Free Kid and Family Activities in NYC: 10 Free Things to Do This Week
We always feature great family events on New York Family, and you can also find many more on our calendar of events. In addition, each week we also share ten things you can do for FREE for the week ahead throughout the five boroughs. Scroll down to plan your week!
Psst… Check Out Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in NYC 2025
Free Family Events for the Week of 9/24-9/30
SSE: Youth Soccer Stars This soccer program offers a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment where children of all skill levels can learn and enjoy the game of soccer. This non-competitive program emphasizes skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and physical activity. Wednesday, Sept. 24, 5:15 – 6:45 pm. Ages 6 – 14. Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, 3225 Reservoir Oval East, Bronx
Illumination NYC: Light Festival in Wagner Park New York’s premier light art festival, returns for three unforgettable nights of immersive installations, projection mapping, performances, food, drinks, and community celebration. Sept. 25 – 27, Thursday-Saturday, 6:30 – 11 pm. All ages. Wagner Park, 20 Battery Place, Manhattan
Prospect Park Stroller Walk Join a Prospect Park Alliance Naturalist at the Prospect Park Audubon Center for a leisurely stroll along Prospect Park’s waterways. Embrace the sound of streams and songs of birds while enjoying fragrant flowers and exploring the towering trees of Brooklyn’s Backyard with your little one. Thursdays, Sept. 25-Dec. 18, Thursdays, 10 am. Ages 3 and younger with a grownup. Prospect Park Audubon Center, 101 East Drive, Brooklyn
Movies in the Park E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial Bring a blanket and settle in for a special screening of the beloved classic, E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial. The evening begins with family fun activities and a performance by Screaming Broccoli. Please bring a non-perishable food item to help support local food pantries! Friday, Sept. 26, 6:15 pm; film begins at dusk. All ages. Conference House Park, 298 Satterlee St., Staten Island
YMCA MS217 Family Bingo Night Gather the family for a fun evening of Bingo and prizes! Friday, Sept. 26, 5 – 7:30 pm. All ages. J.H.S. 217 Robert A. Van Wyck, 85-05 144th St., Queens
Egyptian Festival 2025 Experience an unforgettable cultural experience filled with food, fun, and traditions straight from Egypt! Taste authentic Egyptian cuisine (famous shawarma, grilled meats & sweet desserts!), enjoy exciting games & rides for kids of all ages, shop vendors with unbeatable deals on gold, gifts, accessories, clothing & more, learn about community services, and more. Sept. 27 – Oct. 5, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am – 8 pm, through Oct. 5. All ages. Free admission. Archangel Michael & Saint Mena Coptic Orthodox Church, 4095 Amboy Road, Staten Island
Fall KidsFest Celebrate the new season with an afternoon of fun! Dance to a live DJ, pose for the AI Photo Booth, enjoy a performance by local Hip Hop dance troupe, and the National Youth Poet Laureate, Stephanie Pacheco, will read one of her winning poems. Plus, tables with games, giveaways, and craft activities for the kids. Saturday, Sept. 27, 1 – 3:30 pm. All ages. Bronx Terminal Market, 610 Exterior St., Bronx
Watercolor Magic Create a painting of the night sky while exploring watercolor’s magical properties. Families will experiment with fun and basic techniques – using salt, crayons, plastic wrap, and more to transform the appearance of watercolor paint. A playful workshop full of material magic! Sunday, Sept. 28, 1:30 – 3 pm. Ages 3–10 with an adult. Advanced registration required. Art on the Block NYC, 107 West 86th St., Manhattan
“Stand Clear of the Closing Doors, Please” This one-of-a-kind family-friendly storytelling performance follows a lost toy, Catbear, as they travel through the tunnels of New York City on six different subway lines, looking for their owner. Each train has its own story, and Catbear experiences all the sights and sounds of New York City before landing home again. This show will be bilingual – English and Spanish. Sunday, Sept. 28, 4 – 5 pm. All ages. Domino Park, 15 River St., Brooklyn
Pickleball Open Class Join this fun and exciting Pickleball Open Class where you can learn all about the fantastic sport of pickleball! Everyone is welcome to participate, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 3 – 5 pm. All ages. Gantry Plaza State Park – Handball Courts, 48th Ave. & 5th St., Queens
Psst…Check Out Target’s Car Seat Trade Event Is Back!
