10 Free Kid & Family Activities in NYC This Week
We always feature great family events on New York Family, and you can also find many more on our calendar. This week’s list brings together the best free experiences to help you plan memorable moments with your kids, without spending a dollar. Scroll down to get started!
Psst… Check Out Festive Hanukkah Events for Families in New York City
Free Family Events for the Week of 12/17-12/23
Gingerbread City This unique holiday pop-up features an architect-designed showcase of gingerbread installations themed “The Playful City.” The theme invited architects to explore how play can reshape urban living, showcasing imaginative designs from various architecture firms. Plus, an AI tool called the “Gingerbread Button” allows you to transform your selfies into gingerbread characters! Daily, 9 am – 7 pm, through Jan. 4; except Dec. 24 and 1. All ages. Reserve your timeslot in advance. The Gingerbread City at The Seaport, 19 Fulton St., Manhattan
Magic and Comedy Show with Omar Olusion Join the amazing magician Omar Olusion for his super fun magic and comedy show. This performance is packed with laughs, surprises, and magical moments you won’t forget! Wednesday, Dec. 17, 3 – 4 pm. Ages 6 – 11. Queens Public Library Maspeth, 69-70 Grand Ave., Queens
14Y’s Chanukah in Union Square Light the menorah, enjoy special performances by Broadway star and Grammy winner Adam Kantor and acclaimed singer Galeet Dardashti, and create a true New York Chanukah moment filled with community, warmth, and light. Thursday, Dec. 18, 6 – 7 pm. All ages. Register online. Union Square Park, North Plaza, 17th Street from Broadway to Union Square East, Manhattan
Winter Solstice Wishes Celebrate the longest night of the year with lantern-crafting, cookie-decorating, and warm wishes for the season. Gather in majestic Armor Hall to decorate solstice-inspired sugar cookies and design a simple paper lantern with your wish for the year ahead. Then, head outside for a lantern-lit procession to float your wish lantern at the Aquatic Garden. As the lanterns drift together, their light represents the Wave Hill community’s sentiments of hope, gratitude, and renewal for the future. Thursday, Dec. 18, 4 – 6:30 pm. All ages. Wave Hill House, 4900 Independence Ave., Bronx
Cookies, Crafts and Cocoa with Santa Get into the holiday spirit for an afternoon filled with creativity and cheer! Enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa while customizing sugar cookies with colorful toppings and sprinkles and create holiday keepsakes that you’ll hang on your tree for years to come. Make sure to bring your phone or camera to get a picture with Santa Claus! Friday, Dec. 19, Tot Session, 10 am – 12 pm, ages 1 – 5. Youth Session, 2 – 5 pm, ages 5 – 13. Advanced registration required. DeMatti Park Fieldhouse in De Matti Park, 430 Tompkins Ave., Staten Island
Puppets in the Park Enjoy a performance of the original puppet show “Where is the Moon?” where kids will learn about nocturnal animals while following a baby owl’s journey through the woods. Saturday, Dec. 20, 10 am & 1 pm. All ages. Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, Nature Interpretive Center, 2351 Veterans Road West, Staten Island
Hibernation Hike Hundreds of animal species spend their winters in New York City parks. Learn how animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks, reptiles and others survive the cold and the snow in this educational wildlife viewing adventure. Saturday, Dec. 20, 11 am – noon. All ages. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, 246th Street and Broadway, Bronx
Flatfoot Flatbush The 12th Annual Flatfoot Flatbush returns for this annual winter solstice parade in collaboration with Porch Stomp and Make Music NY! Enjoy a festive day of fun and flatfooting while parading along Flatbush Avenue with live music, singing, and dance with stops at local businesses offering free treats along the route! Sunday, Dec. 21, 1 – 3:30 pm. All ages. Parade begins at Flatbush Ave & Carlton Ave, Brooklyn
Chanukah Spectacular Be there for the last night of Chanukah for the lighting of the menorah and witness “The Twins from France” as they put on a show-stopping, adrenaline-packed performance! Sunday, Dec. 21, 5 pm. All ages. Gantry Plaza State Park, 4-44 47th Road, Queens
Kids’ Karaoke Kids can unleash their inner rock star and perform their favorite songs in front of a live audience! Monday, Dec. 22, 4 – 4:45 pm. Ages 5 – 12. Dyker Library, 8202 13th Ave., Brooklyn
Psst… Check Out Celebrate 75 Years of Wollman Rink and Help Break a World Record!
How to Make the Most of The Free Family Activities in NYC
Attending free kids’ and family events in New York City can be much easier and more enjoyable than you might expect. They are designed with families in mind, providing a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive. Most event locations have staff or volunteers who are always present to guide you, answer questions, and help you settle into the activities without any pressure. You are free to make the most of each experience and enjoy a full week of free family-friendly moments across the city.
- Check the Event Schedule Ahead of Time: You can begin by looking up event dates, times, and locations online. You can make little efforts to know the starting time for most of the events. So, you won’t miss the activities that matter most to your family.
- Consider Age and Interests: Not every event is ideal for every child. Younger kids may actually enjoy parades, tree-lightings, or Santa meet-and-greets, while older children may be more engaged with hands-on workshops, cultural celebrations, or interactive performances. Planning this free event week with your child’s interests in mind ensures a more enjoyable experience.
- Prepare Essentials: Come along with a few simple items such as water, snacks, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing. Warm layers may not be needed for some NYC indoor events, but outdoor parades or tree-lightings can require coats, hats, and gloves.
- Arrive Early When Possible: Popular events like Nordstrom’s Santa Snow Show or BRIC’s Winter Wonderland can get really busy. It’s advisable to arrive early when going to such events. So, you can have a better spot and get better photo opportunities.
- Engage and Explore: Take advantage of all the activities offered at the event. Many events have crafts, music, performances, and interactive experiences. Encourage your kids to participate fully. It’s a chance to create holiday memories without spending any money.
- Return Anytime: Free family events often run weekly or throughout the season. If your family can’t attend one week, many activities repeat, so you can plan another visit when it’s convenient.
By following these simple steps, you can make the most of NYC’s free kids events, enjoy the holiday season, and create memorable experiences for your whole family without stress or cost.
Questions Families Often Ask
Is registration required ahead of time for the free activities?
Most NYC free events do not require registration, but a few ask that you register in advance. So, it’s always best to check the event’s website or contact organizers before attending.
What ages are these events suitable for?
These NYC free events are family-friendly and generally suitable for all ages. Some cool activities are ideal for younger children, while interactive workshops and cultural performances may appeal more to older kids.
Is it advisable to bring more than one child to the events?
Families are welcome to bring multiple children to these events, and most venues and outdoor spaces can comfortably accommodate groups of all sizes.
Are these events wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Most venues and outdoor locations are accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. For specific accessibility details, please check the event’s website or contact organizers in advance.
How early should one arrive to get good spots for popular NYC free events?
It’s always recommended to arrive early, especially for high-demand activities. However, arriving 15–30 minutes before they begin can help you secure good viewing spots.
