Summer in New York City doesn’t have to drain your wallet. As a mom of two little ones who’s spent years exploring this city, I can tell you that some of our most memorable days have cost us absolutely nothing. If you’re looking for the best free things to do in NYC with kids, you’re in the right place. This list is tried, tested, and toddler-approved.
1. Splash Pads and Water Play at Prospect Park
Nothing beats the heat like a good splash pad, and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park has one of the best. The spray showers near the Bandshell area open every summer and kids go absolutely feral (in the best way). Pack a towel, sunscreen, and snacks and you’ve got yourself a full morning. My little ones could spend hours here. Bonus: the nearby Long Meadow is perfect for a picnic after.
What to bring: Swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, snacks
Best for: Ages 1–8
2. Free Concerts at SummerStage (Central Park & Beyond)
City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage program is one of NYC’s best-kept secrets for families. Free performances happen all summer long across multiple parks (music, dance, and cultural events that kids actually enjoy). The Central Park venue is iconic, but the outer borough stages (including Prospect Park and Crotona Park) are often less crowded and just as good.
Check the schedule at cityparksfoundation.org. I always block out a few Saturdays in advance because the lineup fills up fast.
Best for: All ages
Pro tip: Arrive 20–30 minutes early to snag a good spot on the lawn
3. Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Kids Under 12 Always Free + Free with Culture Pass)
Fifty-two acres of gardens, a Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, and a Children’s Garden that genuinely delights little ones and the best part? Kids under 12 get in free every single time. For adults, the Culture Pass through your NYC public library card gets you in free too, just reserve your pass in advance at culturepass.nyc. There’s also a limited block of Community Tickets set aside daily for those who need them, available at the admission booth. On a warm summer morning, this place is pure magic — bring a picnic blanket and make a full morning of it.
Free for: Kids under 12 always; adults free with Culture Pass (reserve at culturepass.nyc)
Best for: Ages 2+
Don’t miss: The Japanese Garden, Cherry Esplanade, and the Children’s Garden
4. The Staten Island Ferry
Free, iconic, and the best view of the Manhattan skyline you’ll ever get, for zero dollars. The Staten Island Ferry runs 24 hours a day and takes about 25 minutes each way. Kids love it (boats! water! wind!), and you get an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty without paying the ferry ticket prices. Ride over, grab some pizza on Staten Island if you’re feeling it, and ride back.
Trip length: ~25 minutes each way
Best for: All ages
Insider tip: The upper deck is the move for the best skyline views
5. Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Free with Culture Pass + Free Every Thursday)
One of the best-kept secrets for NYC families: the Brooklyn Children’s Museum offers completely free admission every Thursday from 2–5 PM, courtesy of Amazon Brooklynkids, no passes, no catch. But the real hack? Culture Pass is a free program for library cardholders at Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library that gets you free admission to dozens of NYC cultural institutions Culture Pass.
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is one of them. Just reserve your pass online at culturepass.nyc before your visit. BCM has three floors of interactive exhibits designed for ages 6 months to 10 years Brooklynkids, so it genuinely works for babies through big kids. If you don’t have a library card yet, go get one, it’s free and it unlocks so much in this city.
Free options: Thursdays 2–5 PM (no pass needed) or any day with Culture Pass (reserve at culturepass.nyc)
Best for: Ages 6 months – 10 years
6. The High Line
An elevated park built on a historic freight rail line, the High Line is one of NYC’s most visually interesting spots and it’s completely free. The landscaping changes with the seasons, there’s public art installations throughout, and kids love the elevated perspective of the city below. Start at the Gansevoort Street entrance and walk north. There are water fountains, seating areas, and tons of visual interest the whole way.
Length: 1.45 miles (easily walked in 45–60 minutes with kids)
Best for: Ages 2+ (stroller-friendly with elevator access)
Bonus: The Vessel at Hudson Yards is steps away at the end
7. Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk
The beach is free, always has been, always will be. Coney Island’s boardwalk is one of those quintessential New York summer experiences, and it costs nothing to walk it, dig in the sand, and let the kids run wild in the waves. Yes, the rides and Nathan’s add up if you let them. But honestly? A morning at the beach, a hot dog, and a walk on the boardwalk is one of the most fun free things to do in NYC with kids all summer long.
Best for: All ages
Getting there: B, D, F, or N train to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave
Parking: Limited and expensive (honestly, just take the subway).
Final Thoughts
NYC is endlessly generous with free experiences if you know where to look. You don’t need a big budget to make memories with your kids this summer. You just need an OMNY, a packed snack bag, and a willingness to be a little spontaneous. Save this list for your next “what are we doing today?” morning and make it the best summer yet.
What’s your family’s favorite free NYC spot? Drop it in the comments, I’m always looking for new discoveries.
*If you’re also interested in the best family road trips from NYC, check out my blogpost here.
