Looking for some fun, free things to do with your little one? Well look no more! We put together some awesome activities you can do with your toddler on Staten Island that are fun, educational, engaging—and free! There are so many free activities for toddlers on Staten Island that can be done almost any time of year, including story times, animal-themed fun and so much more. You can plan something totally different for each day of the week. Now get ready to enjoy a cool itinerary of free family fun!
Free Activities for Toddlers on Staten Island
Little Movers Story Time
Many of the libraries on Staten Island host story time for kids, including the new Charleston Library. The Charleston Library’s Little Movers workshop offers a fun story-time session with stories, songs, music and movement, and more. Tuesdays, 10-10:45am through Feb. 28. Registration is required at 929-284-3660. Check out other story-time events at the libraries at nypl.org.
Play ‘Find the Animal’ at Clove Lakes Park
Your tiny tot will have a ball trying to find all the animals who hang out in the grasses, shrubs and lake shores of the park. See if they can spot the elegant egret standing tall in the lake, the adorable little muskrat eating sticks by the shoreline or the many birds and ducks who call the park home! Forest Avenue, Victory Boulevard, bet. Clove Road and Brookside Avenue, Royal Oak Road.
Visit a Playground
On warmer days, don’t forget about your local playground, where kids can play and be active. NYC playgrounds are found throughout the island, so you’re sure to have one close by. Park hours can vary, but playgrounds are usually open 6am-9pm.
Barnes & Noble Story Time
Head to Barnes & Noble at the mall for weekly story time where you’ll sing songs, read books and have lots of fun. Saturdays at 11am. Staten Island Mall; 2655 Richmond Ave.
The Staten Island Zoo on Wednesdays
The zoo is free on Wednesdays, 2-4pm. There are so many amazing animals at the zoo, you won’t know who to visit first! Staten Island Zoo; 705 Clove. Rd.
Hang Out with the Park Rangers!
Many free activities for toddlers on Staten Island include getting to know nature! The Urban Park Rangers hold many programs across the city designed to get kids of all ages connected with nature. They’ll learn about the outdoors, wildlife and so much more.
Look at Seals
Did you know that seals can be found on Staten Island? It’s true! You can often see these magnificent marine mammals basking off rocks along the shoreline. Mount Loretto Unique Area, below Hylan Boulevard, is a beautiful place to visit and see seals. Of course, they’re not always there (after all, they might be under water looking for a snack), but bring your binoculars just in case!
Explore Snug Harbor
The grounds are beautiful and free to explore. The colorful gardens and sprawling campus provide wonderful backdrops for photos that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Go Window Shopping!
You don’t necessarily have to buy anything. Just strolling through a mall or shopping district with your toddler can be great bonding time. You can window shop, look at cool toys and even encourage your tot’s reading skills by pointing out signs and labels with colorful words and letters.
Have a Free Lunch
After shopping—or window shopping—have lunch at one of the many restaurants on Staten Island that offer ‘kids eat free’ days.
Explore the Greenbelt
When it comes to free activities for toddlers on Staten Island, don’t forget about the borough’s sprawling natural space. Staten Island is known as the borough of parks, highlighted by the Greenbelt’s 2,800 acres of natural land. You can hike the area’s many marked trails while showing your little one beautiful wetlands, forests, meadows and wildlife.
Ride the Staten Island Ferry
You’re never too young for your first ferry ride! Head to St. George, explore the shops and dining spots, then take a free ride on the famous boat!
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