10 Best Free Kids & Family Activities in NYC: Feb 4– Feb 10

10 Free Kid & Family Activities in NYC This Week

We always feature great family events on New York Family, and you can also find many more on our calendar. This week’s list brings together the best free experiences to help you plan memorable moments with your kids, without spending a dollar. Scroll down to get started!

Psst…Check Out Black History Month 2026: Great Events in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester

Free Family Events for the Week of 2/04-2/10

World Read Aloud Day Greenlight is partnering with LitWorld to join readers across the globe for World Read Aloud Day! Children’s book writers from the community will read from their work throughout the day including Katie Yamasaki, Sharee Miller, Bee Johnson, and Traci N. Todd. Wednesday, Feb. 4, 11 am – 4:30 pm. Ages 3 – 12. Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St., Brooklyn

Curling at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park Get into the Olympics spirit and try your hand at iceless curling! Curling Lanes will be available east of the Rink for first-come, first-serve use. Feb. 6 – 26, Daily, 11 am – 7 pm. All ages. Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, 41st St. and 6th Ave., Manhattan

Gallery Kit: Lunar New Year Visitors are invited to explore Isamu Noguchi’s work and current exhibitions through art-making in the galleries. In celebration of Lunar New Year, Year of the Horse, visitors of all ages are invited to make art in the galleries and explore Isamu Noguchi’s work through the prompt: “What energy will you bring this year?” Friday, Feb. 6, 3 – 4:30 pm. All ages. The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Road, Queens

Queens Family Ultimate Camp Fair & Activity Expo Queens Families can explore a variety of Summer Camps and Programs for 2026 at the Queens Family Ultimate Camp Fair & Activity Expo. Meet directors, get information, ask questions and plan an amazing summer for your child.  It’s fun for the whole family – games, raffles, arts & crafts, face painting, Ultimate Esports Tournament, and more. Saturday, Feb. 7, noon – 3 pm. All ages. Renew Queens LIC, 10-15 46th Road, Queens

The Snowy Day- Black History Month Literacy Event Inspired by Ezra Jack Keats’ classic book The Snowy Day, the experience centers Black storytelling, representation, and joy while creating an interactive literacy space for children and caregivers. Families will enjoy live storytimes, sensory play stations, music, and community engagement, all aimed at uplifting Black authors, culture, and early childhood literacy in a warm, welcoming environment. Saturday, Feb. 7, 11 am – 2 pm. Ages 8 and younger. City Point BKLYN, 445 Albee Square W. Brooklyn

Family Science: I Heart Science Take part in a series of heart-themed experiments, demonstrations, and STEAM activities that families can do together. Saturday, Feb. 7, 11 am – 12:30 pm. Ages 5 –10. Advanced registration required. Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave., Staten Island

Valentine’s Day Celebration Bring the family out to enjoy an afternoon of arts and crafts and family fun! Sunday, Feb. 8, 12:30 – 2:30 pm. All ages. Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, 3225 Reservoir Oval East, Bronx

Music with Patrick at Staten Island Academy Staten Island Academy warmly invites families for a joyful morning of music, movement, and play created especially for young learners. Sunday, Feb. 8, 10 – 11 am. Ages 5 and younger. Advanced registration required. Staten Island Academy, 715 Todt Hill Road, Staten Island

Process Art: Valentine Crafternoon This special art session emphasizes the process of “making” and focuses on empowering young artists without step-by-step directions! Monday, Feb. 9, 3:30 – 4:30 pm. Ages 3 – 12. Sedgwick Library, 1701 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Bronx

After School Art Explorers: Drop-In Programs Inspired by artworks on view, children will use tempera paint and bright strokes of color to paint a portrait inspired by the vibrant creations of Gertrud Kauder. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 24, 2:30 – 4:30 pm. Ages 3 – 12. The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave., Manhattan

Psst…Check Out Things to Do with the Kids This Weekend in New York

How to Make the Most of The Free Family Activities in NYC

Attending free kids’ and family events in New York City can be much easier and more enjoyable than you might expect. They are designed with families in mind, providing a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive. Most event locations have staff or volunteers who are always present to guide you, answer questions, and help you settle into the activities without any pressure. You are free to make the most of each experience and enjoy a full week of free family-friendly moments across the city.

• Check the Event Schedule Ahead of Time: You can begin by looking up event dates, times, and locations online. You can make little efforts to know the starting time for most of the events. So, you won’t miss the activities that matter most to your family. 
• Consider Age and Interests: Not every event is ideal for every child. Younger kids may actually enjoy parades, tree-lightings, or Santa meet-and-greets, while older children may be more engaged with hands-on workshops, cultural celebrations, or interactive performances. Planning this free event week with your child’s interests in mind ensures a more enjoyable experience.
• Prepare Essentials: Come along with a few simple items such as water, snacks, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing. Warm layers may not be needed for some NYC indoor events, but outdoor parades or tree-lightings can require coats, hats, and gloves. 
• Arrive Early When Possible: Popular events like Nordstrom’s Santa Snow Show or BRIC’s Winter Wonderland can get really busy. It’s advisable to arrive early when going to such events. So, you can have a better spot and get better photo opportunities. 
• Engage and Explore: Take advantage of all the activities offered at the event. Many events have crafts, music, performances, and interactive experiences. Encourage your kids to participate fully. It’s a chance to create holiday memories without spending any money.
• Return Anytime: Free family events often run weekly or throughout the season. If your family can’t attend one week, many activities repeat, so you can plan another visit when it’s convenient.

By following these simple steps, you can make the most of NYC’s free kids events, enjoy the holiday season, and create memorable experiences for your whole family without stress or cost.

Questions Families Often Ask

1. Is registration required ahead of time for the free activities?
   Most NYC free events do not require registration, but a few ask that you register in advance. So, it’s always best to check the event’s website or contact organizers before attending.
2. What ages are these events suitable for?
   These NYC free events are family-friendly and generally suitable for all ages. Some cool activities are ideal for younger children, while interactive workshops and cultural performances may appeal more to older kids.
3. Is it advisable to bring more than one child to the events?
   Families are welcome to bring multiple children to these events, and most venues and outdoor spaces can comfortably accommodate groups of all sizes.
4. Are these events wheelchair and stroller accessible?
   Most venues and outdoor locations are accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. For specific accessibility details, please check the event’s website or contact organizers in advance.
5. How early should one arrive to get good spots for popular NYC free events?
   It’s always recommended to arrive early, especially for high-demand activities. However, arriving 15–30 minutes before they begin can help you secure good viewing spots.