Free Kid and Family Activities in NYC: 10 Free Things to do this Week – New York Family

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

Check them out!

Free Family Events 8/2/24 – 8/08/24

Friday Night Fireworks Kick off the weekend and create unforgettable memories with family and friends at this weekly summer fireworks spectacular. Fridays through Aug. 30, 9:30 pm. All ages. Coney Island Beach at West 16th St., Coney Island, Brooklyn

Summer of Science: Just Add Water! Celebrate summer with a series of water and liquid-based experiments, demonstrations, and STEAM activities that families can do together. Saturday, August 3, 11 am – 12:30 pm. Ages 6-12. Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave., Great Kills, Staten Island.

Storytime Hour at the National Lighthouse Museum Children are invited to a reading of Kate’s Light, a story about Kate Walker at Robbin’s Reef Lighthouse by Elizabeth Spires and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully. Books will be available for purchase. Saturday, August 3, 11 am  and 12pm. Ages 6-8. National Lighthouse Museum, 200 The Promenade at Lighthouse Point, Silver Lake, Staten Island

Community Science Fishing Learn the basics of rod and reel fishing while catching-and-releasing some of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s finest. Saturday, Aug. 3, 3 – 6 pm. Ages 3 and older. Pier 5 – Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO, Brooklyn

Creative Art Family Edition Explore the arts through different mediums including collage, painting, and drawing. Sunday, Aug. 4, 12 – 1:30 pm. All ages. Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, 3225 Reservoir Oval East, Williamsbridge, Bronx

Grand Opening of Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop Be there when Ghirardelli opens their first-ever New York City Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and chocolate enthusiast Mary J. Blige, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12 p.m. Get there early, because Ghirardelli will be offering 102 free Ghirardelli World Famous Hot Fudge Sundaes to the first attendees who claim their spot in line, one for every floor of the iconic Empire State Building. Tuesday, Aug. 6, 12 – 6 pm. All ages. Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop, 16 W 34th St., Midtown Manhattan

Hippo Playground Summer Concerts: Cara Samantha Cara Samantha of Cara’s Caterpillars will have everyone up and dancing during this kiddie concert! Wednesday, Aug. 7, 3:30 – 4:30 pm. All ages. Hippo Playground, W. 91st St &, Riverside Dr., Upper West Side, Manhattan 

Summer Family Night 2024 Enjoy a lively night of artmaking, hosted at the Materials for the Arts warehouse. Art activities will incorporate upcycled materials and encourage collaboration. Wednesday, Aug. 7, 6 – 8:30 pm. All ages. Materials for the Arts, 33-00 Northern Blvd, 3rd Floor, Long Island City, Queens

The Shops at Atlas Park’s Summer Movie Series  Bring the family, blanket and portable, low-profile chair for a screening of Elemental. Wednesday, Aug. 7, 7 – 10 pm. All ages. The Shops at Atlas Park, 8000 Cooper Ave., Glendale, Queens.

Family Time August 2024: Art-Making Pop-Up The Bronx Museum is taking advantage of the summer weather by taking art outdoors! All are invited for free art-making activities that are fun for all ages and suitable for families with young children. Thursday, Aug. 8, 2 – 4 pm. All ages. Joyce Kilmer Park, 955 Walton Ave., Highbridge, Bronx

Psst…Check out our New York City Summer Bucket List for Families and Kids 2024