100 Free Things to Do This Summer with Kids in New York City

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

Summer is the season of FREE in NYC—and here it comes. There's no-cost fun everywhere you turn, from festivals, outdoor movies, and concerts, to kayaking and fireworks. With the public school break upon us, and the kids itching to play (and swim), we've rounded up FREE things for families to do every single day of summer vacation. Starting with Wednesday, June 27 and running all the way through Wednesday, September 5, 2018, we've compiled the best FREE things to do with kids in NYC all summer!

Of course, this list isn't comprehensive. There are literally hundreds of FREE fun events happening across our city this school break. You can find more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Summer Fun Guide, including beach day trips, FREE splash pads, and more. Check out our Events Calendar for more events.

Still searching for a summer camp for a week or two? Check out our NYC summer camp directory and guide.

50 Free Things to Do with Long Island Kids This Summer

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

Does the thought of a full summer vacation make you think of empty pockets?

In between camps, parties, sitters, and trips, the next two months can get costly. And for a family with more than one child, even a trip to the water park can add up. But summer doesn’t have to drain your wallet.

We have compiled a list of 50 FREE things families can do together. From outdoor concerts and movies, to museums, classes, and festivals, Long Island has something going on all summer long.

Check a few more things off your bucket list with our Summer Fun Guide. Feeling really ambitious? Here are 100 things to do with Long Island kids before they grow up. See our guide to FREE family activities on Long Island for even more inspiration.  

50+ Free Things To Do This Summer for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families

Submitted by Susan Miele on

Summer is here, and while the end of school can be a relief, the new challenge is to keep the kids busy seven days a week! But filling those long days can get pricey—fast. Fear not: We’ve been hard at work identifying tons of FREE things to do with the kids that will keep them entertained all summer long—and we're not just talking about crafts. We found multi-cultural festivals, admission-free days, magic shows, outdoor yoga, astronomy nights, animal encounters, historical sites, and loads more.

Read on for 50+ of our favorites below, but also note that our Event Calendar is your BFF all season, because we keep adding to that frequently, so it’s always worth a gander. Want more that’s FREE? Bookmark our guide to year-round FREE things to do and sign up for our newsletters.

Top 10 North Carolina Beaches for Families

Submitted by Christine Mooney on

North Carolina is home to top notch colleges, bustling cities, fun towns tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, and some of the best beaches on the East Coast. Most of these beaches are a far cry from the bustling carnival-like atmosphere of the boardwalk towns in the Jersey Shore, and others take a bit more effort to get to than you might expect, but they’re definitely worth it. Wild horses, cute seaside towns, and a dose of southern charm make North Carolina a great beach destination for you and your family.

Keep reading for our top picks for family-friendly beaches in North Carolina.

4th of July Fireworks in Connecticut

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on

Here in Connecticut we love fireworks so much that the shows start as early as late June and continue throughout July! Kick off summer with a bang with our roundup of more than 40 (!) CT pyrotechnic displays in honor of Independence Day. As always before heading out, check the weather forecast and parking restrictions, especially at beaches. Some venues allow nonresidents to pay for parking on-site, but others require that passes be purchased in advance at a separate location.

Best Free NYC Swimming Pools for Toddlers and Kids

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

It's summertime and the livin' is easy—beaches, sprinklers, and awesome days at the playground. Oh the hard life of a New York City kid. And the NYC Parks Department is poised to open its outdoor pools on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, the day after public schools let out.

We've rounded up our picks for the best free pools in the city. These are all places we've visited personally, or have come highly recommended by families we know. The city hosts more than 50 outdoor pools this summer, so it will be hard not to find one you like. Time to get swimming!

20 Spots to Pick Peaches, Sweet Corn, Cherries, and More With Boston Kids

Elyse Andrews's picture Submitted by Elyse Andrews on

Massachusetts may not have a long growing season, but local farms make the most of the few months they have each year to produce bountiful fruits and vegetables. There are a lot of places to strawberry, blueberry, or apple picking near Boston, but don't forget about other summer produce, like peaches, pears, plums, cherries, corn and more—even currants! Here are 20 nearby farms where kids can pick (and sample) lots of different types of luscious dessert and meal fixings, straight from the fields.

Free Things to Do with Philly Kids in July

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on

Philly families have lots to celebrate this July as the city comes alive with summertime fun. It all starts with a bang, and a boom, and a sparkle and a sizzle as Philly parents and kids celebrate America's birthday. There are plenty of free events that acknowledge the occasion. From free admission to museums to free parties, there is something for everyone in the family.

Later in the month, schedule time to watch a free outdoor movie or listen to a free concert under the stars. Avoid the summer slide by keeping young minds sharp with a trip to Big Blue Marble Bookstore or Doylestown Bookshop for a storytime session or check out educational programming opportunities at your local library in the city or in the suburbs. Dive into scientific exploration by climbing through a giant heart or experiencing the power of air at Franklin Institute. Ready for some fresh air? Head into nature by hiking the trails at Valley Forge Historic Park, discovering facts about the honey bee, or searching for backyard bugs.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your calendar, text some friends, and get ready for free July fun in Philly!

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