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50 Free Summer Activities in NYC for Toddlers

Hop on the ferry from Brooklyn or Manhattan to Governors Island before noon on weekends and it's free. Photo by Mommy Poppins
Hop on the ferry from Brooklyn or Manhattan to Governors Island before noon on weekends and it's free. Photo by Mommy Poppins
7/4/19 - By Rosalind Muggeridge

New York City is chock-full of exciting summer to-dos for its youngest citizens. Visiting the sprinklers at your local playground, cooling off at one of NYC’s best FREE swimming pools for younger kids, or hitting a destination sandbox can be enough to make your toddler’s day. But when you and your littles are ready for some summer adventure, here are 50(!) FREE things to do with toddlers this July and August.

We've already put together a list of 100 Free Things To Do in NYC This Summer for kids of all ages, but the suggestions that follow are tailored just for little kids. (Looking for additional inspiration? Check out our Summer Fun Guide, Event Calendar, and Free in NYC Guide.)

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Listen as librarians read stories from the Brooklyn Public Library’s reading list at Summer Reading Storytime at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo by Paula Berg for BBP
Listen as librarians read stories from the Brooklyn Public Library’s reading list at Summer Reading Storytime at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo by Paula Berg for BBP

Free Toddler Events in July

Summer Reading Storytime at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Wednesdays, June 12 through July 31 – Brooklyn Bridge Park
The Brooklyn Public Library presents weekly stories and songs for kids. READ MORE

Bilingual Birdies Spanish Classes (A Summer Reading Program)

Mondays, July 8 through July 29 – Soho
This Summer families get the chance to learn new vocabulary related to jungle animals, body parts, making new friends, fruits, and going to the beach. The curriculum is fun and engaging for kids and their parents. READ MORE

Summer Stories with Bobby Gonzalez

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, July 9 through July 25 – Financial District
Join the museum for Taíno storytelling sessions Tuesday through Thursday the last three weeks in July. Meet Bobby Gonzalez (Taíno descent) who masterfully integrates imagery with storytelling to engage all audiences. READ MORE

City of Water Day at the Seaport

Saturday, July 13 – South Street Seaport
City of Water Day celebrates NYC's long history as a port and water-bound metropolis. Festivities include boat tours on all kinds of vessels, from tall ships to tugboats, plus free rowing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. READ MORE

Back to the Beach

Sunday, July 14 – Staten Island
Back to the Beach is one of Staten Island’s BIGGEST events and features vendors, live music, rides and games for the kids, great food and, of course, an amazing fireworks display, which sparkles up the night sky on Saturday, July 13 (Happy early Bastille Day!). READ MORE

Storytime for Kids

Friday July 19 – Upper West Side
Celebrate National Ice Cream Month at Mount Vernon Hotel Museum's July storytime. READ MORE

Statue of Liberty Scenic Harbor Tours

Saturday, July 20 – Red Hook, Brooklyn
Take a boat ride to see Lady Liberty for FREE. READ MORE

Rubin Museum Block Party: Power Play

Sunday, July 21 – Chelsea
Celebrate the spirit of community at the Rubin Museum’s annual Block Party, featuring art and activities for all ages. READ MORE

CityParks Foundation PuppetMobile: Bessie's Big Shot

Tuesday, July 23 – Flushing , Queens
Bessie the cow dreams of joining the circus. But can she lift more than Ziegfried, the strongest man in the world? Fly on the trapeze high above the crowd? Come root Bessie on in this variety show as she attempts the impossible and searches for her special talents. READ MORE

Fireflies at Dusk

Tuesday, July 23 – Gramercy
It’s summer time, and firefly friends are back in town! Enjoy an evening of catch and release for the whole family. READ MORE

Family Festival: Young Storytellers

Saturday, July 27 – Chelsea
Everyone has a story to tell—histories, fantasies, and curiosities. Learn how to tell yours loudly, boldly, and creatively. Young artists, families, and caregivers are invited to make monumental stories inspired by artist Simone Leigh’s Brick House, the first monumental work of art on the new High Line Plinth. READ MORE
Hudson Vagabond Puppets bring to life the classic tales of the Three Billy Goats Gruff and Caps for Sale in their larger-than-life puppetry and mask production.Photo courtesy of the company
Hudson Vagabond Puppets bring to life the classic tales of the Three Billy Goats Gruff and Caps for Sale in their larger-than-life puppetry and mask production.Photo courtesy of the company

Free Toddler Events in August

Lincoln Center Out of Doors Family Day

Saturday, August 3 – Upper West Side
Lincoln Center Out Of Doors celebrates its 49th season of free performances with family-friendly music and dance performances on its spectacular outdoor campus. READ MORE

Hindu Lamp Ceremony in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Saturday, August 3 – Brooklyn Bridge Park
The 12th annual Aarti Hindu Lamp Ceremony returns to Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pebble Beach! Guests are invited to decorate palm leaf lamps and release them along the East River. Special guest artists are in attendance displaying their works. READ MORE

Hands on History: Play 19th Century Historic Games!

Saturday, August 3 – Jamaica, Queens
Come try out classic games that John King and his brothers would have played on King Manor’s lawn, weather permitting. Rain plan: Make your own ball and cup game. READ MORE

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4 – Flushing, Queens
This annual sporting and multicultural event is held to celebrate the fifth moon (or the fifth month) of the lunar calendar. In addition to providing audiences with traditional Chinese foods and performances, the festival hosts dragon boat teams from across North America. READ MORE

Summer Streets

Saturdays, August 3 through August 17 – Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, along Park Avenue and connecting streets
New York's favorite car-free street festival returns this July and August, as Summer Streets opens miles of NYC streets for people to play, run, walk, and bike across multiple weeks and in all five boroughs. READ MORE

CANCELLED-Hudson Vagabond Puppets Presents Caps for Sale/Three Billy Goats Gruff

Wednesday, August 7 – Jamaica, Queens
See two classic tales come to life in these engaging puppet shows. First, a hat salesman falls asleep and wakes to find his hats missing. In the second story, three billy goats try to avoid an ogre as they try to cross a bridge. READ MORE

Patty Cake Theater Presents Donkey Jote

Wednesday, August 14 – Jamaica, Queens
Enjoy this bilingual adaptation of the adventures of Don Quixote as seen from his donkey. READ MORE

Magic Show: Amazing Ken with Ken Levy

Wednesday, August 28 – Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Prepare to be amazed as Brooklyn’s own “Amazing Ken” delights with magic. Music, illusions, and full audience participation make this an engaging experience for the entire family. READ MORE

Young Artists en Plein Air

Saturday, August 31 – Chelsea
New York families—young artists and their caregivers too!—are invited to make art en plein air (French for “outdoors”) with the Children’s Museum of the Arts (CMA). READ MORE
Hudson River Park will keep little New Yorkers entertained all summer long with a series of free performances and interactive activities. Photo courtesy of Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park will keep little New Yorkers entertained all summer long with a series of free performances and interactive activities. Photo courtesy of Hudson River Park

Free Toddler Events Through the Summer

Brooklyn Bridge Park: Environmental Education Center Reopening

Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays throughout the summer – Brooklyn Heights
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy hosts a special family-friendly event celebrating the reopening and the sixth anniversary of its Environmental Education Center, including some special birthday festivities and outdoor activities. Visitors are allowed back indoors to explore the unique educational exhibits and animals. READ MORE

Free Music Class at FEED DUMBO

First Sunday of every month through October – DUMBO
Join in on the first Sunday of every month for a kids music session with Dan the Music Man. READ MORE

Art on the Farm

Sundays and Saturdays, June 1 through October 20 – Randall's Island
The Randall's Island Urban Farm hosts unique family art projects, like nature printing, watercolor painting, nature journals, and more. READ MORE

Children's Museum of the Arts: Free Art Island Outpost

Sundays and Saturdays, July 6 through October 27 – Governors Island
Young artists travel to the historic Governors Island for free hands-on art making workshops and art-viewing experiences.  READ MORE

Music in the Grove Kids Concerts

Sundays and Wednesdays through August 7 – Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn
These hour-long concerts bring parents and children of all ages together with some of the finest talent in Brooklyn for a romping, stomping good time.  READ MORE

Preschool Play

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays through October 29 – Battery Park
Play is the cornerstone of early childhood development. Meet other toddlers, parents, and caregivers for interactive play on a grassy lawn. READ MORE

Hudson RiverKids: Tribeca

Mondays, July 15 through August 26 – Tribeca
Hudson River Park hosts a pile of favorite New York City family performers each Monday evening in Tribeca. From music to magic to interactive storytelling, Hudson RiverKids keeps families entertained all summer long. READ MORE

Dance and Music with Cumbe Kidz

Tuesdays through August 6 – Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn
Join FGPC and Cumbe: Center for African and Diaspora Dance to take a fun journey through the African diaspora by way of Fort Greene Park. READ MORE

Tot Time Tuesdays

Tuesdays through September 24 – Staten Island
Explore a different nature theme each week with this indoor play group. Story time starts at 10:30am followed by a short hike at 11am, weather permitting. READ MORE

Coquí Club

First Wednesdays in July, August, and September – East Harlem
Learn, play, explore, and grow at El Museo’s bilingual program for the tiniest visitors. Join in on the first Wednesday and Saturday of each month as kids embark on an adventure to discover new ways of interacting with art and each other. With time for play, storytelling, museum walks, and art making, Coquí Club provides a fun and active way to explore El Museo and enjoy creative themes together. Each session explores a new theme. READ MORE

Summer Reading Storytime at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Wednesdays, June 12 through July 31 – Brooklyn Bridge Park
The Brooklyn Public Library presents weekly stories and songs for kids. READ MORE

Boogie Woogie Wednesdays

Wednesdays, July 3 through August 28 – Staten Island
The Children's Museum offers free admission each Wednesday in July & August from 5 - 7pm. Explore exhibits, hear a story and enjoy a music or dance performance. READ MORE

Madison Square Park Concerts for Kids

Wednesdays, July 10 through August 14 – Gramercy
Mad. Sq. Kids hosts a FREE interactive concert series on the Farragut Lawn. Dance, jump, clap, and sing-along at the weekly interactive music series for kids, featuring an eclectic line-up of musical acts. READ MORE

Bubble34

Wednesdays through September 25 – Herald Square
Bubble-making is both art and science, and beginning this spring you can get educated about both aspects at Bubble34, 34th Street Partnership’s free bubble-making program at Broadway Boulevard. READ MORE

Citi Summer in the Square: Kids' Concerts

Thursdays, June 13 through August 8 – Union Square
The Union Square Partnership’s Summer in the Square returns in 2019 with more family concerts. This free weekly summer entertainment series is held on Thursdays in Union Square Park and offers a wide variety of live children's entertainment. READ MORE

Summer on the Hudson Children's Performance Series

Thursdays, July 18 through August 1 – Upper West Side
Summer on the Hudson's children’s series features music, storytelling, and theater for young audiences up to age 7. READ MORE

Hudson RiverKids: Chelsea

Thursdays through September 5 – Chelsea
Hudson River Park hosts a pile of favorite New York City family performers each Thursday evening in Chelsea! From music to magic to interactive storytelling, Hudson RiverKids keeps families entertained all summer long. READ MORE

Toddler Time

Thursdays – East Harlem
Toddlers (19 months to 3 years) and their parents/caregivers can enjoy interactive stories, action songs, fingerplays, and meet other toddlers in the neighborhood. READ MORE

PSP Summer Fridays in Prospect Park

Most Fridays through July 26 – Prospect Park
Bring the kids, a blanket or chair, some snacks, and enjoy the live music. There will also be giant bubbles, rainbow face paints., and a different musical performance every week. READ MORE

Virtual Stories at the Statue: Hans Christian Andersen Story Telling

Saturdays, June 1 through September 28 – Central Park
Stories at the Statue celebrates its 65th year this summer, continuing a beloved legacy of sharing tales and music in NYC's Central Park—but, this year, it's online once again. READ MORE

Parent and Me Yoga

Saturdays, June 1 through September 28 – Fort Tryon Park
Join in for free yoga for children and their parents/caregivers with Christina Shablak, a certified children's instructor. All children are welcome with a parent or caregiver.  READ MORE

Le Carrousel Puppet Show

Saturdays, June 8 through July 6 – Bryant Park
Puppets, puppets, and more puppets bring whimsy and fun to Bryant Park's summer line-up. WonderSpark Puppets performs from a repertoire that includes Goldilocks & The Three Bears, The Lion & The Mouse, and Princess Petunia and the Dragon, to name but a few. READ MORE

Saturday Fun in the Bryant Park Reading Room

Saturdays, June 22 through August 17 – Bryant Park
The Bryant Park Reading Room bubbles over with kid-friendly entertainment. READ MORE

POSTPONED Rock and Roll Playhouse at Industry City

Saturdays through August 31 – Industry City, Brooklyn
The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series hosted on Saturdays at Industry City, allows kids to get down to songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history.  READ MORE

Summer on the Hudson: Play Dates

Second Saturdays, July and August – West Harlem
Enjoy monthly outdoor parties featuring children’s entertainers, arts and crafts, and neighborhood fun!  READ MORE

Summer on the Hudson: Play Dates

Second Saturdays, July and August – West Harlem
Enjoy monthly outdoor parties featuring children’s entertainers, arts and crafts, and neighborhood fun!  READ MORE

Magician Tyler Schwartz

Second Saturdays, July and August – Industry City, Brooklyn
Tyler Schwartz is a New York-based magician who specializes in card and coin magic and uses simple demonstrations to inspire astonishment. READ MORE

Moving Together Family Dance Series

Second Saturdays, July and August – Brooklyn Bridge Park
Dancewave’s Moving Together program hosts community dance classes for children and adults in a community setting. Expert teaching artists lead movers of all ages and abilities in the chosen dance style. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Brooklyn Bridge Park-Pier 3
Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian
Pier 17, South Street Seaport
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Brooklyn Bridge Park
King Manor Museum in Rufus King Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Brooklyn Central Library, Dweck Center
Governors Island’s Nolan Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park-Pier 3
Prospect Park - Picnic House
Industry City, Innovation Alley
Brooklyn Bridge Park-Pier 3