Things to Do
Things to do with kids in New York, including events this week, free things to do, fairs and festivals, story time, theater for kids, and kids' entertainment
Things to Do
Free and cheap things to do
Free activities for families in NYC
NYC might be famous for its sticker shock (that upgraded soft-serve costs how much?), but this is also a city that knows the best things in life are free. Here are places and activities that will entertain the crew—and that let you keep your credit card in your pocket.
Time Out New York Kids + New York Public Library daily storytimes
Are your little ones missing their favorite reading circle? Don’t worry, Mom and Dad: We have the perfect solution! Time Out is partnering with the New York Public Library to present digital storytimes for pint-sized bookworms. Beginning August 10, families can tune in Monday through Friday at 10am—right here—for a remote read-aloud. Curious about the lineup? The Time Out New York Kids newsletter will reveal forthcoming story time schedules on Fridays, so sign up today! Things might be confusing right now—especially to little New Yorkers—but the NYPL and Time Out are here to ensure your family can experience the best of the city, even while you’re at home. THIS WEEK: Catch a special reading on Tuesday, Aug 18 with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment with her picture book, Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote. Don't forget to visit the library's website and check out its great activities for kids, too! Monday, August 17 Kristy Raffensberger from Hudson Park Library in Manhattan John Coltrane's Giant Steps by Chris Raschk and What! Cried Granny: An Almost Bedtime Story by Kate Lum Tuesday, August 18 Jennie Mayfield from Parkchester Library in the BronxRuby Gets Crafty by Rosemary Wells Wednesday, August 19 Mleeka Khan from Dongan Hills in Staten IslandThe Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and Bark, George by Jules FeifferThursday, August 20 Michael Kirby from Van Nest Library in the BronxAccordionly: Abuelo and Opa Make Music by Michael Genhart and Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen ChristelowFriday, August 21 Krystina Humbert from Mariners Harbor Library in Staten Island Monkey and Me by Emily Gravett and Get Out of My Bath! by Britta Teckentrup Monday, August 10: Nobuko Wilson from St. George Library in Staten IslandPapa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle and Ten in the Bed by Jane Cabrera Tuesday, August 11: Kelly Smith from Woodstock Library in the BronxBilly Bloo is Stuck in Goo by Jennifer Hamburg Wednesday, August 12: Lauren Wrenn from Melrose Library in the BronxFeast for 10 by Cathryn Falwell and How About a Night Out by Sam Williams Thursday, August 13: Sarah West from St. Agnes Library in ManhattanKitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes and The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli Friday, August 14: Olisha James from Stapleton Library in Staten IslandA Perfectly Messed-Up Story by Patrick McDonnel and We Are in a Book! by Mo Willems Be sure to explore our favorite summer activities for kids while you're at it! After all, a visit to the beach or park isn't complete without a good book.
Wave Hill's free Thursday admission is the perfect excuse to head outdoors
No need to set up shop on the couch: One of NYC's best family attractions is welcoming visitors back to its gorgeous green space. Wave Hill, a 28-acre nature hub in Riverdale, sits above the Hudson River and offers a quick escape from the city—without actually leaving it. From a stunning pergola to the hillside Wild Garden, this uptown oasis is perfect for those looking to get lost in nature, even if it's just for an afternoon. Now, Wave Hill will operate from noon–5:30pm on Thursday through Sunday with a new reservation system. (Learn about the new safety procedures online.) Even better? Admission, which is typically $10 and $4 for children 6 and up, is free on Thursdays, so pack a picnic and escape to the bucolic grounds. You can get your tickets, free or otherwise, by calling 718-549-3200 or visiting the website. Although its typical events and programming are on hold, families still have access to the popular weekend family art projects online, which offers videos and instructions for crafts like clay nests, DIY sundials and other cool nature-focused activities. If you're looking for even more ways to enjoy a family outing on the cheap, snag tickets to free Wednesdays at the Bronx Zoo! Of course, hitting the best kids' playgrounds and parks in NYC is always a solid option, too. See you there! Most popular on Time Out - The Bronx Zoo will bring back free Wednesdays - The best summertime cherry picking NY families love- The NYC DOE is hosting a virtual information session about returning to school - Sesame Place is reopening with new safety measures- NYC to provide free daycare for children ages 3 and up
Queens County Farm is reopening this weekend
Prepare to immerse yourself in a rustic environment—straight from the concrete jungle. The largest undisturbed piece of farmland in New York City, Queens County Farm, is welcoming back visitors on August 2 for the first time since its closure March. If you're anxious to take in the greenery, meet a few friends (think goats, sheep and alpacas) and snag some fresh produce at the farmer's market (11am–3pm Wed–Sun), now's your chance. The bucolic 47-acre family attraction is celebrating its reopening with something new, according to Facebook—its debut public art installation. Aaron Asis' "Cover Crop" originally intended to act as a segue into cultural arts programming, according to Untapped New York, but now it shifted its focus to sustainable architecture, and uses the famous fall attraction, the Amazing Maize, as its inspiration. (Speaking of which, fingers crossed all goes smoothly for our go-to autumn activity!) If you're anxious to spend time with the little ones outdoors, we suggest making a visit to our favorite parks, playgrounds and splash pads. No matter where you end up, no (socially-distanced) day trip is complete without something sweet: Grab a cup or a cone from our favorite ice cream shops to round out your adventure. See you on the farm! Most popular on Time Out - The Bronx Zoo will bring back free Wednesdays - The best summertime cherry picking NY families love- The NYC DOE is hosting a virtual information session about returning to school - Sesame Place is reopening with new safety measures- NYC to provide free daycare for children ages 3 and up
