New York City

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

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on

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.

Inexpensive Winter Weekend Getaways from NYC for Families

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on

Connecticut's Mohawk Mountain Ski Area offers endless opportunities for fun in the snow. Photo courtesy of the Mohawk Mountain

Falling temperatures don’t necessarily translate to falling prices when it comes to family vacations. Luckily, we’ve rounded up 14 well-priced weekend getaways from NYC that are all within driving distance. Whether you’re in the mood for New England's seaside views, craving winter sports, small-town charm, or big-city culture, we've got a winter weekend getaway destination for you.

Read on for our top picks and bookmark our Guide to Weekend Getaways for more family travel destinations.

Free Kids Week Programming in NYC Parks

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

Urban Park Rangers teach kids how to safely explore the natural world. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks

If you need to stave off cabin fever during Christmas break, the New York City Parks Department has just the thing to get you out of the house. The Urban Park Rangers are hosting a slew of FREE “Kids Week” programs. Immerse your kids in the natural world. 

Visiting the Sloomoo Institute: Soho's Museum of Slime Produces Ooey-Gooey Fun

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

Stretch, mold, squish, and play with slime to your hearts content at the Sloomoo Institute in Soho.

If the ooey-gooey-slime craze has crept into your life, and you've been known to celebrate a discount deal on a gallon of Elmer's Glue, Soho's Sloomoo Institute is a must-visit. From its DIY slime bar, whose products far outpace our favorite make-at-home slime recipes, to being slimed at Sloomoo Falls, the Sloomoo Institute is a slime lover's paradise and an over-the-top sensory experience that left my daughters begging for more slime time.

28 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC in January 2026 with Kids

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

Join Manhattan Country School for its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative March. Photo courtesy of the school

If your bank account needs a rest, fear not: We've found 28 FREE things to do in January to keep New York City families busy all month long.

Though most of the big holiday attractions in NYC are packing up the tinsel this month, January celebrations like the Three Kings Day Parade in East Harlem and BAM's annual tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. are just around the corner. Plus, Battery Park City's KindieRock series kicks off at the end of January, so little ones have a warm spot to shake their sillies out, and skating fans (even beginners!) can help Wollman Rink break a World Record.

22 Best Things To Do in NYC January 2026 with Kids

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

Museo del Barrio's The Three Kings Day Parade takes over the streets of East Harlem Photo by Mommy Poppins

From New Year's Day to MLK weekend, January can be a great time for indoor and outdoor activities. Don't miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in New York City this month.

The new year gets off to a thrilling (and chilling) start when Coney Island Polar Bear Club members plunge into the freezing Atlantic on January 1, and families are welcome to join in (or just watch, which I recommend). Catch up with the Three Kings as they hand out gifts on the Lower East Side, and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at BAM's always-moving tribute. Close down the first month of 2026 by helping Wollman Rink break a World Record!

New Year's Eve Weekend 2024 in NYC: Drone Show, Noon Year's Eve, and More Things To Do

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

The big ball drop in Times Square is an unforgettable New Year's Eve sight, if you can handle the crowds! Photo by Michael Hull

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

It's time to ring in 2025, and you don't have to stay up until midnight on Tuesday to get in on the fun. Count down to the New Year with Grammy-nominated music artist Fyütch at the NYPL, celebrate Kwanzaa at the Brooklyn Children's Museum, take a first day hike to start the year on the right foot, or watch the Coney Island Polar Bear Club members take their annual frigid dip in the Atlantic.

This New Brooklyn Climbing Gym Will Have the Whole Family Hooked

Submitted by Jordana Drell Herman on

There are endless obstacles to scale at HAPIK, the brand-new climbing gym in Industry City. Photo courtesy of HAPIK

Parents stuck inside with stir-crazy kids, take note: I can’t rave enough about HAPIK—the brand new climbing gym that just opened at Brooklyn's Industry City. It’s hard to find an activity that appeals to my teen and 6 year old, but HAPIK climbing gym fit the bill. Even I put on a harness and took advantage of this fun family outing that left us pining for a return trip.

HAPIK's location in the amenity- and activity-packed Industry City makes it an awesome daycation destination. After we climbed, we loved perusing the cozy displays in the courtyards and refueled at Burger Joint. It’s a perfect family outing.

Read on for the full scoop on this awesome new indoor climbing gym and find more places to climb in our roundup of kid-friendly climbing gyms in NYC.

Pages