60+ Free Things to Do With Kids in NYC All September Long
We searched every borough to bring you the complete list of family-friendly events and exhibits happening this month, and they all have one key thing in common: they’re all free!
September might mean it’s back to school for the kiddos, but that doesn’t mean the adventures have to stop. In this list, you’ll find dozens of free and low-cost events in September 2022 for families and kids throughout the five boroughs of NYC.
Go on nature exploration walks, watch movies in the city, stay fit with yoga, roller skating, break dancing, and other fun fitness activities, discover new favs at storytimes, visit a museum for free and so much more. You can also be the first to marvel at some new art installations coming to the city, or get in some final views before artworks leave forever. Plus, discover all the museums in New York City that offer free admission to visitors, whether it’s all the time or on special days.
Check out events for children of any age and explore NYC’s free family fun offerings this September.
Free, Kid-Friendly Events around NYC in September
Bronx
DreamYard Movie Night
Sep. 1: Join the DreamYard Art Center for one final movie night before school starts. In this annual event, you’ll have a chance to snag a free backpack (while supplies last), win prizes, eat BBQ, register for free afterschool, participate in raffles and more — while enjoying a fun family-friendly movie. Event details.
WBO Back to School Event
Sep. 10: Bring your kids to this fun back-to-school event at the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, which will feature activities that get kids moving, reading, making art and more. Free backpacks and school supplies will be distributed to attending families while supplies last. Event details.
Bronx Night Market
Sep. 24: Every last Saturday of the month, the Bronx Night Market celebrates delicious local dishes with food and drink for purchase, arts and crafts vendors, performances and art installations. Stop by the kid zone, check out the Wall-O Fame and learn more about the food we consume with educational booths. Event details.
Community Baby Shower
Sep. 24: Throggs Neck Community Church welcomes expecting and new mothers with kids under 1 year old who live in the Throggs Neck neighborhood. This communal baby shower is a chance to meet other mothers and parents in the area, and receive essential baby supplies to help you on your journey through new motherhood. If you don’t fit this description but would like to participate, consider donating to the event through the church’s website. Event details.
Brooklyn
Rocking Chair Drum and Sing Along
Sep. 6: Sing, dance and drum along with Greg Stare at tot supply store, The Wild. This popular event features well-known classics as well as fun new music and improvised twists on popular tunes. This musical event is curated specifically for babies and small children, up to 2.5-year-olds. Event details.
Films on the Green: “Eleanor’s Secret”
Sep. 9: Summer might be over, but there are still a few films left to enjoy outdoors. Visit Monsignor McGolrick Park at 7:30 to catch a showing of the French animated film, “Eleanor’s Secret,” a whimsical story about book characters in a magical library coming to life (recommended for ages 4 and up). Event details.
Fall Meadow Ecology Tour
Sep. 11: Visit the natural meadow at the Naval Cemetery Landscape at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Learn about native wildlife and plants and find out what’s being done to preserve them. Event details.
Newborn Care Class
Sep. 13 and 15: Calling all new parents! This informative class will help prepare you for your newborn. Learn about bonding with your little one and what to expect as you adjust to life with a baby. This event has two parts, with the second part taking place on the 15th. Participants will receive a free gift for completing the class. Event details.
Back to School Party
Sep. 17: A section of Montague Street will be closed off to traffic from 1 to 5 p.m. for this activity-packed back-to-school block party. Join the fun with standard party favorites like arts and crafts, balloons and more. Or stick around for the more unique activities, from science shows and chess to dungeon building and Ninja Warrior training. The Puppet Mobile will also be on-site for 30-minute shows. Event details.
Farmhouse Family Day: Natural Dyes
Sep. 17: Dye some fabric with natural dyes made from the plants in the Wyckoff Museum garden. Collect your own plants and dying materials, then use them to make a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home. The house’s grounds are open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the dying activity starts at 1. Event details.
Weekday Nature Exploration
Every Thu. and Fri. throughout Sept.: Explore Prospect Park’s wildlife at the Audubon Center, where kids can learn about the Center’s animals, take a guided birdwatching tour, or borrow a discovery pack — a backpack full of useful tools and activities — and explore on your own. Event details.
Manhattan
Toddler Program in the Sprinklers
Sep. 1: Bring your tots to the park before it’s open to the public for a private frolic among the sprinklers at the Jackie Robinson Recreation Center. Kids will be free to play as they wish in the water or follow guided activities. Event details.
Free Soccer Class with Stellar Soccer
Sep. 1-2: Stellar Soccer is hosting a free trial week in Central Park (on the Upper East Side) and Morningside Park. Classes will be grouped by age and each 45-minute class will be guided by one of Stellar Soccer’s coaches. New families are invited to try the fun, no-commitment exploration of the sport and some giveaways for the kids. Event details.
Family Storytime at the Library
Every Wed. in Sep.: Visit the 53rd Street Library for half an hour before it opens to the public for storytime at the children’s room. Read along with some favorite children’s books and sing songs along with the librarians. This event can only accommodate 15 families, and is first-come, first-serve. Event details.
Family New Year’s Countdown Celebration for Rosh Hashanah
Sep. 9: Count down to the Jewish new year with Congregation Rodeph Sholom as you play, sing, and learn about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Kids will have a chance to take part in themed activities at various stations, and even blow the shofar horn. This event is free, but advance registration is required. Event details.
Trailwork Park and Bike Share
Sep 10: Volunteer at NYC’s first ever mountain biking course and get rewarded with a ride! Visit the course at Highbridge Park from 10 a.m. until noon to help maintain the track — there are tasks for any age volunteer. Then, anyone who’s helped out gets to take a free clinic and gets to bike on the course until 3 p.m., bikes and helmets included. Event details.
NYC Bi+ Family Picnic
Sep. 10: This LGBTQ+ friendly family picnic is a chance for families of all types and shapes to spend some time with a welcoming community. Bring a picnic blanket, food and drinks (no alcohol) and games, and enjoy a relaxing lunch in Central Park. Feel free to bring food to share with everyone! Event details.
Turn a New York City Skyscraper Green
Sep. 10: Skyscrapers don’t have to be gray and inorganic. At this event at The Skyscraper Museum, envision a NYC with green skyscrapers. Kids ages 4 and up will have a chance to see how other cities have large buildings that are low-energy and contain green spaces. Then, they’ll design their own New York City version of these, incorporating green ideas. Event details.
Concrete Safari Volunteer Sessions
Sep. 10 and 17: Help weed, shovel topsoil, plant seeds and more gardening tasks at these two volunteer events. Families can all take part in this gardening volunteer work, which will take place at 10 a.m. Jefferson Gardens on September 10, and the Mad Fun Farm on September 17. More details.
Family Yoga
Sep. 14, 21 and 28: Karma Kids Yoga and Sputnik Yoga will be leading family yoga sessions at the Oculus Plaza on Wednesdays in September. Get ready to stretch, twist, dance, sing and relax! Yoga mats won’t be provided, so make sure to bring some for the family. Event details.
Trinity Church Concerts
Sep. 15-17: Trinity Church will be hosting three performances of Craig Hella Johnson’s work, “Considering Matthew Shepard.” The program will be accompanied by several LGBTQ+ advocacy programs. You can come see the event in person or tune in for live and on-demand online. Event details.
Intrepid Early Morning and Later Afternoon Openings
Sep. 16 and 24: The Intrepid Museum will stay open late on September 16 and open early on September 24 for teens and children with autism (respectively). These sensory-friendly events will feature short instructor-led demonstrations, interactive tours for learners of all kinds, and chances for structured play. Event details.
The Battery Conservancy Urban Farm Events
Sep. 17: Ready your green thumb and head out to The Battery Urban Farm for a morning of volunteering. There are tasks for gardeners of all ages, like weeding, spreading mulch, harvesting, and more. Gloves will be provided but make sure you bring water to stay hydrated! Event details.
Free Entry to the Museum of Chinese in America
Ends Sep. 18: Thanks to a donation from Mackenzie Scott, the Museum of Chinese in America will be providing free entry to everyone until the end of its Responses exhibit, on September 18. Stop by to view historical documents and artifacts that chronicle the Chinese American diaspora, as well as temporary exhibits that explore the historical and current relationship between America and the Chinese Americans who live here. Event details.
Sep. 18: Make colorful pockets from felt, fabric and other found objects to put all your wishes into for the Jewish New Year in this free family workshop at The Jewish Museum. Draw inspiration by the patterns, recycling of objects, and focus on charity of artist Harriete Estel Berman. Event details.
Migration Celebration
Sep. 18: Say hello — and then goodbye — to all the wildlife that passes through New York City while migrating. This event in Battery Park City will start with an arts and activity session, then head out for a birdwatching and nature walk led by Master Beekeeper of The Bee Conservancy, Guillermo Fernandez. Learn about migrating animals and insects and get up close and personal with local NYC bees. Event details.
Free Outdoor Movies at the Oculus Plaza
Sep. 22 and 24: Bring the popcorn and watch the final two outdoor movies at Oculus Plaza, “Monster-in-Law” (rated PG-13) and “Minions.” Note that large strollers, backpacks and animals (except service animals) aren’t allowed at this event. Reservations aren’t required but they’re recommended. Event details.
The Architecture of Trees
Sep. 24: How does the architecture of NYC compare to the building prowess of trees? This guided walk through Battery Park City, hosted by The Skyscraper Museum, examines the natural architecture of trees and how buildings use many of the same concepts for sturdy structures. Registration is required to participate. Event details.
Kids Concert with Mike Messer
Every Tue. throughout Sep.: Little dancers can jam along with Mike Messer in this series of concerts at Bella Abzug Park. Want more tot-friendly fun? Stop by the park on Thursdays at 10:30 for a bubble show! Event details.
Break Dancing Trial Class
Every Thu. and Sat. in Sep.: Get your groove on on Thursday afternoons and Saturday evenings at the Kids Breaking League. Kids can take this free trial class to see if break dancing is right for them, and parents can take advantage of a special offer for new students to book a few more classes. Event details.
Kids Fitness Classes with Zing
Every Sat. in Sep: Put some zing in your step with Zing!, a fitness children’s class that fuses fun, up-beat music, exercises, breaking techniques and positive affirmations. Kids ages 3-8 can participate in the class, though smaller kids can join in with caregiver help. Event details.
Summer on the Hudson
Throughout Sep.: Summer is still going strong in Riverside Park from 59th Street to 153rd Street. Plenty of free activities are planned for September through Summer on the Hudson, including BINGO nights, dance and fitness classes, birdwatching, game nights, and more. Event details.
Washington Square Park Events
Throughout Sep.: Washington Square Park has a jam-packed September planned, full of activities for kids, adults and families to partake in together. This month’s activities include storytime, yoga for kids, fun with yo-yos, a lending library of games and park activities, double dutch, salsa dancing, movement and music, arts and crafts, and so much more. Event details.
Queens
Hands on History: Celebrating Furry Friends
Sep. 3: This month’s Hands on History at the King Manor Museum celebrates your family pet (or a dream pet!). In honor of August being National Dog Month and September’s National Happy, Healthy Cat Month, families will make their own paper craft pets to take home. Plus, learn about Rufus King’s pets and how important pets were in the 19th century. Event details.
Last Chance to See: Search for Life Beyond Earth at the NYSCI
Until Sep. 4: This September the long-time New York Hall of Science exhibit “Search for Life Beyond Earth” will be leaving the museum forever. See it one last time before it departs by visiting the museum before September 4. The Hall of Science will then close its doors between September 5 and 30 for renovations and the construction of three brand new exhibits. Event details.
Free Roller Skating in the Park
Every Sat. in Sep: Skate toward adventure with the weekly Skates in the Park event. Beginners and beyond are all welcome, though you’ll need to bring your own skates and protective gear. Event details.
Free Surfing Lessons for Kids
Evey Sun. in Sep.: Surf’s up! Hit the waves in Rockaway Beach with free surfing lessons for kids and teens between 4 and 16. Whether your child is like a fish in water or is scared of the waves, instructors will adapt the lesson to their comfort level and teach how to have fun and be safe. Kids will then learn how to paddle on the board and how to stand up on it, before heading out into the water to try it. Event details.
Staten Island
Clay Pit Ponds Tot Children’s Events
Every Tue. Throughout Sep.: Stop by Clay Pits Ponds for storytime (best for kids 4 and under), followed by a hike. Each week will feature a different nature theme to explore. Event details.
Various and Other Locations
NYC Unicycle Fest
Sep. 1-4: Get ready for four days of one-wheeling fun at this year’s Unicycle Feast. Watch as everyone from enthusiasts to pros show off their unicycling skills in long distance ride showoffs, sports with a one-wheel twist or a casual roll through the park. If you and the kids happen to be unicycle experts, you can register to join the event, or stop by at the Seven Gables Playground and Cunningham Park on September 3 from noon to 5 p.m. for a chance to try riding yourselves. Event details.
Children’s Read Aloud at Randall’s Island
Sep. 3: Boogie Down Storytime is a once-a-month event that pairs reading with movement. Visit Randall’s Island’s Urban Farm for a children’s book reading and discussion that’s paired with mindful breathing, yoga and movement inspired by the book. Event details.
Virtual Mid-Autumn Family Festival
Sep. 6-10: Log on and join the celebration with the Museum of Chinese in America’s virtual mid-autumn festival. Families are welcome to join the virtual fest for five days of fun and culture. Learn about the importance of this harvest festival and discover moon cakes, magical tales and the cultural significance of moon bunnies. Event details.
Poetry Festival at Governors Island
Sep. 10: Get your rhyming on or go free verse at the annual poetry festival on Governors Island. Get a chance to hear poets share their work, or chat with them about the art form. Poetry comes to life here, making it a great place to spark a love for poems and maybe have the kids try writing their own poems. Event details.
Virtual Poster Kids: The Maharaja
Sep. 10: What makes mascots memorable? This virtual session of Poster Kids from NYC’s Poster House will introduce participants to Air-India’s charismatic Maharaja character. Kids will explore what makes this mascot successful, then create their own mascot based on what they learned. You will need colored pencils, markers, pencil, and paper for this activity. Event details.
Children’s Book Festival at Randall’s Island
Sep. 17: Randall’s Island is hosting the first ever Children’s Book Festival. Visit the venue from noon to 3 p.m. to find readings and signings of books for kids and teens, donut decorating, bilingual read-alouds, games and races, and, of course, a pop-up bookstore where you can snag a copy of the event’s featured books. Event details.
FAD Market at Governor’s Island
Sep. 17-18: The monthly FAD Market is back on Governors Island, bringing with it more local artists, small business owners, designers and more. Browse through homemade jewelry, one-of-a-kind artworks, artisanal packaged food and more. While you’re there, don’t forget to enjoy the island’s offerings, from the weekend farm to the three-story slides! Event details.
Kids in Motion in NYC Parks
Throughout Sep.: NYC park staff lead outdoor fun movement activities in various parks around the five boroughs. Join in for organized sports, fitness activities, games and more to help kids stay active as they enter the school year. Event details.
Free Art Exhibits Happening around NYC
Opening:
Six Foot Platform in DUMBO
Sep. 3 and 10: Brooklyn artists perform, dance and slice fruit at this dynamic art installation in DUMBO. Each artist takes to a 6′ by 6′ platform on Washington Street, where they show off their unique brand of art. September 3rd features Sarah K. Williams’ “The Pitting,” where the artist will cut up various constructed fruit made from edible materials, while September 10 showcases the drumming, singing, breathwork, and more of Oludare Bernard in his performance installation, “Black Gods, their Children and Fabulousness.” Event details.
Bharti Kher: Ancestor
Opens Sep. 8: Bhatri Kher’s giant 18-foot bronze statue is an homage to the universal mother figure, as well as a connection between the artist’s two homes, New Delhi and New York City. The statue will stand at the Doris C. Freedman Plaza in Brooklyn. Event details.
The Last Stand by Kamala Sankaram
Sep. 18-Oct. 10: This musical and operatic installation tells the story of a 300-year-old oak tree through its lifespan. Inspired by research about tree communication, this audio artwork will play among the trees of Prospect Park in Brooklyn, and features music, singing, birdsong, water sounds, animal and human sounds, and many other organic elements. Event details.
Closing:
Steven Evans, Songs for a Memorial
Ends Sep. 6: Best seen at night, this neon text installation at St. Vincent’s Triangle in Manhattan is an ode to language and music. It’s a remembrance of the individuals affected by the AIDS epidemic, through song titles from that time. Event details.
Chelsea Youth Advocacy and Beautification Project
Ends Sep. 11: This triptych was created by children through workshops led by Kathleena Howie at the High Line and Hudson Guild, and drawn by Emlyn Taveras. The posters stand for wellness inclusion, and community connection, and include quotes from Erykah Badu’s song “Tyrone.” Event details.
Felix Marzell, Big Apple
Ends Sep. 12: This big apple in The Big Apple was inspired by the constraints of social distancing. The apple allows for 360 degree views and is thoroughly ventilated thanks to cutouts on the side, and fits only one family or couple at a time. Event details.
Benchmarks
Ends Sep. 15: This collaborative art project encouraged young people to tackle difficult social topics like racism, gender equality, drug abuse, and more through art. The result is beautiful and meaningful art on benches, which can be seen until mid-September in Rev. T. Wendell Foster Park, Prospect Park Parade Ground, Thomas Jefferson Park and Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Event details.
Photoville
Ends Sep. 20: Now in its 11th year, Photoville is a festival that brings photography from NYC and around the world to the city. The result is a varied and beautiful look at the world around us, popping with color and shapes. Photos are on display in a number of locations around the city, including Van Cortlandt Park, Alice Austen House, Prospect Park, and more. Event details.
CRASH x Warner Bros, Space Jam: A New Legacy
Ends Sep. 21: In collaboration with Warner Bros, this bright and colorful mural on a basketball court in Harlem is a tribute to beloved Looney Tunes characters. Event details.
The Super Power of Me
Ends Sep. 30: This community arts initiative includes a photography exhibit displayed around the city, and poetry workshops. Find children’s poetry paired with their portraits in this celebration of children of color and immigrants. Event details.
Hive Public Space and The Urban Conga, The Ribbon
Ends Sep. 30: This is your last chance to share a “love note” with a stranger with the playful interactive art installation, The Ribbon. Visit Long Island City to see these hot pink series of kinetic artworks. Event details.
Art at Amtrak
Ends mid-Sep.: This series of temporary artworks brings a pop of color and personality to the halls of Penn Station. Currently on display through mid-September are artworks by Dahlia Elsayed and Saya Woolfalk. Event details.
Tom Fruin, From Sea to Shining Sea
Ends Sep.: The beautiful mosaic plexiglass mini-houses are departing from the Brooklyn Seaport sometime in September. Event details.
Free Museums and Park Events in NYC
Bronx
The Bronx Museum of the Arts
Located a stone’s throw away from Yankee Stadium, this museum displays modern art with a focus on urban experiences and culture. Explore what it means to be a part of the NYC community, and specifically the demographic in the museum’s neighborhood.
The museum is always free, and has a permanent collection as well as rotating special exhibits.
1040 Grand Concourse
Concourse Village
Online: bronxmuseum.org
Wave Hill
This gorgeous garden has 28 acres of carefully cultivated plants, flowers and woodland. Take a stroll through the indoor Alpine House, stop for a photo-op of the Hudson River and the Palisades at the Pergola, or sit and relax by the Aquatic and Monocot Gardens. The space frequently hosts family-friendly programs so be sure to check their calendar before you head out.
Wave Hill offers free admission on Thursdays.
4900 Independence Ave.
Riverdale
Online: wavehill.org
New York Botanical Garden
With over 250 acres to see, the New York Botanical Garden can definitely be a whole-day affair. The Garden is open rain or shine, and has a mix of indoor and outdoor gardens to explore. See seasonal flowers and native plants, a peaceful rock garden, an entire forest, and much more. The Garden also conducts research, hosts family and child-oriented events, and has online seminars — including one where experts will answer your questions about why your potted plant is looking a little droopy.
Free admission is available for NYC residents on Wednesdays.
2900 Southern Blvd.
Bronx
Online: nybg.org
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is like an educational playground for kids. Find exhibits created specifically for little ones to view and learn with, as well as many hands-on activities that teach through fun and play. Don’t miss the NEST, an organic playground located on the museum’s roof, the water-based play space, or the newly opened Jurassic Mini-golf.
The museum’s Amazon Free Hours grant free admission to all visitors on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m.
145 Brooklyn Ave.
Crown Heights
Online: brooklynkids.org
Manhattan
American Folk Art Museum
The American Folk Art Museum explores the joys of self-taught artists from the 1800s all the way through today. These artworks symbolize authentic American culture and experience through time and provide a snapshot of life in different time periods. Along with beautiful photographs and arts on canvas and board, the museum has some unique collections like weather-vanes. The museum has a number of coloring and activity pages that kids can enjoy from home, as well.
The American Folk Art Museum is always free.
2 Lincoln Square
Upper West Side
Online: folkartmuseum.org
National Museum of the American Indian
Part of the Smithsonian Institution family, this museum honors American Indians. It displays modern and classic art by people of American Indian heritage, and teaches visitors about their cultures and traditions. It also frequently has performances, educational programs, and more.
This museum is free year-round.
1 Bowling Green
Financial District
Online: americanindian.si.edu
The Skyscraper Museum
Look to the skies at the Skyscraper Museum where NYC’s iconic skyline is explored and celebrated. The museum’s exhibits look at the architecture of the city’s buildings, the literal rise of skyscrapers in NYC, and all other things related to the city’s buildings and their history. The museum also often hosts free family events both at the museum and in different locations around the city.
Admission to The Skyscraper Museum is free through December.
39 Battery Pl.
Financial District
Online: skyscraper.org
The Jewish Museum
View a celebration of Jewish culture, heritage and artwork at this museum. Exhibits highlight art and photography by Jewish artists, from modern artists working today to key historical figures who helped shape the way art and Jewish culture intersect. The museum also hosts free special events, from museum tours for people with memory loss, to art-making workshops for children and families.
The Jewish Museum is free on Saturdays.
1109 5th Ave at 92nd St.
Carnegie Hill
Online: thejewishmuseum.org
The Morgan Library and Museum
The Morgan Library, which was started by Pierpont Morgan and is now continuously growing, hosts a collection of rare and unique books. While the books in the library itself aren’t available for visitors to browse, you can marvel at the beauty of the library and visit the exhibits, which often show old books, newspaper clippings, and other historic artifacts.
Entry into the Library is free on Tuesdays and Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m., no reservation required. Free Friday programs take place every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. and these do need a ticket, which are released for reservation a week in advance.
225 Madison Ave.
Midtown
Online: themorgan.org
Museum of Jewish Heritage
This museum examines the history of Jewish people, the hardships they’ve overcome, and the hope for a brighter present and future. The museum has exhibits that discuss the history of the Holocaust through artifacts and accounts of the time, as well as artwork and sculptures by Holocaust survivors.
You can visit this museum for free on Thursdays between 4 and 8 p.m. A ticket is required, which you can get by choosing the Thursday 4 p.m. slot on the museum website.
Edmond J. Safra Plaza
36 Battery Place
Financial District
Online: mjhnyc.org
Museum of Modern Art
The MoMA is an iconic institute, displaying modern artworks, sculptures, and media / performance pieces created from the 1880s and beyond. The art here will make you feel and think — and, although most exhibits aren’t interactive, the many bright and striking colors and interesting shapes make a great entry point for kids to talk about and explore art.
Thanks to a sponsorship by UNIQLO, the MoMA grants NYC residents free admission on the first Friday of every month, from 4 to 8 p.m.
11 West 53 St.
Midtown
Admission to the MoMA PS1 is always free to New Yorkers, thanks to The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation.
22-25 Jackson Ave.
Long Island City
Online: moma.org
9/11 Memorial Museum
This museum is a tribute to the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 (as well as the February 26, 1993) attacks on the World Trade Center. Visit to learn about the horrific event through media, personal narratives, and a collection of artifacts telling the many stories of that day.
Free admission is offered on Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m.
180 Greenwich St.
Financial District
Online: 911memorial.org
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
This museum encourages exploration and learning through hands-on exhibits. These often mix fun movement and bright colors with conversations about serious topics like women’s voting rights. Kids can also go on quests featuring their favorite characters like Dora, use their imagination by pretending to be superheroes, discover new cultures through interactive experiences, and much more. Exhibits change often, so stop by at various times of year to see what’s new.
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is free to enter on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m.
212 West 83rd St.
Upper West Side
Online: cmom.org
Queens
Queens County Farm Museum
Get away from the city for a farm visit! Meet and greet farm animals (and even get to pet some at the petting zoo), engage with the sensory wonders of the children’s garden, embark on a cute scavenger hunt for the smallest tots, and more. For a small fee, visitors can go on a hayride, and parents can browse the Farm Store for farm-fresh produce, eggs, teas, wool, and other goods created and harvested right on the farm.
The Farm Museum is free to enter every day, except on special ticketed days.
73-50 Little Neck Parkway
Bellrose Manor
Online: queensfarm.org
Socrates Sculpture Park
Founded in 1986, this park is a place where visitors can have a picnic among incredible sculptures. The artwork on display is always changing, so this is a place you’ll find yourself coming back to. Currently on viewing are sculptures like “Steel Bodies” by Maren Hassinger and “Broadway Billboard” by the park’s teen group, Socrateens.
The Socrates Sculpture Park is a public park and admission is free.
32-01 Vernon Blvd.
Long Island City
Online: socratessculpturepark.org
Staten Island
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
Snug Harbor is a must-see if you’ve never been. It’s a beautiful, sprawling grounds have a collection of gardens and plants, while special locations like the Chinese Scholar’s Garden and the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art have their own atmosphere (as well as hours and admission prices).
The Scholar’s Garden is free for Staten Island residents, and the main outdoor grounds and gardens are always free to the public from dawn to dusk.
1000 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island
Online: snug-harbor.org
