With temperatures soaring into the 90s, New Yorkers can feel that summer is officially here. If you’re a parent looking for creative ways to entertain your children in the months ahead — there’s no need to break the bank!
New York City is a treasure trove of free activities for kids of all ages. From educational activities to outdoor movies and fitness opportunities, here are some of the city’s best free activity offerings for kids and families in NYC.
Free Book Giveaways and Community Fairs
Brooklyn Book Bodega is a community-based nonprofit that regularly hosts book giveaways — but this summer they are also partnering with other organizations to organize fun activities for kids throughout the city. Parents can sift through a list of their latest events online. Some require registration and some are available for drop-in with no registration.
Here is look at a few particularly interesting upcoming events that are being held in partnership with Community Resource Fair, Phones Down Picnic and the Kids’ Soccer Village and Watch Party:
Key to the City Community Resource Fair (Book Giveaway All Ages)
The Community Resource Fair in Sunset Park will feature free food, free books, hygiene items, clothing, and family essentials, along with live music and dance.
- When: Saturday June 13th, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Where: 44th St between 5th and 6th Ave in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Phones Down Picnic (Book Giveaway All Ages)
Presented by State Senator Andrew Gounardes’ office in partnership with the Red Hook Art Project and the YMCA, spend a phone-free afternoon with friends and neighbors in Coffey Park. There will be arts and crafts, lawn games, an obstacle course, and giveaways.
- When: Sunday June 14th, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Brooklyn Book Bodega Giveaway: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
- Where: Coffey Park Verona St between Richards St and Dwight St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Kids’ Soccer Village and Watch Party (Book Giveaway All Ages)
Brooklyn Commons Park will be transformed into a Downtown Brooklyn Soccer Village for the day! Presented by Brooklyn Bridge Parents, Brooklyn FC, Fresh Grocer, and Dave & Buster’s, there will be soccer-themed crafts, goal-shooting activities, foosball tables, and more — plus you can catch the England v. Croatia match, to boot!
- When: Wednesday June 17th, 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Brooklyn Commons Park, 100 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Movies Under the Stars
Through Movies Under the Stars, the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment is bringing dozens of popular films to parks and playgrounds across the five boroughs this summer. From smash hits like Despicable Me 4 and How to Train Your Dragon to Lilo & Stitch and Hamilton, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.
People can see all available movie options on the NYC Parks website, and filter the results according to date, time of day and borough.
Attendees are expected to sign up online to save their spot, with registration for each movie closing the day of that particular screening. There will be chairs reserved for seniors and people with disabilities.
Note: Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food. Glass bottles and alcoholic drinks are prohibited.
Kids in Motion Program
The Kids in Motion Program, hosted by NYC Parks at select city playgrounds this summer, will feature. Parks staff members leading four to seven hours of free activities like organized sports, games, fitness demos and board games.
Kids in Motion is a drop-in program with no registration required, children can simply show up at the playground during the listed hours to participate. However, parents or guardians are encouraged to accompany their children during the activities as it is not meant to be a formal childcare program. While there are no strict age requirements, it’s important to note that most of the activities are geared toward children 13 and under. Activities generally fall between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
See a list of dates and participating locations here.
Free Gym Membership
Planet Fitness is offering a summer pass for teenagers age 14 through 19. With the pass, teens can work out for free at many of Planet Fitness’ numerous locations throughout the U.S., from June 1 to August 31. Teens will have full access to strength and cardio equipment, access to the Planet Fitness app, and free in-club fitness training. Minors under 18 will need a parent or guardian’s signature to register.
Register for the Summer Pass online or in person and find the nearest participating location with their gym locator.
Toddler Wednesdays
This summer, Henry St. settlement, a nonprofit serving Lower East Side residents and other New Yorkers, will be offering an event called “Toddler Wednesdays” through their Parent Center branch. Every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., parents and their children ages 18 months to three years old are invited to enjoy structured play, learning through music and movement, stories, arts and crafts and more.
People can register by emailing parentcenter@henrystreet.org or by calling 212-471-2400 ext. 1831.
Note: The Parent Center is also hosting free online workshops on parenting topics throughout the month of June, with licensed social work and mental health staff providing insights on navigating the tween years, helping children manage stress from school, building self-esteem and talking to kids about gender and sexuality.
Also Read: Learning and Earning: A Guide to Summer Jobs and Activities for NYC Teens
