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.
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Free Family Events 5/17-5/23
Endangered Species Day Bingo Commemorate Endangered Species Day with an interactive game of bingo to learn and raise awareness about the many species currently facing the threat of extinction. Friday, May 17, 4 – 5 pm. All ages. Devoy Playground in Forest Park, 102-2, 102-98 Union Tpke. Forest Hills, Queens.
Movies Under the Stars: Bee Movie Grab a blanket and see what all the buzz is about in Bee Movie. Friday, May 17, 8:15 – 10 pm. All ages. Ballfields in Midland Field, 5119 Midland Ave., Great Kills, Staten Island.
Doggie Day Hike Take a stroll through the forest with your four-legged friend on this dog-friendly hike. Dog lovers without dogs are also welcome to participate. Saturday, May 18, 11 am – 12 pm. All ages. LaTourette Park & Golf Course, 1001 Richmond Hill Road, Great Kills, Staten Island.
Congolese Drumming and Dance Experience the rhythmic pulse of traditional Congolese drumming and the rich cultural heritage of the dancers’ graceful movements telling stories of their ancestors. Saturday, May 18, 2 – 3 pm, All ages, The Mall at Bay Plaza, 200 Baychester Ave.,Coop City, Bronx.
Family Time May 2024 Participate in an art-making activity inspired by an exhibit at the museum. Saturday, May 18, 2 – 3:30 pm. All ages. The Bronx Museum, 1040 Grand Concourse, Morrisania, Bronx.
Open Worlds Opening Day Join the Museum of the Moving Image or OPEN WORLDS—an initiative offering free access to its lobby and courtyard all summer long—with a ribbon-cutting, VR demos, a new media installation, and DJ Stretch Armstrong spinning music! Saturday, May 18, 3 – 9 pm. All ages. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, Queens.
Karaoke Party Celebrate Japan’s Children’s Day by singing your favorite childhood songs! Saturday, May 18, 4 – 6 pm. All ages. Japan Village Courtyard, 934 3rd Ave., Sunset Park, Brooklyn
John Patrick Green presents: An Evening with the Voices of the InvestiGators Audiobooks Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the audiobooks for the popular InvestiGators book series. The event will include live readings and an interactive Q&A session where fans will discover the secrets hidden within the Very Exciting Spy Technology. Monday, May 20, 5:30 – 7 pm. Ages 7 – 10. Advanced registration required. Mcnally Jackson Seaport, 4 Fulton Street, Lower Manhattan, Manhattan.
Painting and Drawing Classes for Children Join the Library for an introduction to painting and drawing with an instructor who will help students understand how to use different painting techniques and guide them to paint on their own. Tuesdays, 3:30 – 4:30 pm, through May 28. Ages 5-10. Brooklyn Public Library Sheepshead Bay, 2636 E. 14th St. at Ave. Z, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn.
Double Dutch Learn to double dutch with The Double Dutch Aunties when they teach you the fundamentals of street-style and competitive jump rope. Thursdays, 6 – 7 pm through Oct. 24. All ages. Garibaldi Plaza in Washington Square Park, Washington Square E. Greenwich Village, Manhattan