If you're thinking about taking a family vacation to New York City or if you live in or near the New York Metro area and are looking for affordable things to do with your kids, we have some great ideas for you. If you are from out of town, you should know there is no better place to come with family than the City of New York. Not only is it huge, so you'll have stuff to do for days, but there are so many activities that don't require a huge investment and are actually quite affordable for any family–big or small–to do together.
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New York may be an expensive city, but it's also a family-friendly city and there are plenty of free and cheap activities, events and places to visit. In fact, many attractions actually have weekly events just for families that won't cost you a dime. If you plan out your visit to NYC, you'll be sure to partake in some of these great and educational activities. And they won't break your bank!
If you live in the New York Metro area, what are you waiting for to try ALL of these during the week if your kids are on vacation or during the weekends other times? Or if you're a working parent, try to plan some of these for weekends spread out over the year. You'll always have ideas on hand to do in the City and you can make your weekends exciting and even educational!
Click through the gallery to see 40 free or cheap things to do with kids of all ages in New York City.
The American Museum of Natural History offers pay-as-you-wish admission.
The famous American Museum of Natural History is like a wonderland for children and adults alike. I've taken my kids three or four times and they are only six and two. Many people don't know that admission is actually pay-as-you-wish any day of the week if you purchase tickets at the counter. Military members and their families are also admitted free of charge.
Find out more information here.
The National Museum of the American Indian is completely free.
Yes, you read that right. There is never an admission fee at the National Museum of the American Indian, which showcases various aspects of Native American life, culture and art, and even has an interactive activity center for children and hosts special programs for families throughout the year.
Find out more information here.
The New York Transit Museum is a hit with young kids.
Young children are understandably obsessed with all things transportation, and at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn, they can get up close and personal with relics of the subway, bus and commuter rail systems. The museum is not free, but it is affordable. Adults are just $10, children 2 to 17 are $5 and children under 2 are free.
Find out more information here.
There are lots of water features at the Pier 25 playground.
The playground at Pier 25 in Tribeca has been a favorite of New York City kids and parents alike for generations, and for good reason. It's a part of a city park, so it's free and it is incredibly well-equipped with eight seasonal water features, a sand box, swing sets for little and big kids and climbing areas.
Find out more information here.
Experience a natural habitat right in the city at Alley Pond.
At Alley Pond Environmental Center in Queens, families can explore the local habitat through wooded trails, ponds, meadows and more. The area is home to lots of wildlife and plant life, and the center offers many special programs geared toward children. Admission is free, but there is a nominal parking fee.
Find more information here.
Books of wonder is dedicated entirely to children's literature.
In business for nearly 40 years, Books of Wonder in Manhattan not only sells both used and new children's books, but the store regularly hosts special events including readings, book signings, art showings and more. There are even multiple free storytimes every week.
Get more information here.
The world-class Bronx zoo is free every Wednesday.
It's easy to spend an entire day at the massive Bronx Zoo and still not see everything. The facility is absolutely beautiful and features immersive and often jawdropping exhibits and regular holds special programs and animal feedings. Regular admission is pricey, but general admission is completely free every Wednesday though donations are accepted.
Find out more information here.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden caters to families.
The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is a beautiful place to wander around for a few hours or even an entire day, and they make it easy for families. Children under 12 are always free, everyone is admitted free on Friday mornings and all day on weekdays during the Winter months. Plus, there is a discovery center for children and special programs including cooking classes and family discovery weekends.
Find out more information here.
Take an iconic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.
From lower Manhattan you can take your family on a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge without paying a dime. The walk across is a little over a mile and features spectacular views. You could even cross on bikes if you have a few bucks for rentals. Consider a stop at one of the many nearby playgrounds.
Find more information at here.
Visit the first museum in the United States.
In existence since 1899, Brooklyn Children's Museum is dubbed as America's very first museum. It offers lots of programs and exhibits for kids of all ages including a color lab, a sensory room a nature center and more. Admission is just $11 per person and infants are free.
Find more information here.
The Brooklyn Flea offers affordable fun for everyone.
From vintage toys and collectibles to clothing and furniture, there is literally something for everyone to enjoy at the Brooklyn Flea, no matter age or budget. You can hunt for bargains or just explore what the dozens of vendors have on offer without making any purchases at all. Plus, there are some incredible food options including delicious ice cream treats if dining out is in your budget.
Find more information here.
Enjoy a reprieve from the hustle and bustle right in midtown at Bryant Park.
I've been visiting New York City my entire life, and just discovered theglory of Bryant Park a few years ago at Christmastime. The park is smack in the middle of midtown and features a beautifully maintained lawn to run or relax on, plenty of picnic tables, a large selection of tabletop games, ping pong tables, mini golf, an ice skating rink, a carousel and more.
Find more information here.
Chelsea Market is a fun place to explore with kids.
Chelsea Market is a place that I've returned to with my kids again and again. It's home of the Food Network offices which my kids get a kick out of, and offers lots of fun vendors to explore. Kids can watch bakers make bread and enjoy treats like cupcakes, ice cream and mini donuts. Be sure to check out the various art installations as well.
Find more information here.
No trip to New York is complete without a visit to Chinatown.
A visit to New York's Chinatown is a complete culture experience. Sure, there are usually plenty of tourist, but the local Chinese community remains steeped in its traditions from the incredible food markets to the groups of elderly people playing mahjong at the park. Strolling through this neighborhood is a priceless experience. Be sure to check out the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory for a unique treat.
Find more information here.
City Owlets play cafe is great for toddlers.
Play cafes are a thing in the five boros. In Queens, visit City Owlets during open play or sign your kiddo up for a fun and enriching class. Parents can relax and enjoy local coffee and connecting with other parents while their kiddos play.
Choose from Good Day Play Cafe's two locations.
Good Day Play Cafe is similar to City Owlets in concept–it features an indoor play place for young kids and a coffee shop and lounge area for parents to relax in. This play cafe charges by the hour, but parents and infants are free, and has locations in Queens and Brookly.
Find more information here.
The Children's Museum of Manhattan offers affordable admission.
The Children's Museum of Manhattan features a wide variety of exhibits, programs and interactive activities for children of all ages. Admission is just $14 per person and infants are free. Members of the military, certain New York government employees and members of certain unions are also offered free or discounted admission.
Find more information here.
The Children's Library Disovery Center offers lots of enrichment programs.
The Children's Library Discovery Center in Queens is designed for children between the ages of 3 and 12, and features hands-on exhibits and learning labs on a variety of topics. The discovery center organizes a variety of programs each month, including some that do not require registration so you can take part whether you live locally or you're visiting.
Find out more information here.
Take your kids to find out what it's like to be a member of the FDNY.
At FDNY Fire Zone in Rockefeller Center, your kids can climb on a fire truck, try on gear, meet an FDNY firefighter and even check out a fire simulator, all for free. For an additional $6 per person, the entire family can attend a fire safety presentation.
Find more information here.
Take the ferry to Governor's Island.
Historic Governor's Island is a 172-acre enclave right in the New York Harbor. You can reach the island by ferry from various locations for just $3 per adult and kids under 13 are free. There are various art installations to check out throughout the island as well as several unique playgrounds, bike trails and more.
Find more information here.
Grand Central Terminal is breathtaking.
Historic Grand Central Terminal opened in 1871 as the city's main commuter hub. The terminal's architecture is stunningly beautiful, and just might make your kids feel like they are in the middle of a scene from Harry Potter. Plus, there are lots of restaurants and shops to explore.
Find out more information here.
Take your kid's to play on a former railroad.
Created on a former New York Central Railroad, the High Line is a free elevated park featuring beautiful gardens, plenty of space for kids to run and play, a water feature, lounge areas and more. Various family events are also held at the park throughout the year.
Find more information here.
Check out Jane's Carousel at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Originally built in 1922, Jane's Carousel was restored and installed in Brookyln Bridge Park in 2011. Tickets are just $2 a piece–cheaper than my local tiny mall carousel–and children 3 and under ride free with a paying adult.
Find more information here.
Kids go crazy for New York's flagship Lego store.
Kids are always welcome to play free at any Lego store, but the flagship store in Manhattan takes the play to another level. There are lots of play tables to explore and build creatively and the store hosts a number of free special events and workshops every month.
Find more information here.
Spend a day at the MET.
THe famous Metropolitan Museum of Art has a special MetKids program that features interactives maps and a "time machine," to help children enjoy and understand the museum exhibits. If you live in New York or go to school in the tri-state area, admission is pay-as-you-wish. Regular admission for adults is $25 and is good for three days and children 12 and under are always free.
Find more information here.
Introduce your kids to pinball.
Modern Pinball is part arcade and part museum. Here you can introduce your kids to the popular pastime while they learn a bit about STEM concepts and then get to enjoy some fun play. Admission is either by the hour or you can buy all-day passes, and there's a discount if you purchase online.
Find more information here.
If your kids are film buffs, the Museum of the Moving Image is for them.
The Museum of the Moving Image in Queens is the only one of its kind in the U.S., and it features fascinating exhibits on all things film, from the time of its inception to present day. There are exhibits and programs designed just for children, family-friendly film screenings, sensory-friendly screenings and more. Tickets are $15 for adults and $9 for children 3 and up. Free admission is offered every Friday evening.
Find out more information here.
Visit this affordable and family-friendly theater.
Located right on 42nd Street, New Victory Theater was created just for children and families. The theater offers a variety of shows, programs, classes and more at affordable prices with the goal of introducing children to the performing arts at a young age.
Find more information here.
Check out Nintendo World in Rockefeller Center.
At Nintendo World in Rockefeller Center, kids and adults can stop in and sample gaming systems and video games, shop for memorabilia and more. The store hosts various free events every month.
Find more information here.
Explore the public library.
A visit to the New York Public Library is an absolute dream for any book-loving kiddo. Of course, there's no fee to enter and you can stay and explore the historic building and the endless shelves of books as long as you like.
Find more information here.
Get interactive at the New York Hall of Science.
The New York Hall of Science features a wide array of interactive programs, exhibits and workshops for children and adults, as well as daily science demos and a 3D theater. Admission is $16 per adult and $13 for children 2 and older, but the museum offers free hours on Friday afternoons and Sunday mornings.
Find more information here.
Visit a city farm in Queens.
The Queen's County Farm Museum is located on New York City's largest tract of undisturbed farmland and features historic buildings, greenhouses, a livestock farm and gardens. Daily admission is free.
Find out more information here.
Watch boats sail on South Street.
Head down to South Street to check out the historic seaport where you and your kids can watch the boats on the East River, chow down on eats from a variety of food trucks and restaurants, catch some live music and more.
Find more information here.
Ride the Staten Island ferry.
It wasn't until I was an adult that I realized the Staten Island Ferry into Manhattan is free, which is great since my kids think the ferry ride alone is a special event. During the ride, you'll enjoy incredible views of the skyline and even get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty.
Find more information here.
Tour Saint Patrick's Cathedral.
If you've ever passed by Saint Patrick's Cathedral you know that you don't have to go inside for it to be a special, but you can in fact enjoy a self-guided tour of the historic and ornate church for free or take a guided tour for a suggested donation of $5 per person.
Find out more information here.
Play at Teardrop Park.
Teardrop Park is a city park in lower Manhattan that features a playground with a massive 14-foot slide built into a rock feature and water fountains to splash and play in.
Find more information here.
People watch and play at Washington Square Park.
Washington Square Park in Manhattan is a sight to behold, particularly in thanks to the massive stone arch at its entrance and the giant water fountains within–in a word, it's impressive. There are always plenty of people to watch including street artists, musicians and dancers. There are also playgrounds and a dog run.
Find more information here.
Stroll the gardens at Wave Hill.
Wave Hill in the Bronx is a public garden and cultural center right on the Hudson River. Admission is just $8 per adult and $2 for children 6 and older. Children under 6 are admitted free. Members of the military are admitted free during the summer and general admission is free for everyone Tuesday and Sunday mornings.
Find more information here.
Check out Wonder Wheel Park at Coney Island.
Take your kiddos to ride the famous 150-foot Wonder Wheel at Coney Island. Admission to the park is free and tickets are charged per ride. Adults ride from $8 and kids ride for $4. Other rides and discounted ticket packages are also available.
Find more information here.
Don't forget to grab some pizza!
Kids and pizza go together like peanut butter and jelly, and New York City has arguably some of the most famous pizza in the world–it's second only to pizza in Rome. Even better, you can eat amazing pizza in the city for just a couple of bucks a slice. Your kids will definitely think they're getting a massive treat.
Find more information here.
