Celebrate Hanukkah at the Jewish Museum's Family Day program Saturday. Photo by Matthew Carasella courtesy of the Jewish Museum
Hanukkah, Unsilent Night, Nutcrackers, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
Until January 4th, The Paley Museum has been transformed into a five-story winter wonderland.
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Celebrate the shortest day of the year at Marine Park's Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the Marine Park Alliance
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Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2025. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo
Top Tips for Visiting Macy's Santaland in 2025
Sit on Santa's lap at Historic Richmond Town, which transforms into an old-time Dickens Village for the holidays. Photo courtesy of Historic Richmond Town
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Hundreds of tuba players converge on Rockefeller Center each December for a merry afternoon of carol playing. Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer
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The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows from NYC in 2025
The Met Opera returns to the stage with The Magic Flute this holiday season. Photo by Richard Termine/courtesy of the Met Opera
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Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Dyker Heights as the neighborhood lights up for the festive season. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Lights
Best 2025 Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in NYC
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
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Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
NYC's Coolest Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
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See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
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Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
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The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
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Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
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Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
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Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
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For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
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The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
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The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
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Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
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Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
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The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
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No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Free Things to Do with Boston Kids in August

Bubbles are on tap at the 2019 Children's Summer Festival. Photo courtesy of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department
Bubbles are on tap at the 2019 Children's Summer Festival. Photo courtesy of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department
7/28/19 - By Lucie T

Forget spendy vacations: From feasts to festivals to outdoor concerts, there's plenty for kids to do right here in Boston in August, and—bonus!—so much of it is free! We have rounded up 14 of our favorite free activities that families are sure to enjoy while savoring the last bit of summer. And check our events calendar often; we add new activities everyday to keep kids busy and entertained.

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Free Fun in Boston

Titus Sparrow Park Summer Concert Series: Children's Concerts

Dorchester
Titus Sparrow Park's Summer Concert Series is a true sign that summer is here. Bring your blankets, family, and friends and join in for many fun Tuesday morning concerts together.  READ MORE

Fisherman's Feast

Boston
This annual event began in Boston in 1910 and is based on a tradition that goes back to the 16th century in Sciacca, Sicily. READ MORE

Boston GreenFest

Boston
This three-day multicultural environmental music festival is the largest of its kind in the Northeast. 2022's theme is Environmental Equality NOW, highlighting the need for clean air, water, and resources for everyone. The festival features performance, fashion, and a summit for young leaders passionate about the environment. READ MORE

August Moon Festival

Quincy
The annual festival features lion dancing, live music, giant backyard games, a kids' zone, and other Asian cultural performances. READ MORE

Join the Gun Crew

Charlestown
Experience USS Constitution as a recruit on her historic gun crew. In this family-friendly program, participants can learn about the tasks and skills required to make USS Constitution a successful warship. READ MORE

Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park

Dorchester
The Franklin Park Coalition is proud to carry on the legacy of the legendary Miss Elma Lewis by organizing the Elma Lewis Playhouse in The Park concert series. READ MORE

African Drumming & Dancing

Cambridge
Join in the fun and learn African drumming, dancing and singing with the percussionist and teacher Jafar Manselle.   READ MORE

Storytime at The Mary Baker Eddy Library

Boston
At this storytime, young visitors not only listen to stories but engage in playful activities surrounding the theme of the book. READ MORE

Boston Carnival Parade

Roxbury
Listen, vibe, grove, dance to soca artists, and experience the Caribbean heritage through local food, arts and craft vendors from all over New England. READ MORE

Boston Jazz Fest

Boston
Now in its thirteenth year, this free festival features the most musically diverse array of jazz artists performing at Boston’s Waterfront. READ MORE

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