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… Check out The Best Nighttime Adventures for Kids in NYC
Free Family Events for the Week of 11/8-11/14
Tree Arrival Family Festivities The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree makes its way onto the Plaza with a day of fun featuring performances by The Rock and Roll Playhouse, holiday storytime, and a visit from Santa and his elves. Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 am – 1 pm. All ages. Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza. Programming will take place on South Plaza, as well as additional happenings Under 30 Rock and at Top of the Rock, Midtown, Manhattan
Canstruction at Brookfield Place The 32nd annual competition and exhibition challenges teams of architects, engineers, and contractors to showcase their creativity by building intricate sculptures made entirely from unopened cans of food. From iconic characters like Winnie the Pooh and Mario to city scenes like a pigeon sipping from a coffee cup, teams continue to amaze visitors with their ingenuity year after year! Daily, 10 am – 7 pm. All ages. Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St., Downtown Manhattan
Street Hockey Learn the basic rules of street hockey, along with proper stick handling, offensive skills like dribbling the puck, shooting and passing, and different defensive skills. Saturday, Nov. 9, 11 am – 12 pm. All ages. Hunts Point Recreation Center, 765 Manida St., Hunts Point, Bronx
JCPenney November Kids Zone Event Kids will make a Turkey Centerpiece to decorate for the holidays. Saturday, Nov. 9, 11 am – 12 pm. Ages 12 and younger. Queens Center, 90-15 Queens Blvd. Elmhurst, Queens
Inclusive Family Program Experience this inclusive family tour of the exhibition, Incandescence: The Chandelier in Contemporary Art and create a multi-media artwork based on the work of Ran Hwang. Sunday, Nov. 10, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm. All ages. Register online. Lehman College Art Gallery, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bedford Park, Bronx
Eighteenth Annual Brooklyn Children’s Book Fair Meet more than 40 of your favorite Brooklyn authors and illustrators as they share their latest publications. Throughout the day, children can chat with authors and illustrators, listen to readings and watch artists sketch, get books signed, meet a famous dog, and participate in book-related art projects. Sunday, Nov. 10, 11 am – 3:30 pm. All ages. Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Pkwy., Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
105th Annual New York City Veterans Day Parade The New York City Veterans Day Parade is the largest Veterans Day commemoration in the nation. Nearly 300 elements consisting of 20,000 marchers and 150+ vehicles proceed up NYC’s iconic Fifth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan: America’s Most Patriotic mile! The parade will showcase marching bands, military units, veterans’ organizations, and more, all coming together to pay homage to those who have sacrificed for our freedom. Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or a supporter, this event is an opportunity for everyone to show their gratitude and support. Monday, Nov. 11, 12:30 – 3:30 pm. All ages. Parade runs from 26th St. and Fifth Ave. to 48th St. & Fifth Ave., Midtown West, Manhattan
Autumn Tales Learn about fall by listening to some stories read by educators. Then celebrate the changing season by making some leaf art! Wednesday, Nov. 13, 3:30 – 4:30 pm. Ages 10 and younger. Register online. Meet at the picnic table area by the Rainbow Playground at Gantry Plaza State Park, 4-44 47th Rd, Long Island City, Queens
Turkey Storytime, Hoedown & Craft. Make your own happy turkey craft to celebrate Thanksgiving, followed by a cozy storytime. Thursday, Nov. 14, 4:15 – 5 pm. Ages 4-10. Tottenville Library, 7430 Amboy Road, Tottenville, Staten Island.
Learn to Play Basketball Children will learn improved flexibility and endurance as well as develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Thursday, Nov. 14, 5 – 6 pm. All ages. Red Hook Recreation Center, 155 Bay St., Red Hook, Brooklyn