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…Check out 25 Fun Events to Keep Your Kids Busy This Winter Break in NYC
Free Family Events for the Week of 12/27-1/2
Sensory Perception Hike for Kids Take a walk through the winter forest and experience the different ways to connect to the park using your senses. Friday, Dec. 27, 1 – 2 pm. All ages. Picnic House in Prospect Park, 40 West Drive, Park Slope, Brooklyn
Kids Create: Make Your Own Kinari Celebrate Kwanzaa with a fun popsicle stick Kinari craft. Saturday, Dec. 28, 2 – 3 pm. All ages. Cortelyou Library, 1305 Cortelyou Road, Flatbush, Brooklyn
Urban Wildlife Hike Learn about the diverse wildlife found in New York City’s parks and the best ways for people and animals to coexist, including the many benefits of having so many animals in our city! Saturday, Dec. 28, 1 – 2 pm. All ages. Captain Tilly Park, Chapin Parkway and 85th Ave., Jamaica, Queens
Nature Puppet Show for Kids The Urban Park Rangers welcome you for some nature-themed puppet shows! Learn more about animals that can be found in the local parks. Monday, Dec. 30, 1 – 2:30 pm. All ages. Crotona Nature Center in Crotona Park, 1702 Crotona Ave. City Island, Bronx
Port Richmond’s Annual Menorah Lighting This annual Menorah Lighting will be held in front of Staten Island’s Oldest Temple offering hot chocolate and traditional donuts. Monday, Dec. 30, 6 – 7:45 pm. All ages. Temple Emanu-El, 984 Post Ave., Port Richmond, Staten Island.
STARSCAPE This immersive light installation allows guests to experience the longest night of the year in a multi-sensory environment featuring a world of bright constellations and glowing embers. Tuesdays – Sundays, through Jan. 12; see website for exact schedule. Ages 5 and older. Genesis House, 40A 10th Ave., Meatpacking District, Manhattan
Family Storytime: Noon Year’s Eve Storytime Ring in the New Year early with a fun-filled storytime, craft, and, when the clock strikes NOON, a balloon drop! Tuesday, Dec. 31, 11 am – 12 pm. Ages 2-12. Charleston Library, 225 Bricktown Way, Charleston, Staten Island
New Year’s Day Super Hike Kick off 2025 in a healthy way with a guided walk in the winter air. Wednesday, Jan. 1, 11 am – 1 pm. All ages. Central Park, entrance at West 100 St. and Central Park West, Upper West Side, Manhattan
Menorah Lighting at Bay Plaza Mall Join the community for the lighting of the menorah on the last night of Chanukah. Wednesday, Jan. 1, 5 pm. All ages. The Mall at Bay Plaza, 200 Baychester Ave., Co-op City, Bronx
Science Everywhere Science is all around us! Children are invited to explore the world through hands-on activities, experiments, stories, and creative arts and crafts projects. Thursday, Jan. 2, 4 – 5 pm. Ages 6-12. Hunters Point Library, 47-40 Center Blvd., Long Island City, Queens
