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…Social Media and Kids Safety: An App-By-App Breakdown of Safety Measures
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Free Family Events 8/9/24 – 8/15/24
NBC Olympics Viewing Village at The Rink at Rockefeller Center Check out live coverage of the Olympic Games along with surprise visits by Team USA Olympic athletes as they return to the U.S. after competing against the world’s best in Paris. There will also be interactive exhibits and photo ops with iconic symbols of the Paris Olympic Games, including a replica Eiffel Tower, Olympic medal podium, an enormous Olympic Rings display, and more. Daily, 11 am – 11 pm, through Aug. 11. All ages. The Rink at Rockefeller Center, 600 5th Ave., Midtown Manhattan
The Bronx Bookworm Book Festival This inaugural festival is geared toward picture books and illustrated storytellers. There will be a special storytime, illustration demonstration, and an interactive activity. Saturday, Aug. 10, 10 am – 3 pm. Ages 8 and younger. Fordham Plaza, 1 Fordham Plaza, Belmont, Bronx
Hindu Lamp Ceremony Join Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy at their 12th annual Hindu Lamp Ceremony at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Dance artist and educator Aeilushi Mistry brings peace and harmony to the community as she performs the traditional Hindu Aarti ceremony at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pebble Beach. Saturday, Aug. 10, 3 – 7:30 pm. All ages. Brooklyn Bridge Park Pebble Beach, Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO, Brooklyn
NYRP’s Back-To-School Backpack Bonanza Join the garden group at Westervelt Family & Community Garden, NYRP, and H.E.A.L.T.H. For Youths for a free backpack and school supply giveaway while supplies last. Children must be present to receive school supplies. Sunday, August 11, 1 – 3 pm. All ages. Westervelt Family and Community Garden, 143 Westervelt Ave., Silver Lake, Staten Island.
Central Astoria LDC 2024 Movie Series Bring a blanket and your favorite movie snacks for a screening of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Monday, 7:30 – 9:30 pm. All ages. Astoria Park Great Lawn, 19th street & 23rd Ave., Astoria, Queens.
Tot Time Tuesdays Explore nature topics during this toddler program through crafts and activities. There is a story time at 10:30am, followed by a short, approximately 15-minute, guided hike at 11am. Tuesday, August 13, 10 – 11:30 am. Ages 3-5. Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, 2351 Veterans Rd. West, Rossville, Staten Island
Groundswell Community Paint Day Contribute to a community mural when you paint a small section of a large scale piece. Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2 – 5 pm. All ages. 182 4th Avenue 2nd Floor, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.
Percussion Workshops Join the Queens College School of Arts for percussion worksho where a professional teaching artist will guide the community in exploring percussion using unique items and fostering creative music-making in the park! Tuesday, Aug. 13, 4 – 5:30 pm. All ages. Lawn – along 35th Ave. in Crocheron Park, 214th St. Bayside, Queens
10-Year Celebration with Giveaways, Live Music & More at The Mall at Bay Plaza Celebrate The Mall at Bay Plaza turning 10 with giveaways, live music, limited-edition 10th anniversary products, fashion events, and more! Wednesday, Aug. 14, 12 – 4 pm. All ages. The Mall at Bay Plaza, 200 Baychester Ave., Coop City, Bronx.
Creative Break: Music and Dance with Stephanie Peña and Martin Urbach Dance into the weekend with Little Island teaching artist Stephanie Peña. She’ll get you moving and grooving to the merengue, bachata, salsa and more! If dancing in public is not your style, then pick up a drum and make your own beats with percussive teaching artist Martin Urbach. Thursdays, 11 am – 1 pm, through Aug. 29. All ages. Little Island, Pier55 in Hudson River Park at W 13th St., Meatpacking District, Manhattan.
Psst…Check out our New York City Summer Bucket List for Families and Kids 2024
