The Paley Center's must-see holiday extravaganza fills five floors with holiday fun and winter wonderland magic. Photo courtesy of PaleyLand
Make Music NYC, Winter Solstice, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids
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
Macy's Santaland NYC: When and How to See Santa at Herald Square in 2024
Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 49 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
Toys for Tots brings Christmas joy to children in need. Photo courtesy of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
Toys for Tots 2024 Drop-Off Spots in NYC and More Places to Donate Toys
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
Enjoy the Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland experience at the Apollo for free. Photo courtesy of the Apollo
36 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids
During Christmas in NYC, Midtown Manhattan is chock-full of glittery eye candy. Photo by Ally Noel
Christmas in New York: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows near NYC
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is an iconic NYC holiday destination. Photo courtesy of Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2024: A Local Parent's Inside Tips
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Calypso, Carols, and Cocoa: The Dumbo Holiday Lighting. Photo by Hassan Mokaddam
Best Christmas Tree Lightings in NYC with Fun Activities for Kids, Plus Menorah Lightings, Too
Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical takes the stage at the Queens Theater. Photo by Jeremy Daniel/TheaterWorks USA
22 Best Things To Do in NYC December 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!
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

45 Best Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids April 2024

Carnegie Hall presents the return of Camille’s Rainbow, an immersive, operatic, theatrical event for babies and toddlers. Photo by Richard Termine
Carnegie Hall presents the return of Camille’s Rainbow, an immersive, operatic, theatrical event for babies and toddlers. Photo by Richard Termine
4/4/24 - By Drew Kristofik

April in New York City showers us with tons of FREE things to do, including awesome solar eclipse viewing options at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Saratoga Library. Lincoln Center's Big Umbrella Festival offers a weekend full of fun, and Mommy Poppins is hosting a day of fun for babies to preschoolers during Babytopia! Read on for the details on these and more than 40 other fun, free things to do in April, too.

As always, if an event piques your interest, click through to our listing for all the details, including addresses, times, and recommended ages. And keep in mind: Really cool things to do with kids often book up quickly, so register in advance or arrive early.

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, April 1-Sunday, April 7, 2024

Drumming Circle with Brother Mustafa at the Brooklyn Children's Museum

Crown Heights Brooklyn
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Lay down the beat and learn about the West African origins of drums like the djembe at this interactive drumming circle workshop led by Brother Mustafa.   READ MORE

Camille's Rainbow

Midtown West
Through Saturday, April 6, 2024
Carnegie Hall presents the return of Camille’s Rainbow, an immersive, operatic and theatrical event, especially designed for babies and toddlers, that encourages creative play as children explore a world of colors. READ MORE

3rd Annual Spring Fest and Easter Egg Hunt in Archie Spigner Park

Jamaica, Queens
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Kids are invited to the park for an afternoon of egg hunting, games, bounce house fun, and entertainment. READ MORE

Manhattan Skyline: Transformation Over Time at the Skyscraper Museum

Battery Park
Saturday, April 6, 2024
After a read aloud of the 3D book, New York City, by Paula Hannigan, kids learn about the evolution of New York’s tallest towers and design their own skylines. READ MORE

Pipes and Drums on the Fountain Terrace in Bryant Park

Midtown West
Saturday, April 6, 2024
The American Scottish Foundation celebrates the 26th anniversary of National Tartan Day with a concert on the Fountain Terrace. Get a leg up on the marching at a pre-New York Tartan Day Parade serenade by some leading pipe bands! READ MORE

Sou Sou! Saturdays: Haitian Tradition of Krik-Krak Storytelling at CCCADI

East Harlem
Saturday, April 6, 2024
The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute’s family art-based education program celebrates the written and spoken word in the spirit of National Poetry Month with traditional Haitian call-and-response storytelling, Krik-Krak!    READ MORE

Hands-on History: Eye on the Sky at the King Manor Museum

Jamaica, Queens
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Stop by King Manor to make a solar eclipse viewer and learn about the history of solar eclipse tourism and viewing. READ MORE

New York Tartan Day Parade

Midtown West
Saturday, April 6, 2024
The NYC Scottish cultural event of the year features thousands of clans, pipers, dancers, and Scottish pups marching up Sixth Avenue. READ MORE

From the Ground Up: A Family Exploration Day at Dyckman Farmhouse Museum

Inwood
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Families can participate in interactive craft activities designed to spark curiosity and discovery. Stations throughout the property delve into the realms of archeology, history, foodways, and science in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. READ MORE

Architects of Air's Daedalum at Lincoln Center

Midtown West
Opens Saturday, April 6, 2024
Experience a gigantic, whimsical labyrinth at Damrosch Park. Daedalum is formed out of 19 egg-shaped domes, twisting and turning into the tunnels of a maze. Passing through the maze, visitors discover two original features—an incredibly intricate rainbow-colored tree and a cavernous dome. READ MORE

Spring Opening at the Audubon Center

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Saturday & Sunday, April 6 & 7, 2024
Kick off the spring season with fun nature activities at the Prospect Park Audubon Center. Families and children can learn about bird migration through interactive games, join Prospect Park Alliance’s teen naturalists for a story hour, and stay to see a screening of The Lorax. READ MORE

Monotype and Relief Printmaking at Lehman College Art Gallery

Kingsbridge Heights, the Bronx
Sunday, April 7, 2024
Join an inquiry-based inclusive family tour of the exhibition, Variations: Selections from the Benefit Print Project and Skywide, a rotunda Installation by Moses Ros at the Lehman College Art Gallery. Following the tour, create monotype and relief prints based on the work of Fred Eversley. READ MORE

Sakura Drumming at Marine Park

Marine Park, Brooklyn
Sunday, April 7, 2024
Local artist Yoko Miyamoto Sheridan leads a Japanese celebration under the old cherry trees in full bloom. Bring a drum if you have one and help create sounds of spring. No drumming experience necessary—all levels welcome! READ MORE

Discovery Hike: Urban Wildlife Mythbusters in Allison Pond Park

Randall Manor, Staten Island
Sunday, April 7, 2024
The Urban Park Rangers test kids' knowledge on common myths and misconceptions of New York City’s wildlife, while walking the woodland trails of the park. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, April 8-Sunday, April 14, 2024

Solar Eclipse Community Event at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Monday, April 8, 2024
Gather on the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s lawns to marvel at the sky as the moon passes between the Earth and sun and observe the effects of the eclipse on the garden's collections. Will blooms be fooled into closing? Will leaves turn in? Participate in a garden-wide experiment and share your discoveries. READ MORE

Solar Eclipse Garden Party at Saratoga Library

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
Monday, April 8, 2024
Snag a spot in the Saratoga Library branch's garden to celebrate the solar eclipse, and see the total eclipse live and in action. Grab a pair of eclipse glasses, enjoy snacks, and create some fun eclipse-themed crafts.   READ MORE

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Kings Bay Library

Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn
Monday, April 8, 2024
Not a fan of protective eyewear? Gather at the Kings Bay Library to watch NASA's live stream of the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, as it travels across the United States from the southwest to the northeast. READ MORE

Big Umbrella Festival at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Friday, April 12-Sunday, April 14, 2024
The popular Big Umbrella Festival blooms as a free campus takeover at Lincoln Center full of relaxed spaces with multi-sensory experiences, performances, installations, and workshops specifically welcoming neurodivergent audiences and their families. READ MORE

BABYTOPIA: A World of Fun from Bump to Preschool at Atlantic Terminal

Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge Parents host a day filled with excitement and learning for parents-to-be and little ones up to preschool age. Expect free kids activities for ages 0 - 4, play area, free maternity and family portraits, parent and me demo classes, balloon twisting, art activities, plus lots of sampling, freebies and giveaways from top local businesses and services for families.  READ MORE

Your Community Day at New York City Center - SOLD OUT

Midtown West
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Your Community Day at City Center presents a full slate of performances, workshops, and activities featuring Ballet Hispánico, Gaia Music Collective, Hurrikane, City Center Teaching Artists, and more. READ MORE

Poetry in the Park

Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Celebrate National Poetry Month with Poetry in the Park, a family-friendly event featuring workshops, history, performances, and, of course, poetry! Brooklyn Book Bodega hosts a book giveaway table from 12:30-2:30pm. READ MORE

Family Hour at the Swiss Institute

Lower East Side
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Swiss Institute partners with students from the New School's Mannes School of Music to activate the entire building with sound! Families are invited to explore Raven Chacon's show, A Worm's Eye View from a Bird's Beak, and engage with different groups and solo musicians live from the roof to the basement! Families can even create a collaborative graphic score in the library.  READ MORE

Earth Day 2024 in Union Square

Union Square
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Union Square's annual Earth Day New York event is a fantastic way to connect to environmental campaigns, green lifestyle products, and interesting people doing great green work!   READ MORE

Spring Festival in Bayswater Park

Rockaways, Queens
Sunday, April 14, 2024
NYC Parks and Councilmember Selvena Brooks Powers host a family day at Bayswater Park with inflatables, an obstacle course, games, giveaways by local organizations, a DJ, a petting zoo, and refreshments. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, April 15-Sunday, April 21

Family Fridays: Fractal Dragons at MoMath on 5th

Flatiron District
Friday, April 19, 2024
Fractal curves are beautifully complex structures created by repeatedly applying a simple rule. One of the most famous fractal curves is called the “Heighway dragon,” because its shape ends up looking a lot like a dragon! Math hobbyist, artist, and entrepreneur Robert Fathauer demonstrates how to make your own dragon curve simply by folding a strip of paper. Then, join in a collaborative construction by combining everyone’s curves into an even bigger dragon. READ MORE

Cinderella at the Brick Church

Upper East Side
Friday, April 19-Sunday, April 21, 2024
The prince is giving a ball! An enchanting tale of Cinderella unfolds in a unique community production brought to life by the Brick Presbyterian Church. Featuring professional actors, talented children, and dedicated members of the Brick Presbyterian Church, it's a true community production in the heart of New York City. READ MORE

Car-Free Earth Day

Citywide
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Open Streets: Car-Free Earth Day is an annual car-free event hosted by NYC DOT. Programming is presented at signature locations citywide to promote activism and education surrounding climate change, sustainability, and other relevant topics. READ MORE

Earth Day: Native Blooms at the National Museum of the American Indian

Battery Park
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Learn about flowering plants indigenous to the Americas, their different uses, and the significance behind them with Native artists Jennifer Younger (Tlingit) and Neebinnaukzhik “Neebin” Southall (Chippewas of Rama First Nation). READ MORE

STEAM Dream in Rockefeller Park

Battery Park
Saturday, April 20, 2024
In honor of Earth Month, kids are invited to pick up STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) at a special Earth Day-themed open-air fair featuring engaging activities and a live performance from the Stem Queen.   READ MORE

Earth Day on Governors Island

Governors Island
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Back for its third year, this free day-long cel­e­bra­tion of all things eco­log­i­cal fea­tures envi­ron­men­tal edu­ca­tion activ­i­ties for all ages, including cyan­otype print­ing activ­i­ties, seed ball work­shops, free bike lessons with Bike New York, and more. READ MORE

Farmhouse Family Day: Poet-Tree Day at Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum

Flatbush, Brooklyn
Saturday, April 20, 2024
In celebration of Earth Day and in conjunction with New York Restoration Project Tree Giveaway, Wyckoff's resident poet and beekeeper leads hands-on poetry and writing activities for all ages. READ MORE

Spring Family Day at Carnegie Hall

Midtown West
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Carnegie Hall celebrates families with FREE, interactive, and fun musical activities at its Spring Family Day. Enjoy a spring sing, watch mainstage performances, participate in a collective art project, and more. READ MORE

Spring Festival in Highbridge Park

Washington Heights
Saturday, April 20, 2024
NYC Parks and Council Member Carmen De La Rosa hosts a family celebration complete with an obstacle course, jumbo games, arts and crafts, music, and more!   READ MORE

Seaport Kids x Earth Day

South Street Seaport
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge Parents team up for an Earth Day celebration that includes sustainable castle construction, Lego building, plants, science, and the beauty of recycled materials. Plus, enjoy a magic show with an Earth Day twist. READ MORE

Downtown Brooklyn Car-Free Earth Day at Albee Square

Downtown Brooklyn
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Earth-friendly fun is guaranteed at Albee Square Plaza and Albee Square West, which is closed to traffic all day. Bring your bikes, roller skates, and beach chairs to enjoy a car-free street. READ MORE

Broadway Celebrates Earth Day Concert in Times Square

Midtown West
Saturday, April 20, 2024
A unique star-studded concert saluting environmental concerns features live performances from Broadway's top talent and young performers from around the region, as well as interviews with environmental thought-leaders. READ MORE

Indieplaza Fest

Midtown West
Saturday, April 20, 2024
A big celebration of independent music, merchandise, and workshops stretches across Rock Center's expansive outdoor plazas and includes a headline performance by Chicago trio Dehd in advance of its anticipated new album, Poetry. READ MORE

Access Family Workshop: Tour and Studio Art Session for Kids and Teens at the Jewish Museum

Upper East Side
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Visitors with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families are invited to the Jewish Museum for a multi-sensory experience exploring the museum's collection exhibition.   READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, April 22-Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Earth Day at the Queens County Farm Museum

Floral Park, Queens
Monday, April 22, 2024
Young environmentalists and their grown-ups are invited out to the Queens County Farm Museum to celebrate Earth Day. Volunteers assist with sifting compost, spring clean-up in the children’s garden, mulching, weeding, and more. READ MORE

Free Kids Week Programming in NYC Parks

Citywide
Monday, April 22-Friday, April 26, 2024
Spend spring break exploring NYC Parks with the help of the Urban Park Rangers FREE programming series. READ MORE

Skyscraper Monopoly at the Skyscraper Museum

Battery Park
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Play Skyscraper Monopoly and learn about the buildings in the museum's exhibition. Teams of young learners test their knowledge of some of NYC’s most famous skyscrapers and earn points toward building the tallest tower. READ MORE

Farmhouse Family Day: Spring Break Adventures at Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum

Flatbush, Brooklyn
Tuesday, April 23-Thursday, April 25, 2024
This spring break, families and kids are invited to visit the Wykoff Farmhouse for daily activities including planting and cooking on a campfire. READ MORE

Terrific Trees Hike at the Greenbelt Nature Center

Grant City, Staten Island
Friday, April 26, 2024
Take a hike in celebration of Arbor Day to learn about tulip, oak, persimmon, and other trees that thrive in the park. You can take photos along the way, and upload them for the City Nature Challenge.   READ MORE

12th Annual Black Comic Book Festival at the Schomburg Center

Harlem
Friday & Saturday, April 26 & 27, 2024
The Schomburg Center's annual Black Comic Book Festival celebrates the rich tradition of Black comix with a two-day event. This annual event features panel discussions, workshops, cosplay showcases, and highlights the work of creators from across the country. READ MORE

City Nature Challenge Family Day in Green-Wood Cemetery

Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Every year, for four days, people in cities across the world join together to find and identify as many species of wildlife as possible. To participate, all you need is a smartphone with a camera and an iNaturalist account. Expert naturalists lead walks to collect data on birds, insects, fungi, and plants at the cemetery. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute
Fort Greene Park Monument Steps
Bayswater Playground in Bayswater Park
National Museum of Mathematics Pop Up
Multiple locations around NYC
Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in New York
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture