Free Kid and Family Activities in NYC: 10 Free Things to Do This Week
We always feature great family events on New York Family, and you can also find many more on our calendar of events. In addition, each week we also share ten things you can do for FREE for the week ahead throughout the five boroughs. Scroll down to plan your week!
Psst…Check Out 31 Fun Holiday Family Experiences In and Around New York 2025
Free Family Events for the Week of 11/26-12/2
Marching Bands at the Seaport Museum Get a front-row preview of the iconic New York City Thanksgiving Day Parade! Catch the excitement as marching bands from Temple University and the Damien Spartan Regiment take over Pier 16 and fill the air with the sounds of classics like “Funkytown” and “Uptown Funk” plus medleys of popular hits, school songs, and catchy drum cadences. Marching bands have been a staple of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since its inception, and this is your chance to experience their magic before the big day and without all the crowds. Wednesday, Nov. 26, 1 – 3:30 pm. All ages. Reserve tickets in advance. The Seaport Pier 16 & 17, 89 South St., Manhattan
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade A Thanksgiving tradition since 1924, this iconic parade includes magnificent floats, marching bands from across the country, and enormous balloons featuring favorite characters, old and new. Plus, a special appearance by everyone’s favorite man in red! Thursday, Nov. 27, 8:30 am – noon. All ages. See website for viewing spots in Manhattan
Shake It Off! Post Thanksgiving Celebration Join NYC Parks for a Sports Gauntlet! The day will feature hockey, basketball, soccer, and football while playing exciting mini tournaments. Participants will have the opportunity to play all four sports and test their athletic skills by shooting, dribbling, and throwing their way through this high energy event. Friday, Nov. 28, noon – 3 pm. Ages 6 – 12. Al Oerter Recreation Center, 131-40 Fowler Ave., Queens
Basketball Skills and Drills Kids are invited to join this basketball program where they’ll learn to enhance their athletic ability and gain the fundamental knowledge of the game by running drills and participating in situational training. Friday, Nov. 28, 3:30 – 5:30 pm. All ages. St. James Recreation Center, 2530 Jerome Ave., Bronx
Turkey Waddle Hike Take some time this weekend for a leisurely post-Thanksgiving meal stroll! Saturday, Nov. 29, 10 am – noon. All ages. Shirley Chisholm State Park (Hendrix Creek Patio), 1750 Pennsylvania Ave., Brooklyn
The Shops at Atlas Park Christmas Tree Lighting This annual event features a DJ, hot cocoa and cookies for children, strolling entertainment, face painting, performance by local dance studios, and a special appearance by Santa! Saturday, Nov. 29, 5 – 6:30 pm. All ages. The Shops at Atlas Park, 8000 Cooper Ave., Queens
Art in the Park: Poinsettia Ornaments With Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time to get ready for Christmas when you create poinsettia ornaments during this drop-in art program! Sunday, Nov. 30, 1 pm. All ages. Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, 2351 Veterans Road West, Staten Island
Bubbles the Silly Entertainer Have a dance party with Bubbles The Silly Entertainer! Bubbles will have you and your entire family singing, dancing, moving and grooving with her silly antics. Everyone will also walk away with simple face painting and balloon twists for some extra fun. Sunday, Nov. 30, 1 – 2 pm. Ages 8 and younger. Bronx Library Center, 310 E Kingsbridge Road, Bronx
Little Learners: Mozart for Munchkins Symphony Superstars Join the children’s staff and a team of professional musicians for an interactive family concert experience! Each week, children will encounter a new instrument and learn the fundamentals of rhythm and pitch. Families will be introduced to the violin, viola, cello, piano, French horn, trombone, trumpet, clarinet, and more. From jazz to classical, world music, bluegrass and more, this program showcases different genres and gives kids a chance to get up close and personal with the instruments. Each concert ends with an instrument petting zoo! Mondays, Dec. 1–8, 11:15 am – noon. Ages 3 and younger. West New Brighton Library, 975 Castleton Ave., Staten Island
Bay Ridge Ballet Performance Bay Ridge Ballet is bringing the art of ballet to the Library with a picture book reading and live performance of excerpts from “The Nutcracker.” Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6 – 7 pm. All ages. Bay Ridge Library, 7223 Ridge Blvd., Brooklyn
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