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
Free Screening of “Elemental! Enjoy the sounds of a live DJ, carnival games, photo booth, a screening of the Pixar hit Elemental and more. Friday, July 12, 6:30 pm. All ages. Bronx Terminal Market, 610 Exterior Street, the Melrose section of the Bronx
Movies Under the Stars: Blue Beetle. Grab a blanket and settle in for this film based on the DC Comics character. Rated PG-13. Friday, July 12, 9:15 – 11 pm., Arrochar Playground, Sand La., Major Ave. and Mcfarland Ave., Arrochar, Staten Island
Brooklyn Book Bodega Book Giveaway Pick up free books and partake in activities for the whole family. Saturdays, 9 am – 3 pm through November 9. All ages. East New York Farms, 613 New Lots Ave., East New York, Brooklyn
Citypark’s PuppetMobile Presents Cinderella Samba. Join NYC Parks and the Cityparks PuppetMobile for Cinderella Samba! The lively production features an original musical soundtrack that brings samba center-stage; handcrafted Carnaval festival floats on parade; and one-of-a-kind marionettes donning their most vibrant celebration costumes. Saturday, July 13, 11 – 11:30 am. All ages. Austin J. McDonald Playground, Forest Ave., Myrtle Ave., Broadway, N. Burgher Ave., West New Brighton, Staten Island.
Free admission to Queens Botanical Garden Visit the magnificent Queens Botanical Garden every Sunday from 9-11am and Wednesdays from 3-6pm. Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Street, Flushing, Queens.
Flatbush Avenue Street Fair This street fair has a Caribbean flair with food, rides, music, and shopping. Sunday, July 14, 12 – 6 pm. All ages. Flatbush Avenue Street Fair, Flatbush Avenue from Parkside Ave. to Cortelyou Road, Flatbush, Brooklyn
Paw Play Days at Hudson Yards with REÁL MESA and Mercado Little Spain Don’t miss out on pre-sunset activities for you and your dog with a photo booth, pet portraits, treats, giveaways and free samples, followed by pup-cups and beverage specials on the patio at Mercado Little Spain. Monday, July 15, 6 – 8 pm. All ages. Backyard at Hudson Yards, Public Square & Gardens, 20 Hudson Yards, Chelsea, Manhattan.
MoMA Summer Storytime Join the Museum for a dynamic story time and listen to artful tales that get children thinking, talking, moving, and creating. Each week explore a new story and activities to make connections to MoMA’s artwork. To obtain your free admission, enter at the Cullman Education Building (4 W 54th Street) and check in at the reception desk beginning at 10:15 a.m. on the day of the program. Wednesdays, 10:30 – 11 am, through Aug. 21. Ages 2 and older. Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53rd Street, Midtown Manhattan
Chalk It Out with Kelize Come out for an afternoon of chalk art and games. Wednesday, July 17, 2 – 4 pm. All ages. Poe Park Visitor Center in Poe Park, 2640 Grand Concourse, Fordham section of the Bronx.
Tot Time! Learn about a different nature theme each week with a craft and guided storytime! Thursday, July 18, 25, 10 – 11 am. Ages 2-5. Gantry Plaza State Park, Center Boulevard at 48th Avenue, Long Island City, Queens.
Psst…Check out our New York City Summer Bucket List for Families and Kids 2024
