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 40 Free Holiday Events in NYC & Long Island
Free Family Events for the Week of 12/20-12/26
De Matti Youth Cookies, Cocoa, and Crafts with Santa. Unleash your inner artist and decorate delicious sugar cookies, create unique ornaments, enjoy a warm and comforting cup of hot cocoa, and meet Santa Claus himself and take a picture. Friday, Dec. 20, 3 – 4:30 pm. All ages. DeMatti Park, 430 Tompkins Ave., Rosebank, Staten Island.
BCM’s 125th Birthday Weekend Celebrate the Brooklyn Children’s Museum 125th birthday with a weekend extravaganza filled with non-stop fun. Dance at the disco party, glide on the outdoor sock-skating rink, create anniversary-themed art, and enjoy surprise giveaways and raffles. Dec. 21-22, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. All ages. Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Welcoming Winter: A Family Nature Walk Families can hit the trails while learning about amazing local plants and animals, and find out how the park changes in the colder weather. Afterwards, take part in a nature craft and themed activities! Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 am – 12 pm. Ages 3 and older. Van Cortlandt Park Alliance Garden & Compost Site, Broadway and Mosholu Ave. Riverdale, Bronx
Jingle & Joy at Queens Place Enjoy live holiday music by Musiquita, followed by a cheerful visit from Santa himself. The celebration wraps up with a cozy holiday movie screening. Saturday, Dec. 21, 12 – 3 pm. All ages. Queens Place Mall, 8801 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst, Queens
Photos with Santa at The Museum of Broadway Get your photo with Santa as he stops by The Museum of Broadway on his way back to the North Pole! Sunday, Dec. 22, 11 am – 4 pm. All ages. Museum of Broadway, 145 W 45th St., Midtown Manhattan
The Mighty String Demons Holiday Performance. The Mighty String Demons, an ensemble of young Staten Island violinists, will present a concert of seasonal holiday music to bring joy and good cheer to everyone attending. Monday, Dec. 23, 12 – 2 pm. All ages. Charleston Library, 225 Bricktown Way, Charleston, Staten Island.
Kids Create : Make Your Own Christmas Tree Use your creativity and imagination to craft a festive tree. Monday, Dec. 23, 4 – 5 pm. Ages 6-12. Rugby Library, 1000 Utica Ave., East Flatbush, Brooklyn
Campfire Story Time for Kids Join the Urban Park Rangers for a cozy campfire and story telling session. Rangers will read books and use puppets paired with visual props. Monday, Dec. 23, 1 – 2 pm. All ages. Bayswater Park, Dwight Ave., Seagirt Blvd. bet. Beach 38 St. and Bay 32 St. Far Rockaway, Queens
Giant Menorah Lighting On each night of Chanukah, the community is invited to witness the lighting of a giant public menorah. Dec. 25-Jan 1., Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 4 pm; Friday, 3pm; Saturday, 6:30pm; Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 4 pm. All ages. The Bell Monument at Bell Tower Park, W. 239th St. & Riverdale Ave., Riverdale, Bronx
Kwanzaa at the African Burial Ground National Monument This Kwanzaa celebration includes a traditional African ceremony, dances, and music. Thursday, Dec. 26, 11 am – 3 pm. All ages. African Burial Ground National Monument, 290 Broadway, Lower Manhattan
Kcassman