Free Kid and Family Activities in NYC: 10 Free Things to Do This Week

Free Kid and Family Activities in NYC: 10 Free Things to Do This Week
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Free Kid and Family Activities in NYC: 10 Free Things to Do This Week

When those lists come out of the most expensive cities to live in, New York City is always on the list, which can all feel a bit crazy. Rent is how much? That sandwich is $20?! With the cost of living increasing, many parents must be more frugal than ever.

But, hey, we aren’t bashing our city; we love it, and what we love most about it is that while expensive, it is one of the best cities that embraces community and offers so many free things for kids and families. 

We always feature events on NYF, and you can find many on our calendar of events, but we are now sharing every week ten things you can do for FREE for the week ahead throughout the five boroughs.

PsstCheck out 14 Great Books for Kids to Curl Up With This Winter

Free Family Events for the Week of 1/10-1/16

Family Time January 2025: Free Art-Making for All Ages Participate in an art-making activity inspired by current exhibition, FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT. Saturday, Jan. 11, 1 – 3 pm. All ages. The Bronx Museum, 1040 Grand Concourse, Morrisania, Bronx

Snowflake Study Find out how snowflakes are formed, observe ice crystals, conduct an experiment, and have fun crafting! Saturday, Jan. 11, 1 – 3 pm. Ages 5 and older. Shirley Chisholm State Park (Hendrix Creek Patio), 1750 Pennsylvania Ave., East New York, Brooklyn

ConEd Family and Community Day: Make Your Own Silhouette Learn about the history of silhouette art, a popular craft in the 1700s and 1800s, and create your own paper silhouettes using simple materials. Decorate your creation with colorful frames and take home a keepsake inspired by history. Saturday, Jan. 11, 1 – 3 pm. All ages. Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Ter, Washington Heights, Manhattan

Craft a Vision Board. Create your own vision board by cutting and pasting images and words that inspire you to visualize your dreams and goals. Sunday, Jan. 12, 11 am – 12:30 pm. All ages. Advanced registration required. Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave., Mid-Island, Staten Island.

Crochet for Beginners! Join this beginner-friendly class where you’ll master the basics of crochet while crafting cute, cuddly creatures to take home! Monday, Jan. 13, 4 – 5 pm. Ages 9-18. Charleston Library, 225 Bricktown Way, Charleston, Staten Island. 

Stomp, Clap and Sing with Princess Backpack and Benjamin Princess Backpack and Benjamin bring their unique style of silly, sweet, and interactive music to the Brooklyn Public Library. Princess Backpack is a magical talking bag from the land of Backpackia. And for this show, they’ll be joined by renowned fiddler Melody Allegra to sing songs from their upcoming album, Carry On! Tuesday, Jan. 14, 10:30 – 11:30 am. Ages 5 and younger. Brooklyn Public Library — Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Celebrating MLK: Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Doves Make beautiful peace doves to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 3 – 3:45 pm. Ages 6-11. Queens Public Library- North Forest Park, 98-27 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills, Queens

Ice Theatre of New York Witness some of the city’s most talented skaters as they dazzle on the ice at this lunchtime performance. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 12:35 – 1:35 pm. All ages. Bryant Park, 6th Avenue bet. 40th and 42nd St., Midtown Manhattan. 

FRESH START by Gale Galligan, with Maria Scrivan Join author Gale Galligan as she discusses her new book, Fresh Start, with Maria Scrivan, to celebrate this graphic novel for elementary and middle-school aged readers. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Ages 8 and older. RSVP online. Astoria Bookshop, 36-19 30th St. Astoria, Queens

Kids’ Civic: Heroes at Work Children are invited to dress up in costumes and learn about the roles of various community workers in this interactive program. Thursday, Jan. 16, 3:30 – 4:30 pm. All ages. Morrisania Library, 610 East 169th St., Morrisania, Bronx

Psst… Check out Uber Offers Free Rides For Teens Who Fail Driving Test

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Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

<p dir="ltr">With more than 35 years of experience, Broadway Dance Center Children & Teens provides young movers ages 3-18 with exceptional training. BDC delivers the finest all-around dance experience for students by offering a wide variety of styles and levels, performance opportunities, and the highest caliber dance instruction that only New York City and BDC Children & Teens can provide.</p> <p dir="ltr">This studio is so much more than a training course for young dancers; it is a diverse, family-friendly community for budding creatives. It has an exemplary faculty who follow the vision to not only develop a dancer’s love and ability in dance, but to do so in a nurturing and supportive way.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-16583089-7fff-d8a9-61c2-8f689f7348b2"></span></p>

Visit Schoharie County

<p>The Schoharie Valley is home to things grown well - trees, crops, produce, people. It is filled with inviting farms and businesses beckoning visitors to experience what locals love about the region. Its enchanting vistas, rich farmland, and strong sense of community are what make Schoharie County such a fascinating place to visit and to live.</p>

Young Actors at Strasberg

<p>Young Actors at Strasberg offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 – 12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry – all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson!</p> <p>Young Actors Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in July and August.</p> <p><strong>About The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute:</strong></p> <p>Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.</p>