100 Free Things To Do in DC with Kids

Enjoy Art in Bloom during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Photo by Elvert Barnes via FLickr 2.0

Raising children in the DC area is an amazing adventure—it certainly has been for my family! From free museums and nature centers to amazing playgrounds and fun festivals, there are so many free things to do in DC with kids. This has allowed my family to discover hidden gems, explore iconic places, and have loads of fun while saving money. It also means visitors from out of town can have a fabulous family vacation full of historic and cultural experiences, nature, and play time without breaking the bank.

Here is our ultimate list of 100 free things to do with kids in DC, from the best free attractions in DC to free events in DC. For even more ways to have fun without reaching into your wallet, check out our Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids and our list of free indoor places to play in the DC area

100 Fun Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids

There is so much free fun to be had at places in LA like LACMA. Photo by Joey Zanotti via Flickr 2.0

Free things to do in Los Angeles are words that likely grab your attention, and there's no shortage of free activities and attractions in a city as large as LA. Save your funds for birthday gifts, Christmas presents, summer camps, and theme parks, and instead, take advantage and plan out your days with the kids with all the many free things to do in Los Angeles. 

22 Free Things To Do Indoors in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

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.” When you need somewhere warm, dry, and free that isn’t your living room, having a few reliable options in your back pocket makes all the difference.

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. These are places I’ve personally tried with my own kids—spots that are not only budget-friendly, but genuinely fun and engaging, even on the longest rainy or freezing days.

Find more free fun in our Guide to Free, Fun Things To Do with Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids.

100 Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days in 2026

Discover the trails at Quogue Wildlife Refuge for a day of free, outdoorsy fun. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

My family loves exploring free activities on Long Island. We've discovered a wealth of hidden gems and saved so much money, all while having amazing adventures. With that in mind, we've compiled a massive list of 100 free, family-friendly, interactive activities on Long Island, perfect for kids of all ages. 

From playgrounds and parks to museums and festivals, get ready to make incredible memories, explore new locations, and stay on budget! Read on to plan your next completely free family outing. 

For even more no-cost fun, check out our Guide to Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids and Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island

100 Free Things To Do in Atlanta with Kids

Playgrounds, like the one at Abernathy Greenway Park, are great free things to do in Atlanta with kids. Photo by Melanie Preis

Enjoying FREE things to do in Atlanta just makes the fun all the much better! We've rounded up some of our favorite, free Atlanta attractions, events, and outdoor spaces that not only entertain kids, but are easy on the wallet. Some of the following Atlanta spots are free all of the time; some may offer special days or rates throughout the year. Save money and explore the beauty of Atlanta and nearby Georgia with our helpful guide!

23 Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys"R"Us. Photo courtesy of American Dream Mall

It feels like life in New Jersey is so expensive, especially when you are raising kids. Free indoor play activities in New Jersey can be a godsend for stretching your budget and helping to banish boredom at least for a little while. We've tested out lots of free spaces at malls, stores, libraries, and museums and created this list of our favorites.

So grab a coffee, a friend, and schedule your next play date at one of these free indoor gems. My family has enjoyed lots of these great activities, and it's been a wonderful bonus that they aren't budget-busters. 

For even more indoor play areas in New Jersey, don't miss our guide to great indoor play spaces with fees for winter drop-in hours. 

39 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. 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 tried-and-tested 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 NYC Kids' Guide to Free Fun, which is loaded with more ideas, outings, and parent-tested tips to save a buck.