The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
See the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids
Bring your skates and you can hit the ice for free at Bryant Park. Photo by Colin Miller
What's Open Thanksgiving Day in NYC: Best Things To Do with Kids
All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC
See the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC with our insider's guide and tips!
GUIDE
Guide to Thanksgiving in NYC for Kids and Families
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
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council
Where To Find Free Turkey in NYC This Thanksgiving
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Leuca. Photo courtesy of the Noho Hospitality Group
26 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in NYC
Experience the magic of the Tianyu Lights Festival at Citi Field this holiday season. Photo courtesy of the festival
21 Best Things To Do in NYC November 2024 with Kids
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC to Book Now!
GUIDE
NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2024
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 11. Photo by Heidi Lee
39 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC this November with Kids
Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero on a walk of wonders at NYBG's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Photo by Ally Noel
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 35 Top Things To Do in NYC this Fall
Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: Where to Watch, What's New
The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin
Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
21 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City
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
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
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
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
101 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones in NYC
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up
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
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
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
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

Free Kids Week Programming in NYC Parks

Urban Park Rangers teach kids how to safely explore the natural world. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
Urban Park Rangers teach kids how to safely explore the natural world. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
1/1/24 - By Drew Kristofik

If you need to stave off cabin fever during April 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. 

Find more things to do over the school holiday on our Family Activity Calendar!

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Kids Week Programming in Manhattan Parks

Kids Week: Gather Around the Campfire In Morningside Park

Upper West Side
Monday, April 22
The Urban Park Rangers host an afternoon program with story telling and fireside activities. READ MORE

Kids Week: Lenape of Inwood Hill

Inwood
Tuesday, April 23
Explore the shell middens, salt marsh, and rocky outcroppings of Inwood Hill Park and learn a bit about the Lenape people with the Urban Park Rangers.   READ MORE

Kids Week: Plants and Pollinators in Inwood Hill Park

Inwood
Wednesday, April 24
Pollinators, such as insects, birds and bats, play a very important role in creating a balanced ecosystem. Learn more about the ways these species help plants flourish in our parks. READ MORE

Kids Week: Nature Exploration for Kids in Central Park

Central Park
Thursday, April 25
Urban Park Rangers teach kids how to safely explore the natural world on a hike through Central Park. READ MORE

Kids Week: Meet the Critters in Inwood Hill Park

Inwood
Friday,April 26
From stick bugs to snakes, meet the animals that call the Inwood Park Nature center their home.  READ MORE
It's Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers! Find fun, park ranger-led nature programs in a park near you. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
It's Kids Week with the Urban Park Rangers! Find fun, park ranger-led nature programs in a park near you. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks

Kids Week at New York City Parks in Brooklyn

Kids Week: Earth Day Gardening at Bowling Green Cottage

Flatbush
Monday, April 22
Celebrate Earth Day with the Urban Park Rangers. Help beautify the park with hands-on, introductory level gardening especially for kids and take home a plant of your own to start an indoor garden. READ MORE

Kids Week: Gather Around the Campfire In Fort Greene Park

Fort Greene/Downtown Brooklyn
Tuesday, April 23
The Urban Park Rangers host an afternoon program with story telling and fireside activities. READ MORE

Kids Week: Magnetic Archery at the Rappaport Playground

Sunset Park/Borough Park
Wednesday, April 24
Learn the art of archery with free lessons taught by expert Urban Park Rangers. This program uses safe equipment with magnetic arrows and targets.     READ MORE

Kids Week: Abstract Floral Paintings In Fort Greene Park

Fort Greene/Downtown Brooklyn
Thursday, April 25
Take a walk and create a custom nature paintbrush with objects found all around the park. Learn about flower species that can be found in the park and use natural materials to make an abstract painting. READ MORE

Kids Week: Spring Scavenger Hunt on Herbert Von King Park

Bed Stuy
Friday, April 26
Experience nature in a hands-on and fun way with the Urban Park Rangers. Search high and low for the natural wonders hiding just under your nose. READ MORE

Kids Week at New York City Parks in Queens

Kids Week: Flower and Pollinator Origami in Baisley Pond Park

Jamaica
Monday, April 22
Learn some seasonal origami with the Urban Park Rangers and create a hummingbird, a butterfly, flowers, and more! READ MORE

Kids Week: Spring Scavenger Hunt on Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach
Tuesday,April 23
Embark on an adventure-filled scavenger hunt at Arverne East Preserve and uncover hidden treasures amidst the scenic beauty of nature.   READ MORE

Kids Week: Nature Puppet Show in Fort Totten Park

Fort Totten
Wednesday, April 24
Kids can watch a puppet show and learn about animals that can be found in NYC's parks with the Urban Park Rangers. READ MORE

Kids Week: Poetry Around the Campfire in Powell's Cove Park

College Point
Thursday, April 25
Urban Park Rangers host an enchanting afternoon of poetry writing by the campfire. Capture the essence of the season and the beauty of nature.    READ MORE

Kids Week: Celebrating Trees for Arbor Day in Elmhurst Park

Elmhurst
Friday, April 26
Learn why trees are an essential part of our parks that are often overlooked. Learn some of the Rangers’ favorite trees and make some tree-themed crafts. READ MORE

Kids Week at New York City Parks in the Bronx

Kids Week: Upcycling Nature Crafts at the Crotona Nature Center

Crotona Park East
Monday, April 22
Upcycling can be fun and resourceful for nature and ecology. Bring your own clean recyclable food and beverage containers to make fun art projects, bird houses, planters, and bee boxes! READ MORE

Kids Week: Wilderness Skills for Kids at the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center

Van Cortlandt Park
Tuesday, April 23
The Urban Park Rangers teach kids new skills to help them survive outdoors READ MORE

Kids Week: Nature Puppet Show at the Crotona Nature Center

Crotona Park
Wednesday, April 24
Kids can watch a puppet show and learn about animals that can be found in NYC's parks with the Urban Park Rangers. READ MORE

Kids Week: Birding for Kids at Pelham Bay Nature Center

Pelham Bay
Thursday, April 25
Urban Park Rangers teach kids all about different ways to identify birds in NYC parks. READ MORE

Kids Week: Arbor Day Tree ID at the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center

Van Cortlandt Park
Friday, April 26
Celebrate Arbor Day with the Urban Park Rangers and the explore the many species of trees that make the park wonderful. READ MORE

Kids Week at New York City Parks on Staten Island

Kids Week: Earth Day Native Planting Party in Blue Heron Park

Blue Heron Park
Monday, April 22
Celebrate Earth Day today with an Urban Park Ranger hike discussing pollinators and plants, then take home a planted seed to start your own native plant garden. READ MORE

Kids Week: Freshwater Fishing in Allison Pond Park

Allison Pond Park
Tuesday, April 23
The Urban Park Rangers provide free fishing lessons! Learn how to properly use a fishing rod or cast a net. READ MORE

Kids Week: Ranger Games in Walker Park

Walker Park
Wednesday, April 24
Spend a fun afternoon with the Urban Park Rangers, playing and learning new and exciting nature games. READ MORE

Kids Week: All about Amphibians in Willowbrook Park

Willowbrook Park
Thursday, April 25
Join the Urban Park Rangers and explore the park, looking for and learning about the turtles, snakes, frogs, and salamanders that call New York City home. READ MORE

Kids Week: Spring Water Colors Crafts in De Matti Park

De Matti Park
Friday, April 26
The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the first signs of spring with a springtime-related craft using watercolors and other provided materials.   READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park)
Blue Heron Nature Center at Blue Heron Park