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 Things to Do with the Kids This Weekend in New York
Free Family Events for the Week of 12/24-12/30
Christmas Storytime and Craft Join the Library for a magical, memorable Christmas Eve storytime. Listen to readings of Christmas classics full of wonder, excitement and holiday cheer, followed by a holiday craft. Wednesday, Dec. 24, 11 am – noon. All ages. Port Richmond Library, 75 Bennett St., Staten Island
Cheers to New Years Card Workshop Stop by the Penn & Fountain Learning Centers to make a special New Years Card for family or friends. All supplies will be provided, so all you have to bring is your creativity. Friday, Dec. 26, 1 – 3 pm. All ages. Shirley Chisholm State Park, 1750 Granville Payne Ave., Brooklyn
Ping Pong Fridays Serve up some weekend fun with a game of Ping Pong! Friday, Dec. 26, 4 – 5 pm. All ages. Queens Public Library South Hollis, 204-01 Hollis Ave., Queens
Children’s Kwanzaa Village 2025 Celebrate Kwanzaa with fun activities and learning opportunities. Gather together to honor African heritage and culture through various activities and performances. Saturday, Dec. 27, 11 am. Ages 3 – 12. Brownsville Heritage House, 581 Mother Gaston Blvd., Brooklyn
Winter Crafts & Storytime Bring your little ones to the Garden for a cozy afternoon of crafting and storytime. Saturday, Dec. 27, 1 – 3 pm. Ages 8 and younger. Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Queens
Kids Week: Meet the Nature Center Critters Kids will get to experience nature in a fun way when they join Urban Park Rangers for this hands-on activity. Participants will search for everything from stick bugs to snakes, and meet the animals that call the center their home. Monday, Dec. 29, 1 – 2 pm. Ages 12 and younger. Inwood Hill Park, W. 218th Street & Indian Road, Manhattan
Magical Matt Using his magical talents, slapstick comedy, and zany humor, Magical Matt will have the entire audience amazed and cracking up as he performs an engaging magic show. Monday, Dec. 29, 4 – 5 pm. Ages 6 – 12. Melrose Library, 910 Morris Ave., Bronx
New Year’s Countdown Dance Party with Fyütch Join the Library for a New Year’s countdown party! Grammy-nominated music artist Fyütch will be there to welcome 2026 with high energy songs about social justice and environmental health with affirming chants and dance moves. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 11 am – noon. Ages 12 and younger. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, 455 Fifth Ave., Manhattan
Nature Puppet Show Learn about the animals that can be found in the local parks with nature-themed puppet shows! Tuesday, Dec. 30, 1 – 2 pm. Ages 9 and younger. Crotona Nature Center in Crotona Park, 1702 Crotona Ave., Bronx
Tot Time Tuesdays Explore a nature topic during this toddler program through crafts and activities. A story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short 15 minute guided hike at 11am. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 10 – 11:30 am. Ages 0-5. Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, Nature Interpretive Center, 2351 Veterans Road West, Staten Island
Here at New York Family, we could not love the holidays more and that’s why we’ve created A Very Merry New York Family Holiday Guide! We’ve got everything you need to make 2025 your family’s best holiday ever: local events, holiday light shows, gift guide, holiday shopping ideas, books, movies, elf ideas and so much more!
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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.
