Free Kid and Family Activities in NYC: 10 Free Things to Do This Week

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.

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Free Family Events for the Week of 1/10-1/16

Family Time January 2025: Free Art-Making for All Ages Participate in an art-making activity inspired by current exhibition, FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT. Saturday, Jan. 11, 1 – 3 pm. All ages. The Bronx Museum, 1040 Grand Concourse, Morrisania, Bronx

Snowflake Study Find out how snowflakes are formed, observe ice crystals, conduct an experiment, and have fun crafting! Saturday, Jan. 11, 1 – 3 pm. Ages 5 and older. Shirley Chisholm State Park (Hendrix Creek Patio), 1750 Pennsylvania Ave., East New York, Brooklyn

ConEd Family and Community Day: Make Your Own Silhouette Learn about the history of silhouette art, a popular craft in the 1700s and 1800s, and create your own paper silhouettes using simple materials. Decorate your creation with colorful frames and take home a keepsake inspired by history. Saturday, Jan. 11, 1 – 3 pm. All ages. Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Ter, Washington Heights, Manhattan

Craft a Vision Board. Create your own vision board by cutting and pasting images and words that inspire you to visualize your dreams and goals. Sunday, Jan. 12, 11 am – 12:30 pm. All ages. Advanced registration required. Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave., Mid-Island, Staten Island.

Crochet for Beginners! Join this beginner-friendly class where you’ll master the basics of crochet while crafting cute, cuddly creatures to take home! Monday, Jan. 13, 4 – 5 pm. Ages 9-18. Charleston Library, 225 Bricktown Way, Charleston, Staten Island. 

Stomp, Clap and Sing with Princess Backpack and Benjamin Princess Backpack and Benjamin bring their unique style of silly, sweet, and interactive music to the Brooklyn Public Library. Princess Backpack is a magical talking bag from the land of Backpackia. And for this show, they’ll be joined by renowned fiddler Melody Allegra to sing songs from their upcoming album, Carry On! Tuesday, Jan. 14, 10:30 – 11:30 am. Ages 5 and younger. Brooklyn Public Library — Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Celebrating MLK: Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Doves Make beautiful peace doves to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 3 – 3:45 pm. Ages 6-11. Queens Public Library- North Forest Park, 98-27 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills, Queens

Ice Theatre of New York Witness some of the city’s most talented skaters as they dazzle on the ice at this lunchtime performance. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 12:35 – 1:35 pm. All ages. Bryant Park, 6th Avenue bet. 40th and 42nd St., Midtown Manhattan. 

NEW LOCATION: FRESH START by Gale Galligan, with Maria Scrivan Join author Gale Galligan as she discusses her new book, Fresh Start, with Maria Scrivan, to celebrate this graphic novel for elementary and middle-school aged readers. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Ages 8 and older. RSVP online. The Tiny Owl, 31-21 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, Queens

Kids’ Civic: Heroes at Work Children are invited to dress up in costumes and learn about the roles of various community workers in this interactive program. Thursday, Jan. 16, 3:30 – 4:30 pm. All ages. Morrisania Library, 610 East 169th St., Morrisania, Bronx

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