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.
Psst…Social Media and Kids Safety: An App-By-App Breakdown of Safety Measures
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Free Family Events 8/16/24 – 8/22/24
Summer Kids: City Owlets Zumbini Music and Dance Bring your little ones to move and dance at this outdoor playdate. Saturday, Aug. 17, 10 – 11 am. Ages 5 and younger. Hunter’s Point South Park, 4-10 Center Blvd. Long Island City, Queens
Learn to Ride a Bike Clinic at Ocean Breeze. Ditch those training wheels & learn to ride a bike when instructors guide you through the course-filled obstacles, twists, and turns! Saturday, August 17, 10 am – 12 pm. All ages. Ocean Breeze Track & Field Athletic Complex, 625 Father Capodanno Blvd., Ocean Breeze, Staten Island
Splish Splash Saturdays Get ready to cool off when the fire hydrant will be legally opened with a spray cap! Water toys will be provided— kids and dog’s welcome! Saturday, Aug. 17, 12 – 3 pm. All ages. Hoyt St. bet. State and Atlantic Ave.’s, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
Sunshine Celebration. It’s an afternoon of fun with an animal show, music, face painting, and a visit from Bluey! Sunday, August 18, 11 am – 2 pm. Ages 2-8. Party On, 475 Belfield Ave., Great Kills, Staten Island
42nd India day Parade Considered to be the largest parade outside India, this annual event brings together thousands of members of the Indian Diaspora for one of the biggest cultural extravaganzas in New York City. This grand parade features colorful floats, live performances, Bollywood performances, community groups, and more. Sunday, August 18, 12 pm. All ages. Parade begins at E 38th St. and Madison Ave., Midtown Manhattan
Movies Under the Stars: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Grab a blanket and your favorite snacks and get ready to watch your favorite turtles on the big screen! Monday, August, 19, 8:15 – 9:55 pm. All ages. Cunningham Park, Union Turnpike and 196th St., Fresh Meadows, Queens
Youth Sports Jamboree Join NYC Parks for a day full of sports clinics, games, and fun competition. Activities include basketball, ball hockey, cornhole, flag football, GaGa, kickball, pickleball, soccer, track and field, volleyball, wiffleball, and more. Wednesday, August 21, 11 am – 3 pm. Age 6-17. Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, 3225 Reservoir Oval East, Williamsbridge section of The Bronx
Oyate Group’s 2024 Backpack Giveaway Register online and join Oyate Group for their annual backpack and Vans sneakers giveaway while supplies last! All children must be present accompanied by an adult in order to receive a backpack. There is a limit of 3 backpacks per household. Vans sneakers first come, first serve. Thursday, August 22, 1 – 5 pm. Ages 5-10. Oyate Group, 276 Grand Concourse, Melrose section of The Bronx
Uhuru Music and Arts Uhuru means Freedom! Join artist Wéma Ragophala of Bridges: A Pan-Afrikan Arts Movement at this sensory friendly music and art-making workshop for children of all abilities. Stop by this special storytime session to learn liberation songs and make a liberation crown that explores the ways that freedom lives in you. Thursday, August 22, 3 – 3:45 pm. Ages 10 and younger. Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave, Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Kolkata Chai Co. x Oatly National Soft Serve Block Party Kolkata Chai Co. is partnering with Oatly for an all-ages block party bringing together DJs, free giveaways and highlighting Kolkata Chai’s Oat Milk Chai Soft Serve. To celebrate National Soft Serve Day, the two will be giving away free soft serve to the first 100 people at the party, as well as hosting kids-friendly activities such as face painting and balloon artists. Thursday, Aug. 22, 4 – 7 pm. All ages. Kolkata Chai, 199 E 3rd St., East Village, Manhattan
Psst…Check out our New York City Summer Bucket List for Families and Kids 2024
