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.
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Free Family Events 9/06/24 – 9/12/24
Movies Under The Stars: Rock Dog 3: Battle The Beat Grab a blanket and your favorite snacks and settle in for a screening of this animated tale that will have the whole family dancing! Friday, Sept. 6, 7:45 – 10:15 pm. All ages. Melrose Commons Park, 425 E 162nd St., the Melrose section of The Bronx.
Glendale Kiwanis Community Day This event will have music by the NYPD Band, food, games, prizes, face painting, drawstring backpacks and school supplies giveaways (one per person while supplies last), and more including a dance performance by Queens Dance Academy and demonstrations by Tiger Schulmann’s Karate. Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 am – 4 pm. All ages. The Shops at Atlas Park, 8000 Cooper Avenue, Glendale, Queens
NYFW Pop-Up Momcozy Lounge Heading to New York Fashion Week? Take a break with Momcozy, the global brand that champions moms everywhere, for a little self-care. The Momcozy Lounge will offer an atmosphere to relax and rejuvenate with spaces for breastfeeding, and gives you the opportunity to get a first look at Momcozy’s latest innovations. Additionally, maternity professionals will be in the space to offer any questions and guidance about motherhood. Sept. 7-11, Saturday and Sundays, 11 am – 7 pm; Monday, 11 am – 5 pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 am – 7 pm. Momcozy Lounge, 42 Grand St., Soho, Manhattan
Book Launch Bash! with Jessie Janowitz Join this celebration of the new middle-grade book “All the Ways to Go,” by Jessie Janowitz. There will be treats and swag and books and games. Saturday, Sept. 7, 12 – 1 pm. Ages 8-12. Mcnally Jackson Seaport, 4 Fulton St., Downtown Manhattan
KerboomKidz This dance fitness program promotes movement and mental health! Kids will learn the importance of staying active, eating healthy, and being kind to themselves and to their peers. Sunday, Sept. 8, 10 – 11 am. All ages. Buz O’ Rourke Playground, 33rd Road and 214th Place, Bayside, Queens.
28th Annual Central American Parade and Cultural Festival This annual event will be filled with vibrant colors, delicious food, lively music, and traditional dances celebrating the rich culture of Central America. Sunday, Sept. 8, 10 am – 6 pm. All ages. Begins at Happy Land Memorial Monument, 1976 Crotona Parkway, Bronx Park South
Fall Harvest Festival Kick off the fall season with inflatables, face painting, balloon art, Rosh Hashanah & fall crafts, photo ops, giveaways, and more! Sunday, Sept. 8, 11 am – 2 pm. All ages. Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC, 1466 Manor Road, Mid-Island, Staten Island.
NYC Emergency Management Family Preparedness Day. The NYC Office of Emergency Management is hosting a day to assist families in planning for rare but devastating events. Several government and community agencies and first responders will have booths with giveaways and information. Special guest, Ready Girl, will make an appearance and lead a dramatic activity for kids. Come to explore the exhibits, make crafts, and gather helpful supplies and information. Sunday, Sept. 8, 11 am – 3 pm. All ages. Advanced registration required. Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terr. Mid-Island, Staten Island.
DTBK Presents: Ping-Pong with The Push Show off your backspin while DJ Mike Doelo and The Push keep the music going. Sept. 10-24, Tuesdays, 4:30 – 6:30 pm. All ages. Registration required. Brooklyn Commons Park, Outside of 100 Myrtle Ave., Downtown Brooklyn
Fishing Frenzy You’ll have a reel good time learning the ins and outs of fishing, fish identification, angling ethics, and aquatic ecology. All supplies, including rods and bait will be provided. Sept. 11-18, Wednesdays, 3-3:450 pm, 4-4:45 pm, and 5-5:45pm. All ages. Registration required. Shirley Chisholm State Park Penn Pier, 1750 Pennsylvania Ave. East New York, Brooklyn
