New York City is one of the most exciting places on earth to bring your kids — but with flights, hotels and everyday costs adding up fast, you don’t need to spend a fortune to make memories there. Plenty of the city’s best experiences cost absolutely nothing.
From iconic skyline views to hands-on museums and legendary toy stores, here’s our list of the best free things to do in New York City with kids. Even seasoned New Yorkers will find a few favourites worth another look.
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Free Things to Do With Kids in New York City
Visiting New York with kids is an unforgettable experience, and showing them the sights doesn’t have to cost a thing. Here are our top picks for a brilliant, budget-friendly day out in the Big Apple.
#1. Staten Island Ferry
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Hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry for a scenic ride across the water from Lower Manhattan to Staten Island — and it’s completely free. The ferry runs around the clock, with services throughout the day and evening.
Along the way you’ll catch fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline. It’s one of the best “free attractions” tips any New Yorker will give you, and kids love it just as much as adults.
#2. Central Park
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All parks are free, but Central Park is in a league of its own. It’s a hive of activity all year round, with playgrounds dotted throughout, gorgeous spots like Bethesda Terrace, and beloved statues such as the “Alice in Wonderland” sculpture and the Strawberry Fields memorial to John Lennon.
Depending on the season, the park also hosts family-friendly storytelling sessions and seasonal outdoor activities — it’s well worth checking what’s on during your visit.
#3. NYC Toy Stores
Okay, the toys themselves aren’t free — but we’ve included these stores because they offer a whole experience, not just a shopping trip.
The LEGO® Store Fifth Avenue has innovative displays, in-store family events and a hands-on play area called The Living Room, where kids can build to their hearts’ content.
Brooklyn Superhero Supply Store deserves a mention for its originality and good cause — pick up x-ray goggles, capes and tins of immortality, all in the name of good. Customers are asked to promise at the door to use their purchases only for good, and profits support 826NYC, a nonprofit that teaches writing to kids, founded by author Dave Eggers.
FAO Schwarz at Rockefeller Center is one of the most iconic toy shops in the world, and it offers interactive experiences for kids, from magic tricks to science demonstrations.
Mary Arnold Toys on the Upper East Side has been a neighbourhood favourite since 1931, and still hosts events and story times for families.
It’s not strictly a toy shop, but kids of all ages love a bit of magic — Tannen’s Magic Shop in Midtown Manhattan is the city’s oldest operating magic store, packed with tricks, canes and novelty surprises.
#4. Brooklyn Children’s Museum
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The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is full of fun, educational exhibits that teach kids about world cultures, history and science, with a lovely dedicated area for under-fives. The museum offers free admission at certain times during the week, so it’s worth checking the museum’s website before you go to plan around it.
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#5. Brooklyn Bridge
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One of the most recognisable landmarks in the New York City skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge is free to cross on foot via its elevated pedestrian walkway. The views are stunning, and the bridge has featured in so many films and TV shows that it feels like an old friend before you even arrive.
#6. Children’s Center at The New York Public Library
Did you know you can see the real stuffed animals that inspired the beloved Winnie-the-Pooh stories? Visit them at The Children’s Center at The New York Public Library on 42nd Street, where you’ll also find computers, books, cosy reading nooks, and a fun conveyor-belt book sorter that kids love watching in action.
The Center regularly hosts free events for young people and their families, including storytelling, musical and theatrical performances, and appearances by authors and illustrators.
#7. Columbia Astronomy Public Outreach
Curious older kids and teens can attend free public lectures through Columbia Astronomy Public Outreach, often followed by rooftop stargazing hosted by Columbia University’s astronomy department.
Past sessions have covered topics like “How Big Is the Solar System?”, “How Is a Hubble Image Made?” and “Where the Ocean Meets the Sky” — a brilliant free activity for space-obsessed kids.
#8. Flushing Meadows – Corona Park
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The city’s second-biggest park, Flushing Meadows – Corona Park, is home to the striking Unisphere, a giant steel globe built for the 1964 World’s Fair. Explore one of the park’s playgrounds, stroll the Flushing Bay Promenade, or bring a kite for a windy afternoon.
#9. The Seaport
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The Seaport (also known as South Street Seaport) is a lively waterfront area with seasonal events and entertainment for all ages, plus historic ships docked at the pier for kids to admire.
The South Street Seaport Museum tells the story of New York’s rise as a major port city, with interactive exhibits and access to the tall ship Wavertree.
#10. Times Square
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No trip to New York is complete without a photo in Times Square, the busy, bright hub of the city. Beyond the famous New Year’s countdown, you’ll find public art installations and plenty of fun stores to browse — our favourite is The M&M Store just off the square.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York City expensive to visit with kids?
It can be, especially for flights, accommodation and dining — but many of the city’s best experiences, like walking the Brooklyn Bridge, riding the Staten Island Ferry, and exploring Central Park, cost nothing at all.
What’s the best free activity in NYC for young kids?
Central Park is hard to beat, thanks to its many playgrounds and family-friendly landmarks. The Children’s Center at The New York Public Library is another great option for a quieter, indoor free activity.
Are New York museums free for kids?
Some museums offer free admission at certain times or for children under a certain age — it’s always worth checking a museum’s website in advance, as policies and hours can change.
Is Times Square worth visiting with kids?
Yes — it’s a fun, high-energy stop for a photo and a browse through the novelty stores, though it’s very crowded, so it works best as a short visit rather than a long stay.
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- 10 FREE Things to Do in Boston With Kids
Save These Ideas for Your Trip
Planning a family trip to NYC? Bookmark this page so you have your free-things-to-do list handy when you’re there, and browse our other city guides for more budget-friendly family adventures.
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