FREE Things To Do In NY For Families

ny mom free

Sure, having a family in New York City can get expensive, but we’ve got good news for your wallet—there are tons of things to do in NY for free. Of course,  playgrounds, people watching in Times Square, and taking in the sights all don’t cost a dime, but think outside of the box, and you’ll discover museums, rides on the Staten Island Ferry, and even a secret indoor garden are all at no cost. Read on for all the free things to do in New York with the kids. (featured photo credit: istock/Eloi_Omelia)

Free Attractions In NYC For The Whole Family

little island ny mom
Little Island is a man-made public park with free programs, performances, and NYC views. Photo Credit: istock/LeoPatrizi

Escape to the Islands

Take a trip over the West Side Highway for the gem of a park known as Little Island, a “floating” landscape with walking paths and stunning views of the Hudson. During the summer, catch a free performance in the amphitheater. Or head over to 172 acres of Governor’s Island in the New York Harbor, and pack a picnic or stop by a food truck to dine en plein air with beautiful views of the New York Harbor. After, take advantage of the island by wandering around the public art installations, renting a bike and traveling along the pathways (the island is car-free), walking through a fragrant lavender field (the only one in NYC), or hanging out in a swinging hammock in Hammock Park—all for free. 

Try video games for free 

Got a family of gamers? Head to the second floor of the 10,000 square foot flagship Nintendo store in NYC, where you can check out the latest Switch games and demos, snap pics with a giant Mario or Link statue, and browse tons of exclusive merch. And don’t miss the special events—there are demos for new game drops and in-store tournaments—where you spend a few hours without spending a dime. 
10 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020

Experience architecture

Home to 12 subway lines, the World Trade Center PATH station, and dozens of retailers, The Oculus is a reminder of the attacks of September 11, 2001. As you walk through the building, notice how the white, metal-clad steel ribs of the structure reach up and out, symbolizing a hand releasing a dove. The building’s alignment is intentional, casting a “Wedge of Light” across the floor that moves and illuminates two parallel columns of light representing the Twin Towers. Live in NYC? You can get free passes to visit the Vessel in Hudson Yards. It’s the ideal place to see a network of interconnected staircases and platforms, offering NYC views from all new angles.

Problem solve with the family

Did you know that there is a free art and science discovery play space in NYC? Kids ages 3-11 and their families can create at the 81st Street Studio – The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Self-directed, hands-on, and high-tech experiences that encourage art and scientific investigation, critical thinking, problem-solving, and appreciation of the diverse dimensions of materials and their properties all happen at once at this studio. 
The Met Fifth Avenue- 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028

Splash it off

When temps hit 80 degrees or higher, it’s time to take the kids to a splash park in the city. With over 100 locations in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island, your kids will be cooled off in no time. Bonus: Many of the splash parks also have playgrounds, basketball courts, and other kid-friendly options nearby.

Staten Island Ferry ny mom free
Did you know that the Staten Island Ferry is free and passes right by the Statue of Liberty? Photo Credit: istock/FrankvandenBergh

Take a free ride 

Skip the tourist boats and hop on the Staten Island Ferry,  a free service between St. George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in Manhattan. The ride takes about 25 minutes, and along the way, you get amazing views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island right from the deck. Plus, you can’t miss the ferry itself—it’s painted bright orange so it stands out even in snow or fog.
Whitehall Terminal – 4 South Street, New York, NY 10004  
 St. George Ferry Terminal – 1 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10301

Enter a secret garden

Inside the Ford Foundation is a secret multilevel atrium garden home to nearly 40 tree, vine, and shrub species. Your kids can peep into the reflecting pool and the reverberating fountain. Afterward, visit the galleries featuring rotating exhibits on social justice. The garden and galleries are free to visit, but you must pre-register. 
320 E. 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017

Wander among the flowers

Take a relaxing stroll through the stunning gardens without spending a dime, starting with the charming Conservatory Garden in Central Park. The park features three distinct areas: the elegant French-style North Garden, the picturesque Italianate Center Garden, and the cozy English-style South Garden. Or head to the New York Botanical Garden; admission is free on Wednesdays. NYC residents can enjoy Grounds Admission all day, while everyone else can explore for free between 10 AM and 11 AM. 

Visit a museum for FREE

Did you know that several museums in New York are free if you visit at just the right time? The Museum of Moving Image offers free general admission every Thursday from 2 PM to 6 PM. Additionally, New York State residents can access The Museum of Modern Art for free on Friday evenings between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM. If you’re a Bank of America cardholder, you can take advantage of free museum days at over 225 museums across the United States, including those in New York. There are also many other ways to experience free museum visits in the tri-state area. Keep an eye out for special free admission times at places like the New York Botanic Garden, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Queens County Farm Museum, or the Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Center by checking their websites. 

ny public library ny mom

The interior of the New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building reading room is worth a visit while enjoying a good book. Photo Credit: istock/adamkaz

Step back in time

Visit a village where living history comes together.  Historic Richmond Town is a museum in Staten Island that lets you step back into New York’s colonial past. It’s made up of restored buildings—some dating back to the 1600s and 1700s—set along a historic main street that used to be the center of government and daily life on Staten Island. You can enter for free between 2 PM and 4 PM on Thursdays from May to December. Or check out what New York was like during the turn of the century at the New York Public Library, where world-class architecture, magnificent art (including the historic cloud murals on the ceiling), and interactive exhibits are all on display for free. 

Experience art

Walk right into the art galleries in Chelsea, where emerging and well-known artists are on exhibit. And since Thursday nights are typically opening nights for many exhibits, you may walk into an opening party. Or visit Socrates Sculpture Park, open 365 days a year and always free, the park serves artists by providing an open platform for the public. The majority of artworks exhibited at Socrates are created on-site in the outdoor artist studio, where visitors can watch the art-making process.

Build and create 

On the first Saturday of each month, kids ages 5-12 can participate in a hands-on learning workshop to create a project using step-by-step instructions. At The Home Depot Kids Workshops, participants can work with tools and paint their projects, all for free. They also receive an apron, an achievement pin, and a certificate for their hard work. Bonus: Every Kids Workshop Kit includes a related STEAM activity to encourage further learning, problem-solving, and imagination. Lowe’s also offers free workshops where kids can receive kits and collect badges to become a Junior or Senior Builder, honing their problem-solving and math skills. 

Kids Bowl Free

Kids can bowl free—say what? Yup, you read that right. Head to select locations throughout NY, from Albany to Westbury, where kids can enjoy two free games all summer long. If you want to bowl with them, you can purchase a family pass. The Kids Bowl Free Program lets your kids play the lanes at over 30 participating bowling alleys throughout New York State. Organized by national bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to learn skills and socialize with friends during spring and summer (especially to beat the heat). 

 

Subscribe to the NJ Mom Insider Newsletter

Subscribe to get special offers, the latest family-friendly events, and access to our exclusive NJ Mom Freebie vault!

You May Also Like