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The Adams Street Library boasts kid-sized seating and plenty of storybooks. Photo by Diana Kim

Best Free Indoor Places to Play in NYC

1. Local Libraries

Not all branches are created equal, but there are plenty of cool, free indoor places to play throughout the city's library systems. We're particularly impressed with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library in Midtown; the Adams Street Library and Greenpoint Public Library and Environmental Center in Brooklyn, plus Queens' Hunters Point Library. Find even more options on our list of libraries with great kid-friendly play spaces, and discover what's going on at all the branches in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

2. Grand Central Terminal

Train-watch, try out the whispering gallery, or take in one of the other kid-friendly activities at this commuter hub.

3. Bookstores

Pick up a new read and see what else is going on at one of our favorite independent bookshops, including author readings, craft activities, and even puppet shows.

4. FDNY Fire Zone

Kids can learn about fire safety from a real firefighter at this Rockefeller Center spot.

5. The Oculus

Gawk at the architectural wonder of The Oculus—a commuter hub and shopping destination at the World Trade Center. More than 100 stores and eateries occupy the soaring, yet subterranean, space.

RELATED: 101 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

Play under the trees at the Brookfield Place Atrium. Photo by Janet Bloom

6. Public Atriums

Our list of favorites includes the Winter Garden Atrium in Battery Park City. If you've worked up an appetite, Hudson Eats is not to be missed.

7. Toy Stores

Hit one of NYC's interactive stores. We love the magic mirrors and giant castles at the Disney Store Times Square, and the amazing, engaging Camp store, which has locations in the Flatiron District, Brooklyn, Hudson Yards, and Columbus Circle. Kidding Around has outposts in Grand Central and the Flatiron District and is one of our favorite local toy stores.

8. Central Park

There are a handful of FREE indoor destinations in the 840-acre green space, including Belvedere Castle and the Dana Discovery Center at the lovely northeastern edge of the park.

9. FAO Schwarz

You don't have to spend a dime to have a blast at the mega toy wonderland FAO Schwarz. Check out the toy demos, meet a soldier, and dance on the iconic piano!

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Pose for a magical photo-op in an authentic London phone booth at Harry Potter New York. Photo by Jody Mercier

10. Harry Potter New York

Take flight in the Wizarding World at Harry Potter New York, which brimming with wands, magical creatures, and plenty of nostalgia for fans of the series.

11. Essex Street Market

This Lower East Side food hall and market pays homage to its neighborhood's multicultural roots with a diverse mix of eats, plus fun, FREE programming, and cooking classes.

12. Play Cafes

Kids can play for FREE at some of these Brooklyn and Queens play cafes—well, you'll need to spring for a coffee, but hey, you were going to do that anyway.

13. The Lego Store

Check out amazing re-creations of NYC landmarks at the Lego Store at Rockefeller Center. Live farther south? Visit the Flatiron Lego Store.

14. Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art and Storytelling

This Harlem children's museum is housed in a David Adjaye-designed building on 155th Street and offers plenty of room to create and explore, plus weekly performative storytelling events. Kids under age 9 are always FREE and adults enter for just $7.

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Try out new games or old favorites at Nintendo New York. Photo by Sara Marentette

15. Nintendo NYC

At the 10,000-square-foot Nintendo NY, kids can gawk at the giant Donkey Kong and test not-yet-released tech and video games.

16. Nature Centers

See what's going on at one of the NYC Parks Department's many nature centers. Enjoy hands-on activities such as tours, crafts, and face time with animals.

17. Take Advantage of FREE Hours

Don't forget: Many NYC museums, zoos, and the aquarium offer free hours on a weekly or monthly basis.

18. Museum of the City of New York

MCNY is always FREE for children under 20 and has rotating exhibits highlighting New York's development and history.

RELATED: NYC Winter Fun List: 40 Things To Do with Kids

The National Museum of the American Indian is multicultural New York at its best. Photo by Joshua Voda courtesy of NMAI.

19. Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

Explore the always FREE National Museum of the American Indian, housed in the historic U.S. Custom House. Programming includes family-friendly films, workshops, and other no-cost fun.

20. Bronx Museum of the Arts

Introduce kids to contemporary art at the always FREE Bronx Museum of the Arts.

21. Bronx Children's Museum

This dedicated kids' space is currently offering pay-as-you-wish admission to all visitors, but be sure to book your tickets online in advance! The museum plans to begin charging admission in the first quarter of 2024, so visit soon to take advantage of this freebie!

22. Toys R Us

Head to the seventh floor at Macy's Herald Square where Toys R Us has an on-site toy shop. You'll have to usher kids past aisles of goodies to find the play space nestled against the back wall.

23. 81st Street Studio

Did you know The Met debuted a brand-new art-and-science play space last fall? Dubbed the 81st Street Studio, visiting the creative wonderland is completely FREE!

RELATED: Where to Find Free Classes for Kids in NYC at Stores and Public Spaces

Kids have space to play or read at Posman Books. Photo courtesy of Posman Books

24. Chelsea Market

Watch the bakers in action at Chelsea Market, where a number of the city's best bakeries are rolling out dough, or read a story in the children's section of Posman Books after grabbing a bite to eat.

25. American Girl Place

Kids play for FREE American Girl Place, where you can meet the Girl of the Year, pose for pictures, and get hands-on with teeny, tiny playsets.

26. Children's Museum of the Arts at Pier 57

While we miss the brick-and-mortar museum, we're thrilled that the Children's Museum of the Arts is offering FREE community artmaking at the expansive Pier 57 in Hudson River Park. While you're there, enjoy the rooftop park and explore The James Beard Foundation's Market 57 food hall

This article, originally published in 2014, is updated annually.