Free Kid and Family Activities in NYC: 10 Free Things to do this Week
When those lists come out of the most expensive cities to live in, New York City is always on the list, which can all feel a bit crazy. Rent is how much? That sandwich is $20?! With the cost of living increasing, many parents must be more frugal than ever.
But, hey, we aren’t bashing our city; we love it, and what we love most about it is that while expensive, it is one of the best cities that embraces community and offers so many free things for kids and families.
We always feature events on NYF, and you can find many on our calendar of events, but we are now sharing every week ten things you can do for FREE for the week ahead throughout the five boroughs.
Psst…Social Media and Kids Safety: An App-By-App Breakdown of Safety Measures
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Free Family Events 7/5/24 – 7/11/24
Northeastern Native Beading Workshop Join the North American Indigenous Center of New York (NAIC-NY) to explore the impactful work they do across the Northeast. Dive into the rich traditions and cultural practices of indigenous communities by participating in a Contemporary Native American Beading workshop. Through this hands-on experience, you will not only learn intricate beading techniques but also gain insights into the broader mission of NAIC-NY, which focuses on Indigenous empowerment, cultural continuance, and intersectional equity. Friday, July 5, 11 am – 3 pm. All ages. Starlight Park, 1490 Sheridan Blvd., Longwood, Bronx
Big Umbrella Day The Big Umbrella Festival centers audiences by sharing unique approaches to multi-sensory, interactive, and engaging artistic experiences, designed with and for neurodiverse audiences. The celebrated Festival features relaxed spaces with multi-sensory experiences, performances, installations, and workshops specifically welcoming neurodivergent audiences and their families. Saturday, July 6, 11 am – 7 pm. All ages. Lincoln Center, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side, Manhattan.
Tot Time Tuesdays. Enjoy exploring nature topics during this toddler program through crafts and activities. There is a story time at 10:30am, followed by a short, approximately 15-minute, guided hike at 11am. Tuesday, July 9, 10 – 11:30 am. Ages 2-5. Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, 2351 Veterans Rd. West, Charleston, Staten Island.
Youth Basketball Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy offers free basketball clinics for kids led by KING Hoops, NYC’s premier youth basketball organization. Kids will learn basketball basics as head coaches lead participants through drills and games. Tuesdays, 5 – 7 pm, through July 23. Ages 4-17. Advanced registration required. Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 2, 150 Furman St., DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn.
Wednesday Bronx Zoo Did you know that you can visit the world famous Bronx Zoo for free on Wednesdays? Tickets must be reserved in advance and are available at 5pm the Monday before with a maximum of four tickets per family. Wednesdays, 10 am – 4:30 pm. All ages. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx Park South, Bronx.
GROOVE NYC – Dance for Kids Socrates hosts GROOVE NYC dance sessions to give kids permission to move without judgment! Engage expression through dance and music while supporting social-emotional learning. Co-facilitated by Maria Gutierrez and GROOVE college interns. July 10, Wednesdays, 11 am – 12 pm, through Aug. 14. Ages 5-10. Socrates Sculpture Park, 35-01 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City, Queens.
34th Ave Open Streets: Prints & Poems Lewis Latimer was an innovator, inventor, and expert draftsman, but did you know he was also a poet? Get inspired from Latimer’s vibrant poetry to create your own foam stamps and print them on paper to create postcards. Wednesday, July 10, 3 – 7 pm. All ages. 34th Ave Open Streets, 93-11 34th Ave., Jackson Heights, Queens.
Family Friendly Roof Time Have some outdoor family fun on a shaded rooftop play space and hang out with fellow parents as your children play in the sprinklers. Wednesdays, July 10-24, 4 – 7 pm. Ages 2-5. 14th Street Y, 344 E 14th St, East Village, Manhattan.
Summer at the Library: Amazing World of Animals. Join the staff of the New Canaan Nature Center and meet a variety of live animals and get an up-close look at what makes them all so amazing! You’ll also look at some animal artifacts to help better understand the awesome adaptations these creatures possess. Thursday, July 11, 11 am – 12 pm. Ages 4 and older. New Dorp Library, 309 New Dorp Lane, New Dorp, Staten Island.
Nature Exploration: Lake Appreciation Learn about Prospect Park’s aquatic environment and observe underwater invertebrates up close using magnifying glasses. Thursday, July 11, 12 – 4 pm. All ages. Prospect Park Audubon Center, 101 East Drive, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn.
Psst…Check out our New York City Summer Bucket List for Families and Kids 2024
