10 Best Free Kids & Family Activities in NYC: Jan 28– Feb 3

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 The Best Indoor Water Parks Near NYC

Free Family Events for the Week of 1/28-2/03

Culture Bridge: Lunar New Year Celebration with Korean Traditional Music Dance Center Celebrate the Year of the Horse with a captivating presentation of traditional Korean music and dance with wishes for happiness, prosperity, and harmony in the New Year. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 4 pm. All ages. Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Queens

Brooklyn Bridge Park x Sofar Sounds January Concerts Join intimate live music performances from amazing NYC artists. Expect great vibes, a whole lot of community magic, and some seriously good talent! Thursdays, Jan. 29, 7 – 9 pm. All ages. Optional skating available for a fee. Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn

Family Program: Rosie Revere, Engineer! Join the Museum for a read-aloud of Andrea Beaty’s Rosie Revere, Engineer to hear how the kid-engineer Rosie uses household objects to invent her gadgets and gizmos. Can you do the same for skyscrapers? Learn about the role of engineers and then use our own creative minds to use everyday materials to build tall structures! Saturday, Jan. 31, 10:30 – 11:30 am. Ages 5 and older. Advanced registration required. The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Manhattan

Maple Tap Fest 2026 Volunteer to help tap all of the maple trees that will be used for the entire 2026 maple syrup season. Saturday, Jan. 31, 10 am – noon & 1 – 3 pm. Ages 6 and older. Advanced registration required. Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, 2351 Veterans Road West, Staten Island

Family Friendly African Drum Circle Join Amos for a family African drumming circle where he will introduce songs, games, and rhythms of his native Ghana, West Africa. Sunday, Feb. 1, 1 – 2 pm. All ages. Advanced registration required. Third Street Music School Settlement, 235 East 11th St., Manhattan

Astronomy: The Snow Moon Winter is a prime season for stargazing. The cold air clears the night sky of clouds and creates ideal conditions for seeing the stars, planets, and other celestial highlights. Harsh winters have given February’s full moon the name “Snow Moon”. Join the Urban Park Rangers on this nighttime adventure to learn all about the winter night sky. Sunday, Feb. 1, 6 – 7 pm. All ages. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, 246th St. and Broadway, Bronx

Brooklyn Family Day & Camp Fair Brooklyn Families can explore a variety of Summer Camps and Programs for 2026 at the brand new Brooklyn Basketball Training Center. 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, music & much more! Sunday, Feb. 1, noon – 3 pm. All ages. Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, 140 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn

Groundhog Day at the Staten Island Zoo Join Staten Island Chuck, the world-famous groundhog, for this annual Groundhog Day Ceremony! Will Chuck predict an early Spring or six more weeks of winter? There’s only one way to find out! Monday, Feb. 2, 7:30 – 9 am. All ages. Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island.

Moving Stories: Movement, Stories, and Music Find the joy of poetry, expression, movement, music, imagination, and storytelling in an intergenerational setting! Explore Bharatanatyam, an Indian traditional dance form that combines emotion, melody, and rhythm. Use observation and visualization to narrate stories and co-create movements together. Feb. 3 – 24, Tuesdays, 3:30 pm. All ages. Francis Martin Library, 2150 University Ave., Bronx

Winter Olympics: Minecraft Gingerbread Build Participate in a festive game of hide and seek in a Gingerbread Mansion! Navigate through the whimsical halls and discover secret hidey-holes. Choose a plot along the enchanting paths and unleash your creativity by building your very own gingerbread house, complete with candy decorations and icing designs! Monday, Feb. 3, 4 – 5 pm. Ages 6 – 11. Queens Public Library- Howard Beach, 92-06 156 Ave., Queens

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.