FREE For Kids in NYC
These links offer free admission and activities specifically geared toward children of New York City. Yes you can enjoy NYC with your kids. We hope these can keep them occupied at least for a while! View comments.
Don't miss the free summer events.
Afterschool Program
Weekdays 3pm - 6pm September through June
35 various locations
NYC Parks & Recreation Department offers free structured afterschool programs for children ages 6-13 years old. Kids participate in a wide variety of activities reinforcing academics, arts, and athletics.
After School Learn to Swim Program
Free weekdays 4pm - 5pm
Various locations all over the city
Swimming lessons for children ages 6-14 are offered by the NYC Parks & Recreation Departmentat pools across the City. Dates vary by pool; see the website for details.
Carnegie Hall
$9 tickets
Different neighborhood locations
Performances are geared towards children ages 5-12 to introduce them to the world of music. Every child receives a copy of KidsNotes, a concert program designed especially for them. KidsNotes is filled with fun activities, pictures, puzzles, and information about the concert.
Children's Museum of the Arts
Thursdays 4pm - 6pm, pay-as-you-wish
182 Lafayette Street (between Broome & Grand) New York NY 10013
(212) 274-0986
The museum offers inspiration for children and their families in their art-making.
Children's Museum of Manhattan
Free first Fridays 5pm - 8pm
The Tisch Building 212 West 83rd Street New York NY 10024
(212) 721-1234
CMOM's programs and exhibits are designed to address the multiple ways children learn and to help parents understand and support their child’s development.
Cristo Rey
112 East 106th Street New York NY 10029
(212) 996-7000
Catholic private school that offers a work-study program to provide students valuable world experience in the industry of their choice and earn 70% of the cost of their education. This is an excellent program.
Dyckman Farmhouse Museum
Second Sundays 1:30pm -2:30pm
4881 Broadway at 204th Street New York NY 10034
(212) 304-9422
The house offers free Story Time for kids ages 5-9. Reservations are recommended.
Kidslovenyc.com posts things to do with your kids both free and not this weekend. There's also a list of recommended links and NYC playgrounds, sprinklers, etc.
Kings Kids Club
4th Saturday of each month 11am - 2pm, January through October
Kings Plaza Shopping Center- 5100 Kings Plaza Flatbush Avenue & Avenue U Brooklyn NY 11234
(718) 253-6842
Kings Kids club for kids under 12 at the Kings Plaza. Each month, Kings Plaza sponsors special activities for members. Activities vary from craft projects to entertainment events. Membership is free.
Mommy Poppins covers everything parents need to know to get the most out of NYC with their kids. The site focuses on the affordable but also lists free things to do as well. "Mommy" posts free activities for kids almost every Friday and readers can subscribe to emails for free to get up to date information on what to do with kids in NYC.
The New Museum of Contemporary Art
Free for those under 18 years old
235 Bowery New York NY 10002
(212) 219-1222
Beginning March 1st and continuing on the first Saturday of each month, the museum will offer special, hands-on programs designed for families with children and young adults 6 - 15 years old. Families will have the opportunity to explore the exhibitions through thematic tours and discussion with the artists, and participate in creative activities designed specifically for certain age groups. Each program will run about 45 minutes, offering 2 morning sessions free of charge (includes free Museum admission for up to 3 adults per family). Advance registration is required.
NY Hall of Science
Free Fridays 2pm–5pm and Sundays 10am – 11am (September through June)
47-01 111th Street
Queens NY 11368
(718) 699-0005
The museum is dedicated to hands-on science and technology center, featuring the largest collection of interactive exhibits in the city.
New York Knicks
Discounted on Student Nights
Madison Square Garden - On 7th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets
50% discount on tickets on selected nights with Student ID. You'll receive a free Knicks ID Holder if you make your purchase at the MSG Box Office.
The Scholastic Store
Free Saturdays
57 Broadway (Between Prince & Spring Streets)
New York, NY 10012
(877) 286-0137
Located in SoHo, ths store holds interactive events including author readings, character visits, and special story-times.
Sony Wonder Technology Lab
Free on Tuesday to Sundays
550 Madison Avenue
New York NY 10022
(212) 833-8100
The lab is a technology and entertainment museum for all ages. There are also free family-friendly Saturday afternoon film screenings throught the year at the HD theater. Please reserve your seat by Monday by calling (212) 833-7858 (though it is not required).
Sport Program and Instructional Clinics
All year long
35 various locations
NYC Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide selection of sports opportunities for children ages 8+. All programs are free but you must be registered members of a recreation center (membership is free for children under 18 years of age). Sports leagues include basketball, flag football, indoor soccer, softball, track, and more. Instructional clinics teach kids how to play basketball, baseball, and soccer.
Staten Island Children's Museum
Free on Wednesdays for grandparents
1000 Richmond Terrace Staten Island NY 10301
(718) 273-2060
The museum offers free children's programs. See the website for when the museum also offers free admission to the general public at various times and dates.
Take a virtual field trip with your kids. This site is a dynamic site your kids can add to and get tips.