Kids can get to know the brass instruments during the Philharmonic Families program Saturday. Photo courtesy of the Kaufman Music Center
Mommy Poppins Winter Fest, Puzzle Day, Pac-Man, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
39 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Galactic snow tubing at Camelback offers an LED light show come nightfall.
Best Snow Tubing near NYC for Families
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Pillow Fort photo by Seamus McCauley via Flickr 2 .0
Snow Day Activities: 55 Fun Things To Do on a Snow Day Indoors
Central Park has some great hills for a fast ride. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Sledding Hills in NYC
Museo del Barrio's The Three Kings Day Parade takes over the streets of East Harlem Photo by Mommy Poppins
Top Things To Do with Kids in NYC in January 2026, from MP Editors
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC
Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 47 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Winter fun for kids in New York City: Building a snowman is just the start of fun things to do with kids in NYC during winter
GUIDE
NYC Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
39 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Best Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Kids can see the masterpieces and get hands-on with art during a free visit to MoMA on Friday evenings. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museum Days (and Always-Free Museums) in NYC
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

Free in September: Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids

Free September activities will have your kids dancing in the streets of Boston. Photo courtesy of Riverfest
Free September activities will have your kids dancing in the streets of Boston. Photo courtesy of Riverfest
9/2/22 - By Michael Del Llano

With so many activities free in September, families can keep an eye on their budgets and still find plenty of things to do in Boston with kids. This month, Museum Day lets visitors get free admission to participating locations all over Massachusetts. Curious kids can touch a truck or even explore a plane. And September in Boston has free fairs and festivals all month long, including Riverfest in Somerville, the South Boston Street Festival, and the Boston Local Food Festival. Given all these free things to do in Boston in September, there's every reason to get out and have fun with the family! So read on for our picks for the top things to do in Boston with kids that are free in September.

For more great family fun ideas, check out 30 Fall Activities in Boston To Do with Kids. Our Fall Fun Guide for Boston Kids is packed with activities, ideas for day trips, and much more. And always be sure to visit our Boston Events Calendar for all the great happenings (including more free ones) in and around the city.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Get active with free September activities. Photo courtesy of the South Boston Street Festival
Get active with free September activities. Photo courtesy of the South Boston Street Festival

Free in September - Boston Festivals and Fairs

Gloucester Schooner Festival

Friday, Sept. 2 - Monday, Sept. 6 — Gloucester
Free
The Gloucester Schooner Festival takes place in America's oldest seaport over Labor Day Weekend. Events include the annual Mayor's Cup Race, schooner tours, a concert, a boat parade of lights, and fireworks. READ MORE

Sabores de Nuestra Cultura: Family Festival

Saturday, Sept. 3 — East Boston
Free
Celebrate food, culture, and family, all with the stunning views of the Boston skyline and harbor as your backdrop. Festival-goers will enjoy free treats, music, games, and creative crafts for the whole family. READ MORE

Riverfest

Saturday, Sept. 10 — Somerville
Free
Riverfest is the culmination of a summer of activity at Assembly Row with live local music, dozens of local artists, free children’s activities, a sidewalk sale, and of course the annual fireworks show over the Mystic River. READ MORE

Cambridge Carnival International

Sunday, Sept. 11 — Cambridge
Free
Cambridge Carnival International is a celebration rooted in African traditions featuring live music, ethnic foods, and crafts from around the world. READ MORE

South Boston Street Festival

Saturday, Sept. 17 — South Boston
Free
This street festival features “The Best of South Boston” including over 100 merchants, restaurants, artists and community organizations, which will fill East Broadway. READ MORE

What the Fluff? Festival

Saturday, Sept. 17 — Somerville
Free
What the Fluff? A Tribute to Union Square Innovation is a lively festival celebrating the invention of Marshmallow Fluff and Somerville’s legacy of creativity. This year will feature live music, fluff-filled feasts, fun games, and zany activities. READ MORE

Boston Local Food Festival

Sunday, Sept. 18 — Greenway
Free
The Boston Local Food Festival, overlooking historic Boston Harbor, is an outdoor, beginning-of-autumn celebration of the many virtues of locally grown and produced food. READ MORE

Salem Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

Saturday, Sept 24 - Sunday, Sept. 25 — Salem
Free
Enjoy a day of eating, drinking...and eating some more. Fifty of New England’s most popular food trucks will dish out fan favorites while national, regional and local craft beers will be available to wash it all down.  READ MORE
Get their motors running at Touch-A-Truck at the Track. Photo courtesy of the event.
Get their motors running at Touch-A-Truck at the Track. Photo courtesy of the event.

Free in September - Boston Events, Classes, and More

Free Community Day!

Saturday, Sept 10—Acton
Free
Stop by this free Community Day celebration, a thank you to the community in honor of the museum's 40th anniversary. In the morning, festivities kick off by making one-of-a-kind noisemakers. READ MORE

18th Annual MetroWest Humane Society Craft Fair

Saturday, Sept 17— Framingham
Free
The 17th annual MetroWest Humane Society Craft Fair features vendors specializing in jewelry, home décor, pet toys, candles, and clothing. READ MORE

Museum Day

Saturday, Sept. 17 — Boston
Free
Museum Day is a one-day event in which participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. READ MORE

Wheels & Wings

Saturday, Sept. 17 — Nashua, NH
Free
There's touch-a-truck and then there's Wheels & Wings! At this event, kids can climb into and explore trucks AND planes. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: