Free Activities for Kids and Families in NYC: 10 Free Things to Do This Week
If these lists are from the most expensive cities to live inNew York City is always on the list, which can all feel a bit crazy. The rent is how much? The sandwich is $20?! With the rising cost of living, many parents have to be more frugal than ever before.
But hey, we’re not bad-mouthing our city; we love it, and what we love most about it is that even though it’s expensive, it’s one of the best cities that fosters 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 now each week we’re sharing ten things you can do for FREE across the five boroughs in the coming week.
Psst…Social Media and Child Safety: A Breakdown by App Security measures
Look at them!
Free family events 13.09.24 – 19.09.24
Soundview Restoration Day Join the Bronx River Alliance, Friends of Soundview Park, and Concrete Friends for this special collaborative event and community celebration in Soundview Park. Volunteers can help restore natural habitat in the community by picking up trash, removing invasive species, and planting native species. There will also be giveaways, food, and fun activities! Saturday, September 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. All ages. Soundview Park Field House, 1550 Lafayette Ave., Clason Point, Bronx
JCPenney Kids Zone event in September Children are invited to make a sloth door hanger for their special room. Saturday, September 14, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Ages 3 – 12. Queens Center, 90-15 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst, Queens
Arts and crafts fair in autumn 2024 Stroll down City Island Ave. to see local art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, fresh air, food and live music! September 14-15, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. All ages. City Island Ave. from Bay St. to Schofield St., City Island, Bronx
Street festival “New York on site” Get a behind-the-scenes look at film and television production in New York. See 18 working film trailers and trucks and talk directly with film professionals about their work on set. Sunday, September 15, 12pm – 4pm. All ages. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, Queens.
The 55th Annual African American Day Parade This annual parade honors African Americans who have made significant contributions to the African American community through politics and government. The parade features over 200 groups, including businesses, corporations, community-based organizations, religious organizations, educational institutions (including student organizations and HBCU alumni groups), public officials, cowboys, and more. Sunday, September 15th, 12:30pm. All ages. Pre-parade show at 11am on 125th Street. Parade will be held between 111th and 136th Streets on Adam Clayton Powel Jr. Blvd. in Harlem, Manhattan.
Mexican Independence Day Parade. Celebrate Mexican history and national pride with cultural groups, live music and free resources. Sunday, September 15, 2:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. All ages. Parade begins in front of La Colmena and ends in Veterans Park. La Colmena, 774 Port Richmond Ave., Port Richmond, Staten Island.
Mid-Autumn Festival The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture. This event is a wonderful opportunity to share Chinese culture with your friends and family and learn a new language. Learn about the origin of the festival while younger children make a “bunny on the moon” craft. Tuesday, September 17, 3-5pm. All ages. Smith Garden – Alfred Smith Houses, 10 Catherine Slip, Downtown Manhattan.
Sound & Color! Autumn in New York Autumn Festival Celebrate the changing of the seasons with an afternoon of music, crafts, storytelling, lawn games and more. Thursday, September 19, 11am – 5pm All ages. Brooklyn Bridge Park, 334 Furman St, DUMBO, Brooklyn
Natural History Librarians at the Brooklyn Public Library on Adams Street will lead an exciting and engaging story time with singing and rhyming. Stay afterward to check out all the animals and activities in the room during open hours! Thursday, September 19, 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Ages 3-8. Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy Environmental Education Center, 99 Plymouth St. Brooklyn Heights
Tortoise vs. Hare 2: This time it’s personal! Check out this hilarious, heartwarming sequel to the classic fable. This time it’s Ro-Shell, the great-grandson of the legendary tortoise, who must face off against Jack Rabbit, the hare’s fast and clever descendant. Who will win? Come to the library and find out in this wacky live performance that’s perfect for the whole family! Thursday, September 19, 4 p.m. All ages. St. George Library Center, 5 Central Ave., Silver Lake, Staten Island
