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Baisley Pond Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 2
Outdoors

Beginner Fishing at Baisley Pond Park

📍 Baisley Pond Park, Queens
Free
Starts in 6d 19h
SAT, NOV 21 · 1 PM–3 PM
✓ Verified Nov 9, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Guild Hall, 158 Main Street, Long Island · official listing on guildhall.org · checked Nov 9
Family & kids

Family Day at Guild Hall

📍 Guild Hall, 158 Main Street · East Hampton, Long Island
Free; drop-ins welcome
Starts in 6d 23h
SAT, NOV 21 · 5 PM–7 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Queens Center mall, Level 3, Queens · official listing on shopqueenscenter.com · checked Oct 26
Family & kids

Queens Center 'Let It Glow' Tree Lighting

📍 Queens Center mall, Level 3 · Elmhurst, Queens
Free
Starts in 1w 0d
SUN, NOV 22 · 5 PM–7 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Patchogue River, Long Island · official listing on patchogueboatparade.org · checked Oct 26
Family & kids

Patchogue Holiday Boat Parade (30th)

📍 Patchogue River · Patchogue, Long Island
Free
Starts in 1w 1d
MON, NOV 23 · 3 PM–4:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 6, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Epiphany Library, 3rd floor program room, Manhattan · official listing on nypl.org · checked Nov 6
Family & kids

After School STEAM: Perler Bead Pixel Art at Epiphany Library

📍 Epiphany Library, 3rd floor program room · Gramercy, Manhattan
Free · registration required · Free; first come, first served; limited to 12 participants
Starts in 1w 3d
WED, NOV 25 · 11 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Nov 11, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Inwood Hill Nature Center, Manhattan · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 11
Family & kids

Ranger Tot Time at Inwood Hill Nature Center

📍 Inwood Hill Nature Center · Inwood, Manhattan
Free
Starts in 1w 3d
WED, NOV 25 · FROM 12 PM
✓ Verified Nov 8, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Streets around the American Museum of Natural History, Manhattan · official listing on macys.com · checked Nov 8
Family & kids

Macy's Balloon Inflation

📍 Streets around the American Museum of Natural History · Upper West Side, Manhattan
Free
Starts in 1w 4d
THU, NOV 26 · 8:30 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Central Park West to Macy's Herald Square, Manhattan · official listing on macysinc.com · checked Oct 26
Family & kids

100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

📍 Central Park West to Macy's Herald Square · Upper West Side to Herald Square, Manhattan
Free to watch from public viewing areas
Starts in 1w 5d
FRI, NOV 27 · 3 PM–6 PM
✓ Verified Nov 10, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Southold Historical Museum, Maple Lane Campus, 55200 Main Ro, Long Island · official listing on southoldhistorical.org · checked Nov 10
Family & kids

Candlelight Tour and Tree Lighting at Southold Historical Museum

📍 Southold Historical Museum, Maple Lane Campus, 55200 Main Road · Southold, Long Island
Free admission; optional donations; refreshments sold separately
Starts in 1w 6d
FRI, NOV 27 · 7 PM–8 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Village Park, Long Island · official listing on longislandplaybook.com · checked Oct 26
Family & kids

Northport Village Christmas Tree Lighting

📍 Village Park · Northport, Long Island
Free
Starts in 1w 6d
SAT, NOV 28 · 5 PM–8 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Mary Jane Davies Green, Long Island · official listing on north-hempstead.com · checked Oct 26
Family & kids

Manhasset Holiday Lighting Ceremony

📍 Mary Jane Davies Green · Manhasset, Long Island
Free
Starts in 2w 2d
MON, NOV 30 · 6 PM–7 PM
✓ Verified Nov 3, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Online via Zoom, Long Island · official listing on ccesuffolk.org · checked Nov 3
Family & kids

Managing Family Stress During the Holidays

📍 Online via Zoom · Suffolk County (online), Long Island
Free; Zoom registration required.
Starts in 2w 2d
TUE, DEC 1 · 11 AM–7 PM
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free to enter · kid-friendly · at Columbus Circle (Central Park entrance), Manhattan · official listing on urbanspacemarkets.com · checked Oct 30
Markets & pop-ups

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

📍 Columbus Circle (Central Park entrance) · Columbus Circle, Manhattan
Free to enter and browse; vendor gifts and food are extra
Starts in 2w 4d
WED, DEC 2 · 6 PM–7:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Springfield Park, 184th St & 146th Rd, Queens · official listing on volunteersforspringfieldpark.org · checked Oct 26
Family & kids

Springfield Park Christmas Tree Lighting

📍 Springfield Park, 184th St & 146th Rd · Springfield Gardens, Queens
Free
Starts in 2w 4d
THU, DEC 3 · 3:30 PM–6:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · seasonal special · at New York Stock Exchange, Manhattan · official listing on nyse.com · checked Oct 25
Family & kids

NYSE Tree Lighting

📍 New York Stock Exchange · Financial District, Manhattan
Free and open to the public.
Starts in 2w 6d
SAT, DEC 5 · 4:30 PM–6 PM
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · at West Harlem Piers, Manhattan · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 25
Family & kids

Holiday on the Hudson tree lighting

📍 West Harlem Piers · West Harlem, Manhattan
Free
Starts in 3w 0d
SUN, DEC 6 · 3 PM–5 PM
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Astoria Park Great Lawn, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 25
Family & kids

Astoria Park holiday festival & tree lighting

📍 Astoria Park Great Lawn · Astoria, Queens
Free
Starts in 3w 0d
SUN, DEC 6 · 3:30 PM–6:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Main Street, Long Island · official listing on chamberofcommerceofgreaterbayshore.com · checked Oct 26
Family & kids

Bay Shore Holiday Spectacular & Tree Lighting

📍 Main Street · Bay Shore, Long Island
Free
Starts in 3w 0d
SUN, DEC 6 · 4 PM–5:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Argyle Park, Long Island · official listing on longislandplaybook.com · checked Oct 26
Family & kids

Tree Lighting at Argyle Park

📍 Argyle Park · Babylon, Long Island
Free
Starts in 3w 1d
SUN, DEC 6 · 6:30 PM–7:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Brick Presbyterian Church, Manhattan · official listing on brickchurch.org · checked Nov 5
Family & kids

Park Avenue Tree Lighting at Brick Church

📍 Brick Presbyterian Church · Upper East Side, Manhattan
Free
Starts in 3w 5d
THU, DEC 10 · 7 PM–9 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Long Island Museum, Carriage Museum Gillespie Room, 1200 Rou, Long Island · official listing on longislandmuseum.org · checked Nov 7
Family & kids

Free Screening: The Muppet Christmas Carol

📍 Long Island Museum, Carriage Museum Gillespie Room, 1200 Route 25A · Stony Brook, Long Island
Free screening; advance registration requested; space limited

Questions

How many listings are in this guide?

130 verified listings right now. Updated automatically.

How are these listings checked?

Every listing links to the organizer's own page: the venue, the city agency or park, or the official ticket or RSVP page. We don't copy listings from other event sites.

Related guides