The New York Botanical Garden's floral show Van Gogh's Flowers is inspired by the genius of the iconic artist Vincent van Gogh. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Mommy Poppins is set to host its first Family Travel Fest on Saturday, May 31 at the Atlantic Center.
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The Parade of Ships is always a highlight of Fleet Week in NYC. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bradley Rickard
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Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
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Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Start the summer with free musical entertainment at Live at the Archway in Dumbo. Photo by Noemie Trusty.
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Strawberry picking at Bishop Farms makes for a sweet day trip.
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Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
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The splash pad in Domino Park puts a smile on faces young and old. Photo by Jody Mercier
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The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
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Brooklyn Bridge Park celebrates spring with a Kite Fest on Saturday, May 17. Photo by John Eng
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Hop the ferry to Governors Island to explore all the island has to offer. Photo by Diana Kim
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Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Dinosaur Safari returns to the Bronx Zoo this spring. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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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 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.
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Teens have the opportunity to explore arts careers and institutions with Whitney Museum Youth Insights Program. Photo by Diana Kim
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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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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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Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
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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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Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
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Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
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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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Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! 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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Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
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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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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
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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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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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88 Best Free Fun Things To Do in NYC with Kids June 2025

The Live at the Archway series brings tons of family-friendly entertainment to the Dumbo waterfront. Photo by Noemie Trusty
The Live at the Archway series brings tons of family-friendly entertainment to the Dumbo waterfront. Photo by Noemie Trusty
5/28/24 - By Drew Kristofik

June marks the kick-off to the summer season and tons of fab, free things to do in NYC. From the Lower East Side's Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival to the Mermaid Parade on Coney Island, plus lots of Juneteenth and Pride events, we've found more than 80 family-friendly free things to do in NYC this June with kids.

More Free Summer Fun in NYC

100 Free Things To Do in NYC this Summer | Free Summer Movies

Free Fun in July | Free Activities in August

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Free Things To Do in NYC All June Long

Locomotive Lawn Live in Riverside Park

Upper West Side
Thursdays through June 26, 2025
Moosiki Kids Musical Storytime fosters a love of reading at a young age with musical stories and sing-along encouragement on the comfy and danceable turf lawn by the big locomotive. READ MORE

Sunset Singing Circle Featuring Terre Roche

Tribeca
Fridays, through June 27, 2025
Singer/songwriter Terre Roche leads a weekly singing program with the beautiful backdrop of the setting sun in NY Harbor. READ MORE

Picnic Performances in Bryant Park

Midtown West
Fridays and Saturdays from Friday, May 30 - Friday, September 12, 2025
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

Le Carrousel Extravaganza in Bryant Park

Bryant Park
Select dates from Monday, June 2-Friday, September 26, 2025
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

SummerStage in Central Park

Central Park
Various dates from Wednesday, June 4 - Tuesday, September 16, 2025
The City Parks Foundation's SummerStage returns in 2025 with tons of free performances in Central Park, and a few more costly shows as well. READ MORE

Smith Street Stage: Henry V in Carroll Park

Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
Select dates from Thursday, June 5-Sunday, June 29, 2025
The award-winning Brooklyn theatre company, Smith Street Stage, returns to Carroll Park for its 16th year of free outdoor Shakespeare under the stars. This summer’s production is Henry V. READ MORE

Storytelling at the Hans Christian Andersen Statue in Central Park

Central Park
Saturdays, June 7-August 9, 2025
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

Naumburg Orchestral Concerts

Central Park
Tuesdays, June 10 & 24, 2025
Bring a blanket and a picnic, and enjoy classical music under the stars on select Tuesday evenings at the Naumberg Band Shell. READ MORE

Julius Caesar in Riverside Park

Upper West Side
Various dates, Thursday-Sunday, through Sunday, June 22, 2025
The Hudson Classical Theater Company presents Shakespeare's tragedy, exploring those timeless themes of power, betrayal, and the consequences of political actions. READ MORE

Big City Fishing at Pier 26

Tribeca
Thursdays from June 12-August 22, 2025
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

Live at the Archway in Dumbo

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Thursdays from June 12-July 31, 2025
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

Sounds at Sunset in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
Fridays, June 13- August 8, 2025
Some of NYC’s finest musical talents share their vision of the present and future in music. Bring a blanket and a picnic READ MORE

Battery Park Playscape Presents Sundays at the ShowBox

Battery Park
Sundays from Sunday, June 15-Sunday, October 26, 2025
The ShowBox Theater, located in the beautiful Battery Park Playscape, hosts a full season of music, dance, puppetry, and more with special free performances on Sunday afternoons. READ MORE

Summer Concerts at the Hudson Yards

Midtown West
Wednesdays from Wednesday, June 25-Wednesday, August 13, 2025
This free eight-week series showcases rising artists across a variety of genres, bringing fresh sounds and unforgettable performances to the Public Square and Gardens. Bring a blanket and a picnic, or take advantage of the glorious concession stands. READ MORE

Stargazing on The High Line

Chelsea
Tuesdays, through October 21, 2025
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

Tunes & Tales for Toddlers in Teardrop Park

Battery Park City
Mondays, through October 27, 2025
Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to enjoy interactive music-making, storytelling, and more entertainment at these weekly sessions in Teardrop Park. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Sunday, June 1-Sunday, June 8, 2025

Right of Spring at the Old Stone House

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Sunday, June 1, 2025
A costumed performance with handmade masks, larger-than-life puppets, live music and a parade of insects buzzes through Washington Park. This year's theme puts a magnifying glass on adventures in the world of insects. READ MORE

Drums Along the Hudson: A Native American Festival in Inwood Hill Park

Inwood
Sunday, June 1, 2025
This annual event marks its 21st anniversary as Manhattan’s only open-air pow wow. The all-day event features Native American crafts, storytelling, and traditional food and dance. READ MORE

Rolie Polie Guacamole Album Release Party in Prospect Park

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Sunday, June 1, 2025
Holy Guacamole! Brooklyn’s award-winning titans of kindie music celebrate the release of the band’s 12th album, On the Stoop, with a hometown show.  READ MORE

Much Ado about Nothing at Bryant Park/NYPL

Midtown West
Tuesday-Sunday, June 3-8, 2025
The Public Theater’s Mobile Unit celebrates its 15th year with the beloved romantic comedy, Much Ado about Nothing. This bilingual, 90-minute, family-friendly take on the classic tale of love, deception, and misunderstandings blends Latine influences, original music, and Shakespeare’s timeless wit.  READ MORE

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Central Park

Upper West Side
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks have become an iconic New York summer experience since they began in 1965, transforming parks throughout the city into a patchwork of picnickers and providing music lovers with an opportunity to hear the best classical music under the stars. Stay after the show for the fireworks! READ MORE

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Van Cortlandt Park

Fieldston, the Bronx
Thursday, June 5, 2025
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks return, transforming parks throughout the city into a patchwork of picnickers and providing music lovers with an opportunity to hear the best classical music under the stars. Stay after the show for the fireworks! READ MORE

CityParks PuppetMobile Presents Pippi Longstocking in the Astoria Heights Playground

Astoria, Queens
Friday, June 6, 2025
City Parks Foundation is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the world-renowned children’s story Pippi Longstocking by the legendary Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. The production features nearly two dozen, hand-made marionettes crafted by the expert puppeteers. READ MORE

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Prospect Park

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Friday, June 6, 2025
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks return, transforming parks throughout the city into a patchwork of picnickers and providing music lovers with an opportunity to hear the best classical music under the stars. Stay after the show for the fireworks! READ MORE

Red Hook Fest 2025 in Valentino Park

Red Hook, Brooklyn
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Red Hook Fest 2025 film screenings, a photo walk, poetry, dance and art workshops, and a drum performance.  READ MORE

Summer on the Hudson: World Fish Migration Day in Fort Washington Park

Fort Washington Park
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Wade into the Hudson River to collect and count species of fish at this interactive seining event in partnership with the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater.   READ MORE

Lenfest Kids: Community Day Charlie Chaplin’s ‘The Kid’

Morningside Heights
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Chaplin's first full-length feature is a masterpiece about a tramp who takes-in an orphaned child. Chaplin directed, produced and starred in this film, and also composed the score. Ben Model returns to perform live musical accompaniment for this silent comedy classic. READ MORE

Paws for Pride at Manhattan West

Midtown West
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Celebrate Pride for all, including your pets, at Manhattan West Woof Fest: Paws for Pride. Guests are invited to the Manhattan West Plaza for a colorful afternoon of amazing performances, fabulous activities, and marvelous treats. READ MORE

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Cunningham Park

Jamaica, Queens
Saturday, June 7, 2025
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks return, transforming parks throughout the city into a patchwork of picnickers and providing music lovers with an opportunity to hear the best classical music under the stars. Stay after the show for the fireworks! READ MORE

Your Community Day at New York City Center

Midtown West
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Your Community Day at City Center presents a full slate of performances, workshops, and activities featuring the National Dance Institute, teaching artists from Ballet Hispánico, Roger Rees Awards 2024 Finalists, Broadway Dreams Connections, and more. READ MORE

Community Science Seining at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Discover the amazing biodiversity of the Hudson River estuary as park staff and scientists use a seine net to humanely catch incredible creatures that live below the water’s surface. READ MORE

Hard Hat Area: Introduction to Construction at the Skyscraper Museum

Battery Park City
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Young learners are introduced to the basics of skyscraper construction through a group reading of Susan L. Roth's picture book, Hard Hat Area. After the story, the young architects design their own skyscraper. READ MORE

World Oceans Day on Randall's Island

Randall's Island
Saturday, June 7, 2025
RIPA’s Natural Areas team hosts a fun-filled and educational afternoon exploring the unique organisms that call the greater NYC Harbor Estuary home. Drop-in to observe the team conduct seining in the Harlem River and assist in counting and ID’ing fish and other aquatic organisms. READ MORE

Live Music, Free Ice Cream and Kids Activities on The East River Waterfront Esplanade

Upper East Side
Saturday, June 7, 2025
EsplanadeFriends hosts a free live music event on the East River waterfront. Enjoy live samba with Embola Carambola featuring Malaya Sol, plus samba Instruction by Luciana Da Silva. Enjoy free icees from Delicioso Coco Helado, plus craft activities for kids—all with a spectacular water view!  READ MORE

A Midsummer Night's Dream and A Comedy of Errors UNREHEARSED! in Central Park

Central Park
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Actors to go toe-to-toe with the bard, while simultaneously stretching their improv muscles.  Cast members are given just 30 days to learn their lines and get off book. At NO TIME are they permitted to rehearse with each other or coordinate performances. Referees stand by, ready to call “foul” and flag actors for missed cues, flubbed lines, and ad-libbing. Audience members can also get in on the action by placing bets on who they think will make the most mistakes!  READ MORE

City Island Spring Arts & Crafts Fair

City Island, Bronx
Saturday-Sunday, June 7-8, 2025
City Island hosts this annual spring arts and crafts fair, featuring 50+ artists and craftspeople displaying and selling their works along the sidewalks of City Island Avenue. READ MORE

The Happening: Free Community Block Party at Church Street School

Tribeca
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Church Street School for Music & Art's annual free all ages community block party, The Happening, features live musical performances, art projects, a student art show, games, raffles, and more.​   READ MORE

New York Philharmonic Concerts In the Park: Indoor Concert on Staten Island

St. George, Staten Island
Sunday, June 8, 2025
The New York Philharmonic performs Britten's String Quartet No 1. READ MORE

Whitney Pride Celebration

West Village
Sunday, June 8, 2025
The Whitney hosts a Pride celebration with activities designed for community members and families of all ages, including hands-on artmaking, giveaways, and more. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, June 9-Sunday, June 15, 2025

Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Jackie Robinson Park

Harlem
Monday, June 9, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Jackie Robinson Park! This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—Tessa McQueen, Hannah Jones, and Sunghoon Han, accompanied by Mariam Bombrun. READ MORE

Museum Mile Festival

Midtown
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
NYC's biggest block party returns, bringing art outside (and in) on Fifth Avenue between 82nd Street and 105th Street. A collection of New York City’s finest cultural institutions are open free to the public throughout the evening, with outdoor events along the way. READ MORE

Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Williamsbridge Oval

Norwood, Bronx
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops in Williamsbridge Oval. This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—Tessa McQueen, Hannah Jones, and Sunghoon Han, accompanied by Mariam Bombrun. READ MORE

Music Storytime With LaFrae Sci at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Dummer LaFrae Sci reads Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills. Alongside the reading, Sci performs an interactive sonic storytime with electric music instruments, field recording, and samples. READ MORE

Sing with Suzi in JJ Byrne Playground

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Thursday, June 12, 2025
An interactive, family-friendly concert series featuring award‑winning children’s performer Suzi Shelton and special guests, complete with giant bubbles, dancing, and sing‑alongs in the heart of Park Slope.   READ MORE

Juneteenth at Wave Hill

Riverdale, Bronx
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Celebrate Juneteenth and honor Black history, achievement and resilience with an evening of performances, artmaking and more. Picnic on the Great Lawn and enjoy a tasty treat of specialty ice cream while supplies last, courtesy of Only Rare NYC. Decorate colorful plant pots inspired by stories of hope and liberation. The celebration culminates with engaging musical and dance performances that highlight the Black experience in the United States. READ MORE

Queer Teen Night

West Village
Friday, June 13, 2025
LGBTQ+ youth and allies are invited to a celebration of Pride at the Whitney. The Museum's Youth Insights Leaders host an evening of artmaking, performances, dancing, giveaways, and a tour of exhibitions on view. READ MORE

Gil Scott-Heron Celebration in St. Mary's Park

South Bronx
Friday, June 13, 2025
A celebration of the legendary poet, vocalist and activist.  READ MORE

NYC KidsFest

Harlem
Friday-Sunday, June 13-15, 2025
NYC Kidsfest  brings performances from some of New York City’s most innovative and talented artists into public spaces for all to enjoy. Catch sets by Divi Roxx and Ray de Jesus and enjoy face painting, balloon animals, science fun and storytelling!   READ MORE

Juneteenth Celebration in Rockefeller Park

Battery Park City
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Celebrate Juneteenth, Emancipation Day, with the Federation of Black Cowboys. Enjoy stories about freedom and African American history, with art making, live music, sing-alongs, and horse back rides (ages 3 and up). READ MORE

The 22nd Annual Hunts Point Fish Parade and Summer Festival

Hunts Point, the Bronx
Saturday, June 14, 2025
The annual Hunt’s Point Fish Parade celebrates the neighborhood's heritage. Activities include a children’s art corner, boat rides, bird watching, a day-long basketball tournament, face painting, print-making, tons of great food and activities, live music, and performances. READ MORE

Shakespeare Workout in Riverside Park

Upper West Side
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Resident Artists from Hudson Classical Theater Company in the disciplines of Acting, Voice Production and Stage Combat lead a vigorous workout/training for teens. READ MORE

Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Saturday, June 14, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Brooklyn Bridge Park! This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—soprano Janai Brugger, tenor Jack Swanson, and baritone Benjamin Taylor, accompanied by Howard Watkins. READ MORE

Brooklyn Pride’s 29th Annual Celebration in J.J. Byrne Park

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Brooklyn Pride hosts its annual multicultural festival featuring a​ cross-section of the borough’s business, community, and citywide organizations. Hit the family fun zone in J.J. Byrne Park for family-friendly activities, music, face painting, arts and crafts, story times, and more. READ MORE

Gladiators NYC in Central Park

Upper East Side
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Knights in full armor battle on the grass in Central Park behind The Met. Bring a blanket and a picnic.  READ MORE

Big Summer Pride Twirl in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Celebrate Brooklyn Pride in the Park with Papi Juice and Friends, featuring DJ sets and live performances. READ MORE

Pride Family Picnic at St. John the Divine

Upper West Side
Saturday, June 14, 2025
The Queer Big Apple Corps Marching Band returns this summer for their third Pride at the Cathedral! The Cathedral Gardens are open for all and everyone is invited to bring a picnic, play yard games, and spend an afternoon in community.    READ MORE

Schomburg Center Literary Festival in Harlem

Harlem
Saturday, June 14, 2025
The Schomburg Center Literary Festival: Reading the African Diaspora celebrates authors of African descent and champions literacy and books across genres to amplify Black history and culture. Readings, panel discussions, and workshops at Harlem's lit fest range from prose to poetry, comic books to young adult novels, fiction and nonfiction.   READ MORE

Play Date Featuring Zing! in Riverside Park

Upper West Side
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Head to Riverside Park for an outdoor party featuring a children’s entertainer, arts and crafts, and neighborhood fun. READ MORE

Summer for the City: Caribbean Day at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Lincoln Center honors the culture, creativity, and craft of our island neighbors. Stop by for a wide selection of programming across campus that starts in the early afternoon and goes all night, including a concert for families and all ages that features steel-pan performance; a Caribbean Masquerade mask-making workshop; a pop-up market; and a culminating concert party at Damrosch Park. &nb READ MORE

Alt 1940s at King Manor Museum

Jamaica, Queens
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Hightail it to King Manor for a day of 40s pinup glamor at a 1940s CAR-nival! Admire vintage beauties, design car decals and temporary tattoos, pose for photos at a photobooth, purchase vintage goods, enjoy delicious foods, and watch a Mae West inspired drag performance! READ MORE

Pigeon Fest on the High Line

Chelsea
Saturday, June 14, 2025
In celebration of Iván Argote’s Dinosaur—the striking 17-foot-tall aluminum pigeon sculpture at the Spur on the High Line—the High Line presents a full-day festival celebrating pigeons, urban ecology, and public art. READ MORE

Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival

Lower East Side
Sunday, June 15, 2025
The Museum at Eldridge Street presents the annual Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival, a joyous celebration of the diverse ethnic communities of the museum's Lower East Side neighborhood. READ MORE

Open Studios: Summer in the City a UrbanGlass

Downtown Brooklyn
Sunday, June 15, 2025
UrbanGlass' Open Studios invites families to discover the many ways glass shapes the world around us, with an afternoon of art making and exciting demonstrations in UrbanGlass’ 17,000 sq ft studios. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, June 16-Sunday, June 22, 2025

Dance Storytime With Jennifer Jones at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Jennifer Jones, the first Black Rockette dancer, reads her illustrated children’s book, On the Line: My Story of Becoming the first African American Rockette. READ MORE

Lavender Blues' FREE Summer Concert at the Harlem Library

Harlem
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
A hip-hop concert for families features interactive, toe-tapping, get-out-of-your-seat good time with Lady B and her Bunnies!   READ MORE

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Citywide
Thursday, June 19, 2025
On select days throughout the year, all national parks are open to the public with no admission fee.  READ MORE

Juneteenth Family Trolley Tours in Green-Wood Cemetery

Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Celebrate Juneteenth with a family trolley tour at Green-Wood! Discover the powerful stories of remarkable Black Americans whose legacies continue to inspire generations. From celebrated figures to unsung heroes, each story illuminates the resilience, innovation, and courage that define the Black American experience.  READ MORE

Juneteenth Celebration at the Van Cortlandt House Museum

Fieldston, Bronx
Thursday, June 19, 2025
A Juneteenth ceremony on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum includes musical and spoken word performances, followed by a procession with drums to the Enslaved African Burial Ground and a libation ceremony, honoring the memory of the enslaved people.  READ MORE

Oh Sankofa: Juneteenth Celebration at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Thursday, June 19, 2025
The fifth annual Juneteenth celebration at Lincoln Center draws inspiration from the rich traditions of African and African-American folklore, exploring themes of cultural identity, societal norms, and significant historical events through the lens of African folklore.   READ MORE

Summer Solstice 2025 at Socrates Sculpture Park

Long Island City, Queens
Friday, June 20, 2025
Celebrate Summer Solstice at Socrates Sculpture Park with workshops, performances, and music that focuses on reflection and the human connection to the land and nature.  READ MORE

Anti-Prom at the New York Public Library

Midtown West
Friday, June 20, 2025
The New York Public Library welcomes the return of Anti-Prom, its popular annual event for teens that celebrates personal expression. Created in 2004, the program offers an inclusive, safe space for attendees to embrace their sexuality, gender identity, culture, and style of dress. READ MORE

Swedish Midsummer Festival in Rockefeller Park

Battery Park City
Friday, June 20, 2025
Rockefeller Park is the setting for a unique celebration of the summer solstice. Learn traditional Swedish folk dances and join in a lively dance around the midsummer pole. READ MORE

Porch Stomp on Governors Island

Governors Island
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Porch Stomp invites dozens of folk bands, artists, and performing arts organizations to use the historic porches of Nolan Park as a space for performance and education, highlighting artistry ranging from traditional folk to old-time blues, roots, bluegrass, and Americana. READ MORE

Make Music New York

Citywide
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Make Music New York puts the beat under city feet as musicians of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, physical capabilities, and skill levels represent New York City’s remarkable creativity and diversity. READ MORE

Pollinator Palooza at Randall's Island

Randall's Island
Saturday, June 21, 2025
A pollinator-themed afternoon of art, games, and exploration includes taking photos at the butterfly photobooth and bringing home your own pollinator craft. Learn from expert Horticulturalists about the work they do to plant and maintain the park’s gardens, and stroll through the Urban Farm on a self-guided tour of what’s growing.   READ MORE

The Mermaid Parade on Coney Island

Coney Island, Brooklyn
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Welcome summer with the return of the Mermaid Parade, an eclectic (and historically jam-packed) celebration, featuring revelers decked out in their most outrageous sea-themed costumes.  READ MORE

Mozart for Munchkins at Hudson Yards

Midtown West
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Mozart for Munchkins puts on free Saturday concerts that focus on a different style of music each week—classical, jazz, bluegrass, and more—performed by first-rate artists who have played the stages of Carnegie Hall, Broadway, Lincoln Center, and other top venues. READ MORE

Mumu Fresh at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Maimouna Youssef, aka “Mumu Fresh,” is a multifaceted artist whose influences range from jazz, gospel, and traditional African and Indigenous music to Hip-Hop, soul, rock, and experimental acapella fusion.   READ MORE

PJ Library Birthday Bash at 92Y Shababa

Upper East Side
Saturday, June 22, 2024
PJ Library hosts a celebratory party on the rooftop that includes a special Shababa musical experience with Rebecca Schoffer (and Sammy on drums!) followed by bagel brunch and ice popsicle kiddush.  READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, June 23-Monday, June 30, 2025

Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Socrates Sculpture Park

Long Island City, Queens
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Socrates Sculpture Park! This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—Tessa McQueen, Hannah Jones, and Sunghoon Han, accompanied by Mariam Bombrun. READ MORE

Theater Storytime With Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Broadway star Ali Stroker and middle grade author Stacy Davidowitz take their audience on a musical theater journey inspired by their co-authored book, The Chance to Fly.  READ MORE

Fireworks & Fun

Randall's Island
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Kick off the summer season on Randall's Island! Enjoy an evening of games, crafts, and music before the Astoria Park fireworks display at sundown. Fireworks are presented courtesy of Central Astoria, LDC. READ MORE

GorillaFest at the Coney Island Amphitheater

Coney Island, Brooklyn
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Coney Island’s own Gorilla NEMS assembles an impressive cast of talented music makers to represent New York City hip-hop to the fullest during this musical fest near the sea. READ MORE

2025 Independence Day Celebration in Astoria Park

Astoria, Queens
Thursday, June 26, 2025
The Jazz and Swing Band, Fleur Seule, plays a concert of standards and classic swing, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. READ MORE

Pride Celebration with The Bad Judies in Hudson River Park

West Village
Thursday, June 26, 2025
The Bad Judies and Papi Juice perform on Pier 46, mashing up classic hits and more.  READ MORE

Sense and Sensibility in Riverside Park

Upper West Side
Opens Thursday, June 26, 2025
The Hudson Classical Theater Company presents Jane Austin's comedy of manners. READ MORE

Community Field Day in Rockefeller Park

Battery Park City
Friday, June 27, 2025
School’s out for the summer! Families are invited to join a paydate with Divinity Roxx and Friends in Rockefeller Park. Take part in field games, activities with local organizations, and a tug-of-war. Plus, enjoy face-painting, water play, and so much more! READ MORE

Pride! + Architecture at the Skyscraper Museum

Battery Park City
Friday, June 27, 2025
Learn about the importance of inclusion by looking at places in the city that commemorate and pay tribute to Pride's movement of coming together and treating others with kindness and acceptance. Then, take part in an arts and crafts activity where kids design and draw their own inclusive community space for family and friends. READ MORE

Summer for the City: 1,2,3, Let's Go with Missy D at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Missy D, a hip-hop, rap, soul, and bilingual artist based in Vancouver, performs, backed by a dynamic hip-hop band. READ MORE

PrideFest Festival

Astor Place
Sunday, June 29, 2025
The annual PrideFest street fair features live music, artists, craft vendors, food trucks, performers, and more. Family Fest activities take over the streets around Astor Place. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Central Park Hans Christian Andersen Statue
Central Park - Naumburg Bandshell
Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Riverside Park
Pier 26 in Hudson River Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Church Street School for Music & Art
David Geffen Hall, LeFrak Lobby
Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Riverside Park
Cathedral of St John the Divine
Schomburg Center For Research In Black Culture
David Geffen Hall, LeFrak Lobby
National Parks - Multiple Locations
Van Cortlandt House Museum
Hearst Plaza at Lincoln Center,
Stephen A. Schwarzman Bldg, 42nd St & Fifth Ave., NY, NY 10018 212-621-0208
Randall's Island Park
Hudson Yards - Public Square and Gardens
David Geffen Hall, LeFrak Lobby
Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Riverside Park

About the Author

Drew Kristofik
Drew Kristofik’s career took a twist from editing teen magazines to a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a long run at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick Online and Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com. A founding member of the Webby Award-winning GoCityKids, she’s written for Family Fun, Vanity Fair, and New York. Her middle school novel, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. Drew keeps the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar spot-on and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.
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