Free Things to Do in New York City

Art and storytelling museum in a stunning David Adjaye-designed building. Free for kids 0-8. Third Sunday of every month is PLAYDATE -- free for all visitors.

Prospect Park's largest water play area, named Best of New York by New York Magazine. Free for kids 12 and under. Open seasonally Memorial Day through mid-September, weather depending.

Dynamic splash pad with canals and interactive spray features. Also home to Slide Mountain, Swing Valley, and Sandbox Village -- you can easily spend a full day between the four playgrounds. Free.

A 22-foot rainbow pipefish sculpture winds through this playground with two splash zones -- bigger sprays for older kids and a gentle toddler section. Spray showers activate when temps hit 80F, Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Free story times at 92 branches across Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island. Baby Lapsit (0-18mo), Toddler Time (18mo-3yr), and Preschool Story Time (3-5yr). Most are drop-in, no registration needed. Also STEM workshops and craft programs.

Free story times and kids programs at 60+ branches across Brooklyn. Baby and toddler story times, craft workshops, and homework help. The Central Library at Grand Army Plaza has a dedicated children's room.

Egyptian-themed playground in Central Park with pyramids to climb, an obelisk, a sundial, a sandbox, and water features in summer. Right next to the Metropolitan Museum of Art -- combine both for a full day out.

Legendary outdoor streetball courts in Greenwich Village, nicknamed "The Cage" for the 20-foot chain-link fence. Famous proving ground for NBA players including Stephon Marbury and Anthony Mason. Non-regulation size courts. First come, first served pickup games.

One of the most famous streetball courts in the world. The 3-acre park features Greg Marius Court, home to the legendary Entertainers Basketball Classic summer tournament. Free outdoor courts open to pickup games year-round.

NYC Parks recreation center with a 25-yard six-lane indoor pool, basketball court, fitness rooms, dance studios, and computer resource center. Annual membership with pool access is $150 for adults, $25 for seniors/veterans/disabled, free for youth under 24.

Massive free outdoor public pool in Williamsburg with a 37,571-square-foot swim area plus poolside lounging space. One of the largest public pools in NYC. No membership required. Open summers only, two sessions daily. Expect lines on hot days.

NYC Parks recreation center in Queens with indoor pool and indoor hockey rink. Full recreation programming including fitness and swim classes. Annual membership $150 adults, $25 seniors/veterans/disabled, free for youth under 24.

NYC Parks recreation center with indoor basketball gymnasium, outdoor pool, cardio room, and athletic fields. The pool has lap lanes, open swim areas, and a kiddie pool. Annual membership $150 adults (pool access), $100 without pool, free for youth under 24.

World-class 400m track and field facility. Public access by permit during track season (mid-March through summer). Free Community Track Nights every Thursday evening in summer -- walk, run, or jog on a professional track. Over 60 athletic fields nearby for soccer and other sports.

One of the most influential art museums in the world — Starry Night, Campbell's Soup Cans, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon are all here. Free for NYS residents on Friday evenings 5:30–8:30pm (UNIQLO Free Fridays — reserve online, proof of residency required). Children under 16 always free. Six floors of galleries.

Free outdoor Shakespeare at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, running late May through early September. The 2026 season features Romeo & Juliet and The Winter's Tale. Free tickets distributed at noon on performance days at the Delacorte (line forms at W 81st St entrance by 6am). Also available via TodayTix lottery.

Over 60 free concerts across NYC parks every summer, anchored by the Rumsey Playfield stage in Central Park. The 2026 season (celebrating 40 years) includes Mavis Staples, Spoon, De La Soul, and Angelique Kidjo. No tickets needed for free shows — just show up. A handful of benefit concerts are ticketed.

Free outdoor movies every Monday from mid-July through mid-September. The lawn opens at 5pm for picnicking; films start at sunset (~8pm). The 2026 lineup includes The Truman Show, No Country for Old Men, Catch Me If You Can, and Galaxy Quest. No tickets or reservations — just show up with a blanket.