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 7/19/24 – 7/25/24
Summer of Science: It’s Out of this World. Explore the wonders of the universe with interactive activities and hands-on experiments that make science come alive. Saturday, July 20, 11 am – 12:30 pm. Ages 6-12. Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave., Lighthouse Hill, Staten Island.
Mother’s Stop and Taste the Frosting Summer Tour Mother’s Cookies is taking the load off parents and helping families celebrate the end of the school season with its first-ever Stop and Taste the Frosting Summer Tour. Families can interact with this one-of-a-kind mobile frosted fun house, filled with games, prizes and photo-worthy moments. Saturday, July 20, 11 am – 5 pm. All ages. Luna Park, 1000 Surf Ave., Coney Island, Brooklyn
Toys“R”Us Play Day Geoffrey the Giraffe will host a play celebration for families where all attendees will receive a paper crown, a toy tambourine and will join in his “Parade of Play” march into the Toys“R”Us inside of Macy’s. The fun will continue in-store with play stations and family friendly activities including Hasbro games, printables for coloring, a Meet & Greet with Geoffrey and more! Saturday, July 20, 12 – 2 pm. All ages. Queens Center, 90-15 Queens Blvd. Elmhurst, Queens.
Block Party at The Boulevard. Enjoy the Bounce House and 360 Photo Booth along with a Street Fair featuring retailer & restaurant prizes & giveaways, carnival games, entertainment by Feel the Beat DJ Entertainment Group, dunk tank & cooling off tent with popsicles & More! Saturday, July 20, 12-4pm. All ages. The Boulevard, 1 Beach Ave., New Dorp, Staten Island.
Harry Potter New York National Ice Cream Day To celebrate National Ice Cream Day, The Harry Potter New York flagship store is treating wizards and muggles to FREE Butterbeer ice cream while supplies last. Sunday, July 21, 12 – 3 pm. All ages. Harry Potter New York, 935 Broadway, Flatiron District, Manhattan.
The Story Garden at Bronx River Community Garden Wilde Flowers & Books will host author Cheryl Kim for a special read-aloud, and giveaway copies of her new picture book “Wat Takes His Shot: The Life & Legacy of Basketball Hero Wataru Misaka” for free. Q+A and group activity to follow the public reading. Sunday, July 21, 12 – 1:30 pm. Ages 6-12. Bronx River Community Garden, 1086 East 180th St., Crotona Park East, Bronx
Summer Series at Atlantic Terminal: Summer Salsa Nights Live music by the Cuarteto Guataca will provide the perfect backdrop for salsa savants and beginners alike to learn steps taught by dance teacher and choreographer, Marlon International. Wednesday, July 24, 5 – 8 pm. All ages. Atlantic Terminal Mall, 139 Flatbush Ave., Downtown Brooklyn
Summer Kids: The Blue Bus Project Recycled Art Workshop Children work with recycled and upcycled materials to bring attention to the issues of “wasters” and the transformational power of the imagination, turning ‘trash’ into a material that is ripe for creativity. Thursday, July 25, 10 am – 12pm. All ages. Gantry Plaza State Park, Center Boulevard at 48th Avenue, Long Island City, Queens.
NYC Parks Presents: Kids Paint Party Join the NYC Parks Playmobile for a paint party event with activities that will include creative art, finger painting, and much more. Thursday, July 25, 3 – 5 pm. All ages. Willis Playground, 388 E 141st St., Mott Haven, Bronx.
Double Dutch Learn the fundamentals of street-style and competitive jump rope with The Double Dutch Aunties. Thursdays, 6 – 7 pm. All ages. Garibaldi Plaza in Washington Square Park, Washington Square E., Greenwich Village, Manhattan.
Psst…Check out our New York City Summer Bucket List for Families and Kids 2024
