The huge number of free summer sports and outdoor programs in NYC means children can enjoy a summer filled with sports and fresh air while living in the concrete jungle. New York City offers many free summer sports opportunities for kids to learn team sports and try swimming, tennis, golf, basketball, fishing, kayaking, camping, and more.

Of course, registering for these free summer sports programs takes a little legwork and (since many are first come, first served) punctuality. We've got the scoop on free summer sports in NYC and how your kids can vie for spots. You can find more no-cost activities in our Free in NYC Guide, or check out these free and inexpensive summer camp options around NYC.

Good news for Brooklyn families: The Prospect Park Zoo is open for the first time in eight months, and it’s hard to tell who’s more excited—the visitors or the animals.

From the baboon habitat to the emu enclosure, furry and feathered faces spent Memorial Day weekend peeking out at guests for the first time since September 29, 2023, when severe flooding left the beloved zoo—one of our favorite zoos in NYC—underwater, wiping out its electrical systems. No animals were harmed, but the zoo was closed to visitors while repairs were made.

My daughter and I joined the caravan of strollers rolling toward the entrance upon its reopening last weekend. Here's what you can expect during your next visit to the Prospect Park Zoo.

While you probably know that playing with your baby is an important way to boost their brain development, it's important to note that not all baby games are created equal. Certain activities, toys, books, and baby games do a better job than others of stimulating tiny brains, getting babies' creative juices flowing, and developing both fine and gross motor skills.

Here are 25 baby games that will keep little ones engaged and learning during tummy time, while sitting in their high chairs, or whenever you want to have some fun and give their growing brains a boost. See our Baby and Maternity Guide for all other things baby-related, from the best baby registry services to the best first birthday gifts.

The Museum of the Moving Image has just debuted Open Worlds, a new initiative to expand access to the Queens culture spot that delivers on its promise of opening up a new world for museum patrons to relax and enjoy this local gem.

We recently checked it out and are sharing the details of our visit below. Find more cultural gems in our NYC Kids Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits.

School's almost out, summer is unofficially here, and we're on a mission to keep kids busy and having fun all summer long without breaking the bank. Luckily, there are tons of free things to do in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia this summer with kids, from free outdoor movies to free swimming pools.

Here is a list of 55 free activities for kids and families in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. How many of these free things to do in DC can your family fit in before school starts again? And don't forget: we are constantly updating our event calendar, so keep checking back for more free things to do in DC this summer with kids.

Stretch your summer budget with these fun things to do in Boston!

"Free things to do" is our favorite phrase when it comes to kids' summer activities. ("Cheap" is a close second!) More importantly, kids are happy and worn out playing at a free park or splash pads. Since an Atlanta summer usually requires water, air conditioning, evening shade...or all three, we've kept those prerequisites in mind while gathering the best free things to do in Atlanta this summer with kids. 

We've gathered FREE things to do in Orlando this summer because we know all about the pressure and price of finding things to do to keep kids entertained when school is out. These free things in Orlando include everything from free splash pads and playgrounds to free shows and attractions, and lots more. See how many of these free things you can check off your summer list before school starts back!