100 Free Things to Do with NYC Kids Anytime During Summer 2012

Free Things to Do Anytime in Summer 2012

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Many of the events we highlighted for June, July and August occur on multiple dates, but you can enjoy the activities listed below all summer long (although not necessarily every day).

Stroll the High Line and search for the diminutive (and elusive) Lilliput statues on display. FREE

Ride the Staten Island Ferry for that great view of the Statue of Liberty, and then stay awhile and explore. FREE

Visit Randall’s Island via the recently reopened 103rd Street Footbridge and check out the public environmental art exhibition FLOW.12.

Frolic in Coney Island at the beach and on the boardwalk. FREE

Explore Governors Island. The isle is open Saturday, Sunday and holiday Mondays all summer long. FREE

Take a self-guided tour of the United Nations. FREE

Visit the always free and fabulous Sony Wonder Technology Lab. FREE

Play on car-free streets and meet the members of your community at one of NYC's Weekend Walks, which take place in various neighborhoods throughout the summer. FREE

Go kayaking, canoeing or rowing on one of NYC's rivers or ponds. FREE

Chill out with books, movies and games at the New York Public Library's Children's Center at 42nd Street. FREE

Enjoy free fishing at various Hudson River Park piers and at Central Park's Harlem Meer. FREE

Splash around at a cool water playground. FREE

Go hiking in the Staten Island Greenbelt. FREE

Explore Battery Park City parks from South Cove to Nelson A. Rockefeller Park (a.k.a. Penny Park). FREE

Swim at one of NYC's many fine public pools, including the newly renovated McCarren Park Pool and the brand-new pop-up wading pool in Brooklyn Bridge Park. FREE

Hit a NYC beach. All you need is a MetroCard (and your beach gear of course). FREE

Go bird-watching in the Central Park Ramble. Don't forget to pick up your complimentary Discovery Kit at Belvedere Castle. FREE

Scour the city for wildflowers. FREE

Head to South Street Seaport's amazing Imagination Playground or one of the city’s other Destination Playgrounds.

Get active with a free field day kit courtesy of Central Park's North Meadow Recreation Center. FREE

Get artsy in a no-cost Saturday morning workshop at Socrates Sculpture Park. FREE

Play chess or checkers in Central Park. FREE

Tour Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park. FREE

Visit Castle Clinton or one of the other fun attractions in Battery Park City. FREE

Teach the kids how to ride their bikes at Pier 54 and then hit one of NYC's many family-friendly cycling routes. FREE

Play tourist in your hometown with our NYC Kids Visitors Guide. FREE

See June events I See July events I See August events

Check out our Summer Fun Guide and Event Calendar for additional suggestions.