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 The Best Nighttime Adventures for Kids in NYC
Free Family Events for the Week of 11/15-11/21
Family Movie Bring your favorite snacks and kick off the weekend with a fun film! Friday, Nov. 15, 3 – 5 pm. All ages. DeKalb Library, 790 Bushwick Ave., Bushwick, Brooklyn
Farmhouse Family Day: Cozy Coaster Crafts The growing season has come to an end and winter is on its way! Create a yarn weave ornament to commemorate the oncoming winter festivities. Help put the farm to sleep with autumn activities as this will be the last in person Family Day for the year. Materials provided on a first come first serve basis. Saturday, Nov. 16, 11 am – 3 pm. All ages. Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, East Flatbush, Brooklyn
Holiday Parade Embrace the magic of the holiday season and kick off the festivities with a dazzling Holiday Parade welcoming Santa to the Queens Center. Saturday, Nov. 16, 1 – 3 pm. All ages. Queens Center, 90-15 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst, Queens
Andean Music Festival This unique festival focuses on music and dance traditions from Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru with live performances, Quechua language and instrument workshops and authentic craft and food vendors. Sunday, Nov. 17, 12 – 5 pm. All ages. Queens Museum, 111-01 Corona Ave., Flushing, Queens
Sea Shanty Sessions Led by the Folk Music Society of New York, this program offers a great opportunity to experience authentic, time-honored maritime songs in an appropriately historic setting. Sing along if the mood strikes you! Sunday, Nov. 17, 2 – 4 pm. All ages. The Noble Maritime Collection, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building D, Silver Lake, Staten Island.
Tottenville Library’s Birthday Party & Magic Show Enjoy celebratory festivities to honor the library’s 120th birthday with a party and magic show! Monday, Nov. 18, 4 – 5 pm. All ages. Tottenville Library, 7430 Amboy Road, Tottenville, Staten Island
Kids Create: Let’s Give Thanks Kick off the Thanksgiving season with a project that will make the day more festive–a Thanksgiving Tree. Tuesday, Nov. 19, 4 – 5 pm. Ages 6-12. Mill Basin Library, 2385 Ralph Ave., Mill Basin, Brooklyn
125th St. BID Harlem Holiday Lights New York City’s only parade of holiday lights will celebrate “Dance! Harlem’s Heartbeat,” which will pay tribute to Harlem’s storied history of dance and highlight its global influence and unparalleled contributions to the arts, culture and history. In addition to the parade, the neighborhood will glow with a variety of activations and experiences for locals and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, including musical entertainment, dance performances, parade watch parties, refreshments, giveaways and special promotions with local businesses and more. Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6 pm. All ages. Parade begins at 125th Street and Broadway, Harlem, Manhattan
Cultural Crafting: Creating Rag Dolls with Gabriel Maldonado Join the Library for a unique and hands-on crafting workshop led by Latinx artist Gabriel Maldonado, where participants will create personalized rag dolls using traditional materials like muslin cloth, hot glue, cotton, paint, and fabric markers. Drawing inspiration from Latinx culture and folk art, Gabriel will guide attendees through the process of designing and assembling their own rag dolls, celebrating creativity, cultural expression, and storytelling through art. Wednesday, Nov. 20, 4:30 – 5:30 pm. All ages. Parkchester Library, 1985 Westchester Ave., Parkchester, Bronx
Storytime for Tots Join the museum for Storytime for Tots, a bilingual Storytime program and hear stories and songs about NYC facilitated by a NYPL librarian. This Storytime will incorporate Spanish language and build children’s literacy in English and Spanish. Thursday, Nov. 21, 10:30 – 11 am. Ages 18 months to 3 years. Advanced registration suggested. Museum of the City of New York, 1220 5th Ave., East Harlem, Manhattan
