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 Your NYC Fall Bucket List 2025
Free Family Events for the Week of 10/08-10/14
SSE Presents: Real Good Basketball Skills & Drills Summer Sports Experience provides instructional basketball clinics and developmental training for students where coaches will focus on individual skill development, group practices, and fitness drills towards. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2:30 – 6:30 pm. Ages 6-17. Real Good Playground, 62-01 99th St., Queens
Faber Recreation Center Youth Drop-In Programs Seasonal Crafts Kids will unleash their inner artist when they explore exciting art concepts, focusing on the seasons and holidays. Imagine creating frosty winter scenes, spooky Halloween crafts, or bright spring masterpieces! It’s the perfect way to get creative, learn new techniques, and celebrate every time of year. Wednesdays through Jan. 3, 2026, 3 – 4 pm. Ages 6-19. Faber Park, 2175 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island
Lavender Blues: Little Learners Join the Library for an intimate music & movement class designed for babies & toddlers to develop an understanding of rhythm, music, body awareness as well as develop social skills—all while singing, dancing & having fun! Thursday, Oct. 9, 10:15 – 11 am. Ages 4 and younger. Riverdale Library, 5540 Mosholu Ave., Bronx
Prospect Park Stroller Walk Join a Prospect Park Alliance Naturalist for a leisurely stroll along Prospect Park’s waterways. Embrace the sound of streams and songs of birds. Enjoy fragrant flowers and explore the towering trees of Brooklyn’s Backyard. Thursdays through Dec. 18, 10 am. Ages 2 and younger. Advance registration required. Prospect Park Audubon Center, 101 East Drive, Brooklyn
IKEA House Warming IKEA U.S. is kicking off its 40th anniversary with an immersive pop-up experience celebrating four decades of iconic design and the beloved IKEA meatball. Families are invited to step into the heart of the home, the kitchen, and explore the latest cooking and dining essentials. Adding to the fun, House Warming will feature daily (m)eatball happy hours, children’s scavenger hunts, personalized FRAKTA bags, kitchen planning studios, hands-on demos, tastings, and a special 40th anniversary photo moment, making it a true celebration of food, home, and life with IKEA. Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, 11 am – 7 pm, Saturdays, 11:30 am – 7 pm, through Oct. 26. IKEA House Warming, 31 E. 17th St., Manhattan
30th Annual Panamanian Parade Be there for the largest Panamanian parade in the world, outside of the Republic of Panama, to celebrate and honor the leaders, educators, artists, and celebrities that have left a cultural footprint on this nation. The parade features a diverse range of participants, including community organizations, folkloric groups, schools, marching bands, and elected officials from the U.S. and Panamá. Saturday, Oct. 11, noon. All ages. Parade begins at President St. and Classon Ave. Brooklyn
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration with NAIC-NY Join the Bronx River Alliance and the North American Indigenous Center of New York for a day of fun and celebration of indigenous cultures! This event will be held at the canoe launch area of the Mitsubishi River Walk at the Bronx Zoo. The event will feature a variety of activities including Canoeing and Kayaking on the Bronx River, Northeastern Indigenous Dances, from 2pm – 3pm, an Indigenous Art workshop, and more. Saturday, Oct. 11, 11 am – 4 pm. All ages. Mitsubishi River Walk, Boston Road & Bronx River Parkway Road entrance of the Bronx Zoo, Bronx
Creatures of the Night: Bats As the night falls, fuzzy bats rise. Observe local bat species near Strack Pond while learning about the crucial roles that bats play in our urban ecosystems. Learn some exciting facts about these flying mammals and what conservation efforts are being taken to protect them. Sunday, Oct. 12, 7 – 8:30 pm. All ages. Forest Park Visitor Center, Woodhaven Blvd. and Forest Park Drive, Queens
4th Annual Sensory Friendly Pumpkin Picking Enjoy this sensory-friendly pumpkin picking event featuring bouncy houses, carnival games, sensory stations, and more! Sunday, Oct. 12, 1 – 3 pm. All ages. PS 42, 380 Genesee Avenue, Staten Island
Columbus Day Parade This annual Parade is a vibrant tribute to Italian American culture and heritage, joyously celebrated on the streets of New York. Traditional dances, spectacular floats, marching bands, elected officials, and more march down Fifth Avenue to the loud cheers of spectators. The Parade honors the roots, diversity, and unity of the Italian American community, and their importance to the very foundation – past and present – of America itself. Monday, Oct. 13, 11:30 am – 3:30 pm. All ages. The Parade runs along 5th Ave. from 44th St. and 72nd St., Manhattan
Psst…Check Out Hayrides In and Near NYC for a Family Treat This Fall
