I love NYC! I lived in Manhattan teaching gymnastics and waiting tables after college, and am super lucky to be able to visit my BFF in Manhattan often! Here are 29 of Andy and I’s favorite free things to do in the New York City. I just took my first trip to New York City with my 5 month old son, Maxwell, and discovered lots of fun things to do in downtown New York City with kids. The following are free, baby/ stroller friendly activities for baby and mama to do together in Tribeca and SoHo. Maxwell loves the noises and action of the Manhattan sidewalks, so even just walking the streets was fun for us.
1. Free Cupcake
Free (off the menu) cupcake of the day at Georgetown Cupcakes: You have to follow them on twitter, and they announce the cupcake flavor of the day. Just walk in and ask for the cupcake by name! (They only give out 100, so come early!) Another fun activity, go on a lower Manhattan cupcake hunt in search of the yummiest cupcake… this is not free or fat free, ha!
2. Farmers Market Samples
Samples at Farmer’s Market all over the city: Check this website for specific days and times of the market closet to you. But, we stopped by the Wednesday Tribeca market and sampled different varieties of peaches and apples, yum!
3. Watch dogs get baths
Watch the dogs in the window at Biscuits and Bath: This is 5 minute-ish activity that all kids love! It’s right down the street from Whole Foods, which is next on the list!
4. Breakfast
Grab breakfast at Whole Foods and eat it on a bench in a park like a real New Yorker. Breakfast is cheaper, 6.99 per lb and there is no one in the store! There are lots of yummy breakfast options. The morning we went, there was french toast, cinnamon rolls, oatmeal, and quinoa porridge!
5. Story time at a New York City public library
Here’s a list of the 40+ NYC public libraries in Manhattan! Most offer free story time for kiddos at least once a week!
6. Hudson River Park
Hudson river park has a large grassy area and sculptures: This is a great place for your breakfast or a picnic lunch! There are views of the statue of liberty and New Jersey skyline.
7. Pier 25
Lots of fun free stuff: Watch the skaters and the skate park, the views of New Jersey, or play on the awesome play area with 8 water features, a sand box, swing sets, and even a climbing wall! There’s also an 18 hole mini golf course that only costs $5 per kiddo!
8. Youth volleyball at Pier 25
On Friday nights, 6th through 12th graders can play volleyball fo’ free! There is a registration form you have to fill out.
Note: There is a snack bar on Pier 25 with lots of yummy options, and it only takes cash! Plan accordingly.
9. Pier 26
Pier 26 is a 2.5-acre ecologically-themed pier in Tribeca that incorporates native plants and includes a short habitat walk through five native ecological zones:
- woodland forest
- coastal grassland
- maritime scrub
- rocky tidal z
- Hudson River
10. Downtown Boathouse
Pier 26 is also home to the Downtown Boathouse with free kayaking in the summers!
Have you ever been to New York City with kids? Do you have any other things to add to the list? I’d love to hear…
Comments & Reviews
Great guide! It’s important to realize that although NYC is probably one of the most expensive cities in the world, there is plenty of amazing stuff to do for FREE
My daughter’s favorite was strolling through Central Park on Sunday and watching all the buskers (and a random bulldog riding a skateboard). We also enjoyed FAO Schwartz (on your recommendation – thank you!). One cute little spot we found by accident was the FDNY Fire Zone. It’s free and they have an indoor fire truck kids can climb on: http://www.yelp.com/biz/fdny-fire-zone-new-york-2 I had fun on the free Staten Island ferry (thanks to you, again!), so littles who like boats would likely enjoy that too.
So happy y’all found the list helpful! And how fun is the fire tuck zone! Maxwell will love that very soon! Thanks, Heidi!