Skate beneath the historic Brooklyn Bridge while taking in the iconic views of the Manhattan skyline at Roebling Rink. Photo courtesy of venue
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Until January 5, The Paley Museum has been transformed into a five-story winter wonderland.
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The Dyker Heights Christmas lights attract throngs of visitors to the Brooklyn neighborhood each holiday season. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Lights
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The Tianyu Lights Festival transforms the Citi Field parking lot into a magical holiday destination with larger-than-life lanterns and kid-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of the festival
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One of the most spectacular holiday displays in NYC, Shine Bright features over 2 million holiday lights illuminating the entire neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Hudson Yards
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Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2024. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo
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Toys for Tots brings Christmas joy to children in need. Photo courtesy of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
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Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom
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Enjoy the Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland experience at the Apollo for free. Photo courtesy of the Apollo
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The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
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The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is an iconic NYC holiday destination. Photo courtesy of Rockefeller Center
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Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Calypso, Carols, and Cocoa: The Dumbo Holiday Lighting. Photo by Hassan Mokaddam
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Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical takes the stage at the Queens Theater. Photo by Jeremy Daniel/TheaterWorks USA
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Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
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Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
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Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin
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The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
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For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
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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
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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
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There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
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The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
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Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
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See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
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Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
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The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
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No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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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
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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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85 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC with Kids August 2024

Live at the Archway is Dumbo's signature series that features dynamic musical performances, pop-up galleries, and interactive art experiences in a magical, only-in-Dumbo setting. Photo by Noemie Trusty
Live at the Archway is Dumbo's signature series that features dynamic musical performances, pop-up galleries, and interactive art experiences in a magical, only-in-Dumbo setting. Photo by Noemie Trusty
7/30/24 - By Drew Kristofik

NYC empties in August, but free fun abounds for those who stay in town. The lull before back-to-school is anything but dull, and we've found more than 75 fun free August activities in NYC for families, including Summer Streets, which sets kids loose with awesome activities at rest stops along the way, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Fest, and the always-lovely Hindu Lamp Ceremony. Plus, you can play with Mommy Poppins at the South Street Seaport on Saturday, August 17, and end the month love all, when Arthur Ashe Kids' Day returns during US Open Fans Week.

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Free Things To Do in NYC All Month Long

Play in the Park in Domino Park

Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Sundays August 4, 11, and 25, 2024
Head to Domino Park's Main Lawn for a series of kids programming, led by local partners, A Rosie Day, Treasure Trunk Theatre, and Ari, the Sing-along Guy. READ MORE

Harlem Meer Performance Festival

Central Park
Sundays through Sunday, August 18, 2024
After three decades of bringing the best local music and dance talent to Central Park, the Harlem Meer Summer Festival offers a variety of multicultural musical performances, exercise classes, and more to get heart rates up with a lineup of movement classes for a summer of fun and well-being. READ MORE

Bryant Park Movie Nights

Midtown West
Mondays August 5 and 12, 2024
Classic films under the stars on the big screen are back in Bryant Park, and this summer, the series celebrates its 30th anniversary. Bring a blanket and sit on the lawn to enjoy great food, friends, and entertainment.  READ MORE

Central Astoria Summer Movies in Astoria Park

Astoria, Queens
Mondays through August 19, 2024
Catch a family-friendly outdoor screening, with a gorgeous view of Manhattan and a cool breeze off the river. READ MORE

Le Carrousel Extravaganza in Bryant Park

Midtown West
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays through Friday, August 30, 2024
Bryant Park's charming carousel serves as the backdrop for a mix of kid-friendly entertainment. Discover scientific marvels, be awed by trickery in magic shows, and see puppet shows and story times, too.  READ MORE

Live at the Gantries Concert Series

Hunter's Point, Queens
Tuesdays through August 13, 2024
Concerts at the Gantries provide free outdoor summer entertainment featuring Queens-based musicians of diverse backgrounds, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the borough through different genres of music.  READ MORE

Mozart for Munchkins at The Hugh

Midtown West
Tuesdays through August 27, 2024
Mozart for Munchkins puts on free Tuesday morning concerts at The Hugh. Experience the joy of live music in a fun and engaging environment where everyone can participate. READ MORE

Dances Around The World’s Boro in Socrates Sculpture Garden

Long Island City, Queens
Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Tuesday, August 6-Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Queensboro Dance Festival’s “Dancing Around the World’s Boro” dance class features a folkloric or social dance from a different culture from Queens, led by diverse Queens-based dance groups.  READ MORE

Sunset Film Festival in Carl Schurz Park

Upper East Side
Wednesdays August 7 and 14, 2024
Carl Schurz's all-too-brief foray into outdoor evening films includes two family-friendly favorites this summer. READ MORE

Groove NYC Dance For Kids in Socrates Sculpture Park

Long Island City, Queens
Wednesdays August 7 and 14, 2024
Socrates hosts Groove NYC dance sessions to give kids permission to move without judgment! Engage expression through dance and music while supporting social-emotional learning.   READ MORE

Red Hook Movies in the Park in Valentino Pier Park

Red Hook, Brooklyn
Wednesdays August 7 and 14, 2024
Bring your picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and loved ones for an unforgettable summer experience. READ MORE

Movies on the Green at the Shops at Atlas Park

Glendale, Queens
Wednesdays August 7 and 21, 2024
Catch some of your all-time favorites on Wednesdays at the Center Green. Bring the family, a blanket or chair, and enjoy. Movies start at dusk, but come early to enjoy periodical entertainment.  READ MORE

Summer on the Hudson: Pier I Picture Show in Riverside Park

Upper West Side
Wednesdays August 7, 14, and 21, 2024
Settle in for a movie night on the pier! Bring a blanket and a picnic and watch family-friendly flicks with the Hudson River as a backdrop. Seating opens at 6:30pm. The movies start after sunset, around 8:30pm. READ MORE

Forest Park Summer Concert Series at the Seuffert Bandshell

Forest Park, Queens
Thursdays through August 8, 2024
Bring a blanket and a picnic and settle back to hear tributes to some of the world's most iconic musicians, and bands. READ MORE

Live at the Archway in Dumbo

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Thursdays through Thursday, August 15, 2024
Live at the Archway is Dumbo's signature series that features dynamic musical performances, pop-up galleries, and interactive art experiences in a magical, only-in-Dumbo setting. Always free, always all-ages, and always rain or shine.  READ MORE

Big City Fishing at Pier 26

Tribeca
Thursdays through Thursday, August 22, 2024
Drop in a line with the Hudson River Park River Project team and go catch-and-release fishing at the water’s edge. All the necessary equipment and instruction is provided. READ MORE

A Midsummer Nights Dream in Queens Parks

Queens
Various dates through Thursday, August 22, 2024
Hip to Hip Theatre Co. presents its 17th season of free Shakespeare in the parks, alternating between comedy—A Midsummer Night's Dream—and romance—The Winter's Tale. READ MORE

Movies on the Waterfront in Riverside Park

Hamilton Heights
Thursdays August 8-29, 2024
Catch a family-friendly outdoor screening, with a cool breeze off the river. READ MORE

Movies With a View in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Thursdays through August 29, 2024
Brooklyn Bridge Park brings back Movies with a View for its 24th season. Bring a blanket and a picnic. Sweet treats, savory snacks, and drinks, including beer and wine, are available for purchase. READ MORE

Public Theater's Much Ado About Nothing in City Parks

Staten Island, Queens, and Manhattan
Various dates through Thursday, August 29, 2024
Bring a blanket and snacks, find a great spot on the lawn, and watch a screening of PBS' Much Ado about Nothing in the great outdoors at locations across all five boroughs. There is no ticket distribution, and a reservation is not required.    READ MORE

BRIC: Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Multiple dates through Saturday, August 17, 2024
BRIC: Celebrate Brooklyn is a free summer-long outdoor concert and performance series that has been presenting talent from around the world and around the block for more than 40 years. Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy! READ MORE

Twelfth Night in Riverside Park

Upper West Side
Thursday-Sunday through Sunday, August 18, 2024
The Hudson Classical Theater Company presents Shakespeare's romcom, Twelfth Night. READ MORE

CityParks PuppetMobile Presents Cinderella Samba

Multiple Locations in all five boroughs
Select dates through Saturday, August 24, 2024
CityParks PuppetMobile's free and family-friendly original marionette production of Cinderella Samba is a contemporary twist on the classic “Cinderella” fairy tale. READ MORE

Summer Streets

Manhattan, Brooklyn & Bronx
Saturdays through Saturday, August 24, 2024
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

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus: Summer Follies

Various locations
Through Sunday, August 25, 2024
The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus is taking its show on the road, popping up all over town to present an array of mobile circus acts on portable parade float stages. Its Summer Follies series aims to bring arts to underserved areas and resurrects the magic of yore when the circus coming to town was the main event. READ MORE

Free Community Rowing in Hunts Point Park

Hunts Point, the Bronx
Saturdays through Saturday, August 31, 2024
This free community rowing program gives New Yorkers of all ages a chance to get out on the water aboard Rocking the Boat's student-built wooden row boats, accompanied by trained staff. Learn to row and experience the beauty of New York City's only freshwater river.   READ MORE

Picnic Performances in Bryant Park

Midtown West
Select dates through Friday, September 13, 2024
Picnic Performances are the perfect way to spend a summer evening, with 25 live and in-person music, dance, and theatrical shows. Bring a blanket and a picnic (of course). READ MORE

Sports on the Big Screen at Hudson Yards

Midtown West
Select dates through Saturday, September 14, 2024
Games, series, and tournaments shine on the 30-foot big screen, including the Olympics in Paris, US Open tennis, golf majors, basketball playoffs, and more. READ MORE

SummerStage in Central Park

Central Park
Select dates through Thursday, October 3, 2024
The City Parks Foundation SummerStage returns in 2024 with free performances in Central Park, and a few more costly shows as well. READ MORE

Stargazing on The High Line

Chelsea
Tuesdays through Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Gaze at the stars, planets, and moon through the high-powered telescopes of the Amateur Astronomers Association, and chat with the experts about the sights you see. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Thursday, August 1-Sunday, August 11, 2024

Water Course Challenge in St. Vartan Park

Turtle Bay
Thursday, August 1, 2024
NYC Parks hosts a water course challenge on the St. Vartan Park athletic field, where young parkgoers can have some water fun and cool off.   READ MORE

Paramount+ Movie Nights in Coney Island Beach

Coney Island, Brooklyn
Thursdays August 1 and 8, 2024
Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn scores a new location for 2024: Coney Island Beach. Showtimes are at sunset; bring a blanket and a picnic. READ MORE

Brooklyn Beach Sports Festival

Coney Island, Brooklyn
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Kick off your sandals and enjoy some time playing at the beach. NYC Parks hosts this calisthenics competition featuring athletes from all over the world. Adults and kids can participate in clinics and free play featuring a variety of sports. READ MORE

Storytelling at the Hans Christian Andersen Statue in Central Park

Central Park
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Gather 'round Hans Christian Andersen's statue at the Conservatory Pond in Central Park to hear his tales—and other classic folk stories—told by a fine ensemble of storytellers. READ MORE

Mark Morris Dance Group in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Mark Morris Dance Group presents a special outdoor performance and an all-ages family-friendly workshop.  READ MORE

BAAND Together Dance Fest at Lincoln Center

Midtown West
Through Saturday, August 3, 2024
See five of NYC’s most iconic dance companies—Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem—together on one stage as the BAAND Together Dance Festival returns to Damrosch Park for five midsummer nights. READ MORE

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Flushing, Queens
Saturday, August 3-Sunday, August 4, 2024
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

Fencing Across America at Grand Central Terminal

Midtown East
Through Sunday, August 4, 2024
Pick up a blade to experience the thrill of fencing and receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to duel against Olympic legends. READ MORE

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Citywide
Sunday, August 4, 2024
On select days throughout the year, all national parks are open to the public with no admission fee.  READ MORE

Broadway by the Boardwalk In Clinton Cove

Midtown West
Monday, August 5, 2024
When Broadway’s dark, the waterfront is alive! Mondays in July, stop by Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove to see the greats perform. READ MORE

Naumburg Orchestral Concerts

Central Park
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Bring a blanket and a picnic, and enjoy classical music under the stars on select Tuesday evenings at the Naumberg Band Shell. READ MORE

National Night Out at the 19th Precinct (formerly St Catherine's Park

Midtown East
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
The 19th Precinct hosts an annual National Night Out celebration that includes delicious food, music, raffle prizes, and plenty of fun activities. Meet leaders and personnel from your local precinct and engage with neighbors, community members, and local businesses.  READ MORE

Starlight Cinema in Van Cortlandt Park

Kingsbridge, Bronx
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Explore the universe on the Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground with Starlight Cinema's free outdoor movie series. Seating beings at 7pm with music that matches the release date of the night's movie, followed by movie-themed crafts and, at dusk, the film. READ MORE

Teen Voices Festival at NYPL

Midtown West
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Calling all teens! The NY Library's flagship location is hosting workshops, art exhibits, giveaways, and an afternoon of teen creativity—all free. READ MORE

Summer for the City: Story Time at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Lincoln Center celebrates Summer in the City with a free storytelling program in Damrosch Park. Curated by the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, each story time event focuses on narratives perfect for all ages. READ MORE

Movies on the Lawn in Fort Greene Park

Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
The Fort Greene Conservancy hosts special screenings on Myrtle Lawn. Showtimes are at sunset; bring a blanket and a picnic. READ MORE

Family Fridays: Tying Math and Art Together at MoMath on 5th

Gramercy
Friday, August 9, 2024
Mathematician and ITSPHUN creator Mircea Draghicescu leads families on an evening of knotty exploration. Learn the difference between regular, everyday knots and mathematical ones; solve some intriguing knot puzzles; weave paper strips into decorative balls; and tie your very own kinetic knot bracelets to take home. READ MORE

SummerStarz Movies in Transmitter Park - CANCELED

Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Friday, August 9, 2024
SummerStarz is a series of four free, family-friendly movies at Transmitter Park. Arrive early to snag a good spot on the grass, and enjoy the gorgeous Brooklyn waterfront until the movie starts at sunset.  READ MORE

Movie Night on Randall's Island: Elemental - POSTPONED

Randall's Island
Friday, August 9, 2024
Pack a picnic and take your family out for a screening of Elemental (PG) under the stars. Arrive early for games and crafts. READ MORE

Arte Pa' Mi Gente: Latiné Children’s Music Day at Teatro SEA

Lower East Side
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Teatro SEA’s annual festival of Latin American arts and culture brings together a lineup of Latiné children’s artists for a day of free family celebration. This year’s festival theme is “Latiné Children’s Music Day,” highlighting the importance of Latiné music created by and for children.  READ MORE

Summer on the Hudson Play Dates in West Harlem Piers Park

Upper West Side
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Head to West Harlem Piers Park for a fun family-friendly event featuring a children’s entertainer, grab-and-go arts and crafts kits, and neighborhood fun! Each month brings a new performance. READ MORE

Hudson River Park's Blues Barbecue

Midtown West
Saturday, August 10, 2024
The 24th annual Hudson River Park Blues Barbecue Festival returns to Pier 76 for a day filled with smoky goodness and great music. Pit powerhouses like Blue Smoke, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Jase’s BBQ, Kimchi Smoke, and Big Papa Smokem fire up their smokers while you take in live blues and roots performances. READ MORE

Celebrate World SteelPan Day in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
Saturday, August 10, 2024
The Carlos Lezama Archives and Caribbean Cultural Center (CLACC-C) hosts performances, workshops, and activities in partnership with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. READ MORE

Summer Skies at the Skyscraper Museum

Battery Park City
Saturday, August 10, 2024
After viewing a collection of panoramic photographs by Richard Berenholtz from his book, Skylines of New York, young learners create their own sparkling summer skylines with glow-in-the-dark paper. READ MORE

Hindu Lamp Ceremony in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Saturday, August 1o, 2024
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

Family Day in Bryant Park

Midtown West
Saturday, August 10
Bryant Park Family Day features circus arts, a creative corner with science experiments, bubble blowing, and more crafts and workshops throughout the day. Enjoy a Picnic Performance from renowned dance companies Ephrat Asherie Dance and Barkin Selissen Project.  READ MORE

MAD Backyard Block Party at the Museum of Arts and Design

Midtown West
Saturday, August 10, 2024
The Museum of Arts and Design's Block Party transforms 58th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue into an outdoor art studio, with arts and crafts, face painting, outdoor games, and music. READ MORE

43rd Annual Battery Dance Festival in Battery Park

Battery Park
Sunday, August 11-Saturday, August 17, 2024
The Battery Dance Festival presents an entire week of free evening performances, featuring top-tier dancers from the US and around the globe, including debuts and premieres. READ MORE
Splash and play at Asphalt Green's Sprinkler Day on Saturday, August 17. Photo courtesy of Asphalt Green
Splash and play at Asphalt Green's Sprinkler Day on Saturday, August 17. Photo courtesy of Asphalt Green

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, August 12-Sunday, August 18, 2024

Bison Bead Project in City Hall Park

Financial District
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
As part of Cannupa Hanska Luger’s sculpture Attrition, currently on view at City Hall Park, participants create clay beads, each one a tangible symbol of the survival and regeneration of bison across North America. READ MORE

House Fest on Governors Island

Governors Island
Thursday, August 15-Monday, August 19, 2024
Governors Island hosts a weekend-long creative celebration that features free dance and music performances, outdoor installations, interactive workshops, open studios, panel discussions, and more. READ MORE

FlyNYC 2024 in Riverside Park

Riverside Park
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Music and kites fill the air at this festival for all ages! Kite kits are provided free for children (while supplies last), or bring your own favorite kite from home. READ MORE

32nd Annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest

Coney Island, Brooklyn
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Hundreds of sand sculptors descend on Coney Island annually to create amazing works of art using all-natural elements at the beach.  READ MORE

Sprinkler Day at Asphalt Green

Upper East Side
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Don’t let the soaring summer temperatures discourage you from enjoying the outdoors. Cool off by splashing around in Asphalt Green’s high-powered sprinklers and slip and slides. READ MORE

SOLD OUT. NYSoM Back-to-School Bonanza in Bushwick Playground

Bushwick, Brooklyn
Saturday, August 17, 2024
NYSoM distributes school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis at this back-to-school fest. Stop by and meet Iron Man and Batman, pose for pictures, and take part in various America-themed activities. READ MORE

Seaport Kids x Summer Bash

South Street Seaport
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Summer crafts. Balloon twisting. Basketball tricks. And a sprinkler zone sponsored by American Dream. The Seaport has partnered with Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge Parents to bring neighborhood kids hours of unleashed creativity and interactive fun. READ MORE

Family Reunion Day of Fun at Lefferts House

Flatbush, Brooklyn
Sunday, August 18, 2024
The Lefferts House hosts this day of fun featuring DJ T-Groove, DJ ADAPTA, DJ Debonair, and a fashion review presented by Mashood Fashions in celebration of its 30th anniversary. Enjoy free refreshments, activities, and school-supply giveaways for children, plus fitness and nutrition workshops, and health screenings provided by One Brooklyn Health, Aetna, and more. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, August 19-Sunday, August 25, 2024

IndieSummer at the Rink at Rockefeller Center

Midtown West
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Rough Trade and Rock Center host a special concert by Kassa Overall, followed by a vinyl set by DJ Miss Hap. Public seating is first-come, first-served. READ MORE

Create Your Own Character Artmaking Workshop at the Brooklyn Central Library

Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Author-illustrator Isabel Roxas leads a hands-on artmaking workshop on character creation. Kids get a zine to fill in to develop a creature, human, robot or vegetable. Materials are provided. READ MORE

Bison Bead Project at the Museum of Arts and Design

Midtown West
Thursday, August 22, 2024
As part of Cannupa Hanska Luger’s sculpture Attrition, currently on view at City Hall Park, participants create clay beads, each one a tangible symbol of the survival and regeneration of bison across North America. READ MORE

The Battle of Brooklyn, A Farce in Two Acts at Old Stone House

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Friday, August 23, 2024
Watch a short play written by snarky British loyalists in 1776 to mock the American defeat in the first and largest battle of the War for Independence. Was the revolution a scam? Were the Founding Fathers idiots? The anonymous author of The Battle of Brooklyn, A Farce of Two Acts thought so! READ MORE

Intrepid Summer Movie Series

Midtown West
Friday, August 23, 2024
Watch a movie on the ship’s flight deck under the stars! Enjoy views of the Hudson River and city skyline while you watch some old and new favorites on the big screen. READ MORE

SOLD OUT. Socrates x Noguchi Field Guide: Potential of Paper in Socrates Sculpture Park

Long Island City, Queens
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Noguchi Educator Joseph Tokumasu Field presents a workshop exploring the many possibilities of mulberry paper while considering the intersections of ecology and economics in traditional Japanese handicrafts. Participants create a traditional Japanese Uchiwa fan from upcycled materials and engage with Isamu Noguchi’s ideas about functionality and sustainable practices. READ MORE

Arthur Ashe Kids' Day at the US Open

Flushing, Queens
Saturday, August 24, 2024
The 26th edition of this great day of family fun offers interactive games, face painting, balloon artists, prizes, music, special guests, and more. Kids can step onto the US Open courts, just like the pros, with tennis activities for all ages and abilities.  READ MORE

Remembrance Ceremony & Battle of Brooklyn Living History at Old Stone House

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Saturday, August 24, 2024
The Old Stone House & Washington Park partner with the Society of the Cincinnati of Maryland and the Michael A. Rawley American Legion Post to commemorate the Battle of Brooklyn with a reenactment.  READ MORE

NYSoM Back-to-School Wonderland at El Barrio

East Harlem
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Fall down the rabbit hole and snag school supplies during this event. NYSoM presents an Alice in Wonderland-themed giveaway at El Barrio. READ MORE

Back-to-School Courtyard Jamboree at PS 152

Midwood/Flatbush, Brooklyn
Saturday, August 24
Celebrate the close of summer break, and get ready for the start of a successful school year during a fun-filled day with music, games, food, resources from vendors, and free school supplies (while supplies last). READ MORE

Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing in Owl's Head Park

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
Saturday, August 24, 2024
The Urban Park Rangers invite newbies to the sport of archery to shoot arrows with a flat magnetic tip onto a velcro target board (ages 8 and up). Kids of all ages can practice foam axe throwing at a soft target. READ MORE

OperaCades in Riverside Park

Upper West Side
Saturdays, August 24 and 31, 2024
Opera on Tap brings a family-friendly, immersive opera experience to Pier I with performances, sing-alongs, photo opportunities with the mermaid performers, and free giveaways (stickers, shells, and reusable straws). READ MORE

Battle of Brooklyn Family Day at Green-Wood Cemetery

Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Sunday, August 25, 2024
Commemorate the Battle of Brooklyn, fought in 1776 on land now a part of Green-Wood Cemetery, during this family-friendly afternoon event which includes a parade up to Battle Hill. READ MORE

Washington Square Park Folk Festival

Greenwich Village
Sunday, August 25, 2024
The best of local New York and national folk talent—including old-time string bands, blues, jug bands, traditional Mexican and Balkan music, songwriters, New Orleans jazz, klezmer music, and more—come together for this festival in Washington Square Park. READ MORE

SOLD OUT. Back to School Bookbag Block Party on Linden Boulevard

Jamaica, Queens
Sunday, August 25, 2024
Council Member Nantasha Williams, NYS Senator Leroy Comrie, and Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman host this second annual block party complete with school supply giveaways. READ MORE

Summer Fun: Roller Skating in Sol Lain Park

Lower East Side
Sunday, August 25, 2024
Henry Street Settlement's block party-style summer celebration includes free skate rentals, a DJ, line dancing, art-making, free food, and more.   READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, August 26-Saturday, August 31, 2024

STEM on Little Island

Greenwich Village
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Hudson River Park educators lead a series of STEM demonstrations and workshops inspired by local waterways. Discover live animals, create wildlife-inspired art and learn about the important role each organism plays in the Hudson River ecosystem. READ MORE

15th Annual NYC Unicycle Festival

Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens
Thursday, August 29-Sunday, September 1, 2024
The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus rolls out its annual NYC Unicycle Festival across New York City, bringing together recreational riders, world-class performers, mountain and off-road unicycle enthusiasts, and mono-wheel vehicle inventors.  READ MORE

Back to Hogwarts at Grand Central Terminal

Midtown East
Friday, August 30-Sunday, September 1, 2024
Harry Potter fans are invited to a special Back to Hogwarts pop-up in the beautiful Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal. Expect magical performances, exciting Lego building activities, an interactive Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions fan experience, plus activations from Scholastic, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and even the chance to toast one another with the most delectable of wizarding drinks: butterbeer. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

George Seuffert Bandshell
Pier 26 in Hudson River Park
Various locations in Queens
Parks in all Five Boroughs
Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Riverside Park
Various locations in NYC
Various locations
Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens
Central Park Hans Christian Andersen Statue
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
National Parks - Multiple Locations
Central Park - Naumburg Bandshell
The New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
National Museum of Mathematics Pop Up
Hudson River Park - Pier 76
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Museum of Arts and Design
Seaport Square, South Street Seaport
Brooklyn Public Library Central Branch
Museum of Arts and Design
Old Stone House (outside)
Old Stone House (outside)
Multiple locations around NYC