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 Family-Friendly Valentine’s Day Events in NYC
Free Family Events for the Week of 2/11-2/17
Black History Month: Discover Black History with Games, Coloring, & Heroes Honor the past, rejoice in today, and inspire the future with Black History Month activity books. Full of fun games, coloring pages, and profiles on prominent black historical figures, these activity books will help kids learn more about why this important month is celebrated. Thursday, Feb. 12, 4:30 – 5:30 pm. Ages 6 – 11. South Jamaica Library, 108-41 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Queens
Presidents’ Day Community Weekend at the Jackie Robinson Museum Stop by all weekend or join the Museum on Saturday for a special Community Day honoring the 80th wedding anniversary of Jackie and Rachel Robinson, an enduring partnership that shaped history on and off the baseball diamond. Special activities offered for all ages! Feb. 13–15, Friday–Monday, Daily, 11 am – 6 pm. All ages. Reserve Tickets in Advance. Jackie Robinson Museum, 75 Varick St., Manhattan
Dungeons and Dragons at Dongan Hills Join Dongan Hills for big adventures in a weekly game of Dungeons and Dragons! Meet new friends and have fun rolling dice, fighting monsters, and saving the realm! Fridays, 2 – 3:30 pm, through Feb. 27. Ages 13–18. Dongan Hills Library, 1617 Richmond Road, Staten Island
Valentine’s Day Hike This Valentine’s Day, join SCSP park educators for a relaxing hike around the Penn side of the park. Participants will also talk about the love lives of different animals found living there! Saturday, Feb. 14, 10 am – noon. All ages. Shirley Chisholm State Park (Hendrix Creek Patio), 1750 Pennsylvania Ave., Brooklyn
Valentine’s Day Kids’ Event Head to Level 3 in the Food Court and make it a day to connect with your loved ones. Enjoy hands-on crafting as you make a Valentine’s Day picture frame and a felt heart magnet to take home and treasure. Dance along to music by DJ Omar and win fun prizes during the event! Craft activities available while supplies last. Saturday, Feb. 14, 1 – 5 pm. All ages. The Mall at Bay Plaza, 200 Baychester Ave., Bronx
Puppetsburg Puppet Shows Puppetsburg rocks interactive, culturally relevant puppet shows designed especially for babies, toddlers, and their grownups. This 45-minute show features a story packed with hands-on activities that keep little ones engaged from start to finish. Sunday, Feb. 15, 10 am. Ages 4 months–4 years. Advanced registration required. Time Out Market New York DUMBO, 55 Water St., Brooklyn
Glow Cultural Center 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of a traditional Lunar New Year festival to welcome the Year of the Horse. The festivities kick off in the morning at Glow Cultural Center with the crowd-favorite Lion Dance Parade, then be on the lookout for the God of Fortune and the Jade Emperor for the best Lunar New Year wishes! Dress in festive attire, and share many well-wishes. Sunday, Feb. 15, 11 am. All ages. Glow Cultural Center NYC, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Queens
Kids Week: Kindness Rocks Join the Urban Park Rangers in learning more about local geology while participating in the Kindness Rocks Project. This is a project that occurs nationwide where people gather to paint rocks with kind messages that will be left in different spots in parks. When you encounter one of these rocks, you can snap a picture, share it with the Kindness Project, and move it to another location to spread kindness. Bring your own rock! Monday, Feb. 16, 11 am – noon. All ages. Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Ave., Staten Island
28th New Year Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival Get ready for the Year of the Horse with firecrackers, cultural performances, and much more! Tuesday, Feb. 17, 11 am – 3:30 pm. All ages. Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Chrystie St. & Forsyth St., Manhattan
Kids Week: Campfire Story Time Join the Urban Park Rangers for a cozy campfire and story telling session. Rangers will read books and use puppets paired with visual props. Dress warm and bring a blanket! Tuesday, Feb. 17, 1 – 2 pm. All ages. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, 246th Street and Broadway, Bronx
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
- 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.
