19 Free Things To Do Indoors in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Indoor Places to Play

Kids can peek into the marine life in the aquariums at the Marine Education Center in Mamaroneck. Photo by Susan Miele

These free indoor places to play in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are a salve for those bad weather days when you don't want to be stuck inside with the kids waiting to hear the dreaded (and inevitable), “I’m bored.” From Scarsdale to Kingston, the region offers a wide variety of fun, free things to do at local museums, malls, marine sanctuaries, and more to keep kids and parents entertained and engaged.

With that in mind, here are the best free indoor places to play in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Find more free fun in our Guide to Free, Fun Things To Do with Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids.

Top Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors

Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro

All across Long Island, there are free play spaces and indoor playgrounds to keep your kids happily occupied–so there's no need to stay home just because cold weather is upon us. From malls to bookstores and libraries, there is plenty of free fun to be had on Long Island for kids.

Enjoy these unique play destinations, but remember that most venues require that a parent/adult is present to supervise children.

For more indoor fun, don't forget to check out our guide to rainy-day activities on Long Island, and discover all the free events and activities near you in our guide to Free Things to Do With Kids on Long Island.

100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden

From free zoos to museums, there are tons of fabulously free things to do with kids in NJ – which just goes to show that you don't need to spend a lot of money to have a great day. Read on for 100 free places to take your family in NJ. 

Looking for even more options? Be sure to check out our Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids, too. Note that some venues are run by volunteers, so donations are appreciated.

27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys "R" Us at Macy's. Photo by Jody Mercier

Fun, free indoor places to play in NYC are always a welcome diversion in our book, particularly when we're staring down another long northeastern winter, and entertaining the kids during this extended, chilly season isn't easy or cheap. We went hunting for free indoor places to play fueled by our desire to escape our cramped New York City apartments.

If your kids—like ours!—are bouncing off the walls and your wallet is screaming for a break after a holiday spending spree, we've got you covered. Check out our list of 27 free indoor places to play in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx for culture, fun, games, or just a much-needed change of scenery.

For more great free indoor places to play, check out our Free in NYC Guide, which is loaded with more ideas, outings, and parent-tested tips to save a buck.

Best Things To Do with Kids this Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Join the STEAM winter wonderland at Westchester Children's Museum all weekend long.  Photo courtesy of the museum

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Families can take in a stage production of "Shrek" the Musical at the Rhinebeck Center for Performing Arts, with showings all weekend, or learn about Raptors of the World at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, which features a live falconry presentation.

This weekend is also Snow Day Weekend at the Westchester Children's Museum. Kids can enjoy winter-themed STEM activities all weekend, including making snowflakes using static cling, creating mini snowmen, and learning about infrared vision.  

Read on for all the standout events happening this weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

Disney on Ice and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids

This Taylor Nation tribute band plays hits that span the entire spectrum of Taylor Swift's career. Photo courtesy: Taylor Nation Promo Reel

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

Disney on Ice skates into UBS Arena this weekend with its dazzling Frozen & Encanto show. Long Island kids can also embrace their inner Swiftie at The Suffolk in Riverhead this weekend at the Fearless: The Taylor Swift Experience, or reconnect with nature during an owl prowl at Hempstead Lake State Park

Read on for all our top picks for things to do on Long Island this weekend.

Snowfest and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend

Bergen County Audubon Society welcomes everyone to celebrate the eagle at Meadowlands Environment Center. Photo courtesy of the center

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Have snow much fun this weekend on a visit to Wicoff Museum's Annual Snowfest, which features Olaf, hot chocolate, and crafts. Plus, spend the weekend with creatures of all kinds, like cute kitties at the Northern New Jersey Cat Show and eagles at the Meadowlands Environment Center's Eagle Festival.

Bryant Park Bumper Cars and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

Explore the Brooklyn Botanic Garden after dark during the illuminated spectacular, Lightscape. Photo by Kaleido Circle Culture

Looking for the best things to do in New York City this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Bumper cars are back in Bryant Park on Friday, the famous Thunderbird Dancers return to the Lower East Side, and Little Murmur delivers a mesmerizing dance program celebrating neurodiversity at New Victory Theater. Kids can enjoy hands-on art by making snow globes at Wave Hill or using Clixo to create 3-D sculptures at Private Picassos in Brooklyn.

Pages