100 Free Things To Do in NYC With Kids Summer 2025
One of my favorite things about raising kids in New York City is that there’s always something fun and free for us to do together. Whether it’s dancing at a block party, catching a movie under the stars, or exploring a new playground—there’s no shortage of adventure and culture.
I’ve been getting messages from moms planning trips and locals looking for new ideas, so I pulled together this massive list of 100 free things to do with kids in NYC this summer (it’s probably over 100 and I will keep updating as I find out about more things to do). Whether you’re a New Yorker or planning a trip, you’ll want to bookmark this one and start checking things off. Let’s make 2025 the best summer yet!
Everyday Adventures That Are Always Free
These spots are open all summer and offer hours of fun with no admission fee. Pack snacks, sunscreen, your metrocard and just go!
Free things to do in NYC with kids | Playgrounds + Water Play
Domino Park Water Feature (Brooklyn) – This Williamsburg gem has a fun, interactive fountain area perfect for hot days, honestly you can’t go wrong taking your kids here during a heatwave. Plus the view is amazing!
Imagination Playground (Lower Manhattan) – We haven’t been to this one but from what I’ve heard, the giant foam blocks, sand, and sprinklers makes it another summer favorite.
Pier 6 Water Lab (Brooklyn Bridge Park) – A sensory water zone with splash fountains, plus epic skyline views.
Chelsea Waterside Playground (Manhattan) – Pirate ship vibes with plenty of space to run, climb, and cool off.
Coney Island Beach/Boardwalk accessible by subway.
Rockaway Beach/Boadwalk accessible by subway (better than Coney Island)
Kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse Pier 1 and Pier 2.
If you want to do more than water parks you can actually get into the water and do free kayaking with your family.
Jones Beach
Okay, so this is actually in Long Island but it’s accessible by LIRR and bus.
Free things to do in NYC with kids | Nature Trails + Parks
Shirley Chisholm State Park (Brooklyn) – Peaceful walking and biking paths with waterfront views and shaded picnic spots. This is on my list for the summer.
Van Cortlandt Park (Bronx) – One of the largest city parks with hiking trails and forested play areas.
The Ravine in Prospect Park (Brooklyn) – Feels like a mini Adirondack getaway right in the middle of the city. I absolutely LOVE Prospect Park, it’s one of my happy spaces in the city.
Free things to do in NYC with kids | Animal Encounters + Gardens
Green-Wood Cemetery’s Parrot Colony (Brooklyn) – Yes, wild parrots! I haven’t been but I heard it’s a quirky and fun stop.
Queens County Farm Museum – I can’t suggest this farm museum enough, it’s another place that brings my family so much joy.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Free Tuesdays before noon) – Gorgeous plants, walking paths, and a discovery garden just for kids. I haven’t been in a few years but it’s absolutely stunning.
Free things to do in NYC with kids | Creative & Cultural Fun
New York Public Library Storytimes – Many branches host free story sessions for toddlers and big kids throughout the week.
Little Island (Manhattan) – Art installations, walkways, and sometimes pop-up performances—check the schedule before you go. I haven’t been yet and I can’t wait to finally go this summer.
Governors Island – Free ferry on weekends before noon. Bring the kids scooters or bikes for wide open play space.
Ride the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is always free and you get great views of Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and lower Manhattan.
Outdoor Concerts & Cultural Performances
SummerStage Concerts – These are always a vibe. This summer there are over 70 free outdoor concerts across NYC parks, featuring a diverse lineup from jazz to hip-hop.
Bryant Park Picnic Performances – Enjoy free music, dance, and theater performances on the lawn.
Carnegie Hall Citywide – Free concerts in various parks on Fridays in July and August.
Summer on the Hudson – Riverside Park will be hosting over 400 free events, including music, movies, and dance performances.
Free things to do in NYC with kids | Art & Museum Access
Whitney Museum of American Art – Free admission every Friday evening from 5–10 pm and on the second Sunday of each month.
Neue Galerie – Free admission on the first Friday of every month from 5–8 pm.
Poster House – Free admission on the first Friday of each month, with extended hours and special programming.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – Free admission for NYC residents on Fridays from 4–8 pm.
Brooklyn Museum – Free general admission for visitors ages 19 and under. Free First Saturdays include fun programs for the entire family.
National Museum of the American Indian – Free Admission
Manhattan Children’s Museum (Free for some city agency employees, teachers and EBT/SNAP eligible families and more programs).
(More museums below in the free admission by day section)
Parks & Outdoor Activities🌳
NYC Parks Free Summer Activities – Participate in free sports, fitness, and cultural events across city parks.
Kids in Motion Program – Engages children in active, outdoor play with organized sports and games in NYC playgrounds.
Free Outdoor Pools – NYC Parks operates free outdoor pools throughout the city during the summer months.
Family Camping – Experience overnight camping in city parks through NYC Parks’ free family camping programs.
Bryant Park also has over 50 free board games that are available until 8pm. We love playing with our kids there and their bathrooms are the cleanest public bathrooms in the city.
📚 Library & Educational Programs
New York Public Library Storytimes – Many branches offer free story sessions for toddlers and big kids throughout the week.
Brooklyn Public Library Events – Offers a variety of free programs for children, including arts and crafts, storytelling, and educational workshops.
Queens Public Library Programs – Hosts free events such as music and movement classes, science workshops, and cultural celebrations for kids.
Theater & Performances 🎭
Shakespeare in the Park – Enjoy free performances of Shakespearean plays in Central Park’s Delacorte Theater.
Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City – Offers a series of free performances, workshops, and events for families.
Harlem Meer Performance Festival – Free Sunday afternoon concerts featuring jazz, Latin, world, and gospel music in Central Park
FDNY Fire Zone – Free Admission)
Jones Beach
(accessible by LIRR and Long Island bus)
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
The Unisphere at Flushing Meadows Park 
Free Things To Do in NYC With Kids – By Day of the Week
If you’re a Type A mama, this section’s for you! These are the best recurring free activities by day, including museum admissions, performances, and outdoor fun. Be sure to double-check each location’s current schedule before you go.
Mondays
Bryant Park Movie Nights (select Mondays starting June 10)
Free admission to the Museum at Eldridge Street
Tuesdays
Free admission to Brooklyn Botanic Garden (10am–12pm)
Storytime at select NYPL branches
Brooklyn Children’s Museum 2-6pm (Pay as you wish)
Brooklyn Bridge Park: Movies with a view
Wednesdays
Summer in the Square: Union Square Park – Stories and performances for children.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan (free 4–8pm)
Staten Island Zoo (free after 2pm – Reservations required)
Queens Botanical Garden (free all day)
Bronx Zoo (free admission, reservations are required)
Thursdays
Outer Space Outdoor Movies: Albee Square, Brooklyn
Children’s Museum of the Arts (pay as you wish) 4-6pm. My kids LOVE it there.
Fridays
New York Historical Society, DiMenna Children’s Museum Pay-as-you-wish Fridays
New York Hall of Science , Free 2-5pm (We used to do this after school off the time on Fridays. This is an amazing museum).
Saturdays
Le Carrousel Story Time at Bryant Park 2:00pm
Guggenheim Museum (Pay as you wish 5–7:45 pm)
Lincoln Center Out of Doors Family Day
Governors Island ferry free before 2pm
The Jewish Museum
Sundays
Socrates Sculpture Park events (like storytime or art making)
Wave Hill (free admission 10am–noon)
Zipline at Alley Pond Park. Register here.
I hope you take advantage of these 100 free things to do in NYC with kids summer 2025. Enjoy your summer and don’t forget to SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!
