Even though the holidays are coming, there are still a ton of free things to do in San Diego with kids this month

The holidays are coming and while that means more money for special occasions, gifts and hot chocolate, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun in San Diego for free. Fleet Week is here and along with it, a bevy of fun, free events the whole family will love. Don’t miss out some (free) special story times at Lido Village Books and Athenaeum Music and Arts Library and one of our favorite times of the year? A chance to explore our local National Parks for free

Free Things to Do in San Diego That Are Always Free

Become a Skater Babe: Follow in San Diegan Tony Hawk's footsteps and take your board to roll with it, flip, jump and carve at one of San Diego's many thrilling skateparks.

Explore the Tide Pools: The best time to go tide pooling in San Diego begins in Nov. and last through the winter when low tides take place during the day!

Catch a Sunset: Bookmark our list of our favorite spots to behold the most scenic views in the city.

Go on a City-Wide Scavenger Hunt: Print our San Diego-inspired scavenger hunt—it will take you all over the city!

Join a Park Ranger Program at One of San Diego’s Many Park Terrains: You can head down to the coast at Cabrillo for Park Ranger walks at the lighthouse, or drive up the coast to Carlsbad’s wildlife viewing with the junior rangers, or move inland for a wildlife tracking hike or nature story time at Mission Trails or go south for a guided bird walk at the Tijuana River Estuary. Click here for the full list of park ranger programs nearby

Visit Seaport Village: Window shop, wander along the bay, watch the ships go by, listen to live music in the food court, and watch the kites fly—all in Seaport Village.

Take a Family Discovery Hike: We've done our share of hiking and love sharing our favorites— check out the best hikes for families in San Diego.

Discover Local Lakes: There's more to the area than just the sea—visit our favorite ponds and lakes near San Diego.

Hit the Beach: Of course, we can never really get sick of the beach. From stretches of shimmery sand at Coronado's Silver Strand to boogie boarding near the cliffs of Torrey Pines and making waves in Del Mar, nothing is more iconic than a beach day here in San Diego. Want to explore a new beach this summer? Check out our guides to the best local beaches for the kids and the best beaches to take your dog in San Diego.

Go Stargazing: These are the 7 best spots around San Diego to put a twinkly star in your eye.

Visit the Best Playgrounds in San Diego: Discover where kids can slide through a giant bunch of grapes or commandeer a pirate ship on our list of the best San Diego playgrounds.

Go on a Family Bike Ride: Our favorite kid-friendly bike trails in San Diego—how many have you rode?

 

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego That Are Free

Related: Discover What Days Our Fave Family-Friendly Museums Offer Free Admission

Explore Chicano Park in Barrio Logan: Vivid, lively murals depict aspects of San Diego’s Mexican-American heritage including mythology and immigration. Kids especially love the Children’s Mural, which represents drawings and paintings from kids that attended two local elementary schools. Chicano Park is a great place to go with kids and give them an art lesson. Visit the park's interactive website to explore the murals' history and artists before your visit.

Get Instagram-famous: Capture a super photo-op at one of these Instagrammable murals.

The Sanford Children's Library at the Central Library: The library's Dr. Seuss murals and thousands of books make it a fun, inviting space for kids. Park in the underground lot and get validation to park for free for the first two hours.

Queen Califia’s Magical Circle: The colorful, whimsical sculpture garden that is Queen Califia's Magical Circle will delight kids. Make a day of it and check out this additional interactive public art for the whole family.

Check Out Not One, but Two Historic San Diego Ranch Houses: The Los Peñasquitos Ranch House is the second oldest standing residence and was built in 1823 by the recipients of the first Mexican land grant in San Diego County. Take a hike around the area, then check out the goats, chickens, veggies, and have some fun in the large open spaces for playtime.

Then head to “Carlsbad’s Sleeping Beauty” to see the Leo Carillo Ranch House and prance with the peacocks and play on authentic ranch and farming equipment. Don’t forget to pack a picnic!

Explore Old Town to see the birthplace of California: Settled in 1769, many of the buildings in Old Town were built in the early 1800s, which is pretty amazing in itself. See the mission, run around on the green or walk through the village, taking in the sights of old San Diego by visiting Old Town.

Related: Take a Hike! The Best Nature Trails for Kids

Learn about Black History: Take an inspiring and educational tour of Black History in San Diego with our detailed guide.

Explore Wacky Roadside Attractions: From roadside dinosaurs to secret caves, bookmark our memory-making list of the best road-side stops and attractions near San Diego.

Uncover San Diego's Hidden Gems: A house perched off the edge of a building, secret messages in the sand and more unbelievable sights that will wow and delight your brood—these free hidden gems in San Diego are fun to discover whether you're a tourist or a bonafide local.

Coming in hot for the summer! It’s Memorial Day Weekend, so pack up a picnic, celebrate Fleet Week(end) at the Intrepid, explore a local park and swing by a festive market for food and fun in the Bronx. Nice outside? Go for a hike Rainy? Check out a movie at one of our favorite theaters for kids. Or get out of town and go on a day trip!

Honor Mother Earth at CMOM

Help build a “community garden” and do hands-on art activities and science projects exploring the natural world.

Event details.

Kick-off Fleet Week Weekend at the Intrepid.

It’s the place to do it!

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Go on a weekday Nature Exploration in Prospect Park. 

Pick up some free kits and go!

Event details.

Pack up a picnic and dine al fresco.

We have many suggestions on where to go!

Event details. 

Eat, play and shop at the Bronx Night Market.

Food, vendors, and activities for the kids.

Event details.

Dance with DanceAfrica in Brooklyn Bridge Park 

Veteran dancer, choreographer, and teaching artist Adia Whitaker guides families through the fundamentals of Haitian movement and music.

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Feel the Force at Fans Strike Back

This display of fan creation and collectibles is a must for Star Wars enthusiasts.

Event details.

See Manhattanhenge

Cool science! (Happens just twice a year.)

Event details.

 

Every year, literally millions of people flock to New York City to eat and explore, take in arts and culture, and experience what natives regard as the greatest city on Earth. But the New York you’ll experience in the spring, is a different animal from NYC in winter, fall or summer. So what is the best time of year to visit NYC? It depends on what you want to do, your weather preference and interests. We’re breaking down things to do in NYC by season, so you can decide when it’s prime time to visit for you. (Need more ideas on things to do in NYC? Click here for more than 100!)

Winter: What to Do in NYC

Salon NYC via Flickr

Even though it can be pretty cold at times, many people will tell you New York City is simply magical in Winter, particularly during the holidays. 

The holiday season traditionally kicks off with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and rolls all the way to New Year's Eve and Day with the ball drop in Times Square and brave Polar Bears charging into the sea at Coney Island. 

Rockefeller Center is somewhat holiday/Xmas HQ, with the famous tree, iconic skating rink, glorious light displays throughout the complex, and proximity to Radio City Music Hall, which hosts its annual Radio City Spectacular starring the Rockettes. Still more lights and holiday displays dazzle in shopping centers, and along outer borough streets. 

Rock Center isn't the only special rink in town. Bryant Park is home to a free rink and holiday village with events and activities all season long, and downtown, Brookfield Place offers a rink with a view. 

Santa can be found all over the city, but perhaps most famous perch is at Macy's where children have been sharing holiday wishes for decades. 

New York's holiday markets offer an alternative to mall shopping, featuring unique gifts from area artists and vendors, as well as sweet and savory treats. And shopping for kids is both easy and a memorable holiday experience in itself, with destinations like the new FAO Schwarz and American Girl Place in Rockefeller Center. (There's a LEGO store there too!)

Spring: What to Do in NYC

Rex Roof via Flickr

New York City emerges from winter with spirit and style. Gardens and parks throughout the five boroughs bloom with spectacular displays. Popular spots for taking in spring flowers include the cherry blossom festivals at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, and on Roosevelt Island. (The NYBG also holds its annual orchid show in spring.) 

Macy's annual Flower Show features impressive creations in the Herald Square flagship, and on Easter, scores of people (native New Yorkers and visitors alike) stroll Fifth Avenue and gather on the steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral in the annual Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival. (And an egg hunt is never very far away.)

More formal parades include the St. Patrick's Day Parade right as spring starts, and the Memorial Day Parade at the end of May. It's around that time you'll also spot sailors in uniform out and about the city, thanks to Fleet Week. 

This is a great time to head to the city's zoos as baby animals often make their debut in spring. The Bronx Zoo is the big one, but there are other, more manageable places to get up close with animals around town. Downtown, the Tribeca Film Festival screens and recognizes some of the best in current cinema. 

Spring is also the season for major museum exhibits, including the yearly Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute show (2019 is "Notes on Camp"), which is accompanied by an exclusive, star-studded gala, and the influential survey of contemporary American art The Whitney Biennial, alternating years. (But The Whitney, located at the bottom tip of the elevated park of The Highline, is worth a trip any year.)

And New York's baseball teams get swinging in spring; the Mets play in Citifield in Queens, the Yankees play in Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, and the minor league Cyclones can be found in Brooklyn's Coney Island. 

Summer: What to Do in NYC

Chrisinphilly5448 via Flickr

New York City loves summer, and celebrates the season all kinds of ways. Classic summer activities include a trip to Coney Island to ride the cyclone, hit the beach, and have a hot dog at Nathan's or pizza at Totonno's. (The annual Mermaid Parade also is a huge draw, as it the New York Aquarium.) 

The city's beaches are open (many of which you can reach by subway), and waterside fun can also be found out in The Hamptons, where both fancy people and families head when the temperatures rise. 

Another popular summer destination a quick ferry ride away is Governors Island, a car-free Shangri-la of art, inventive playgrounds, festivals and events, food, amazing views of the water and downtown Manhattan. 

NYC is full of, and surrounded by water, and summer is a great time to take a boat ride, whether it's a free ferry, a historic ship, or kayak—there are lots of options

Everyone loves ice cream in the summer; New York is an ice-cream lover's paradise, with classic cones, gourmet gelato, Instagram-worthy creations, and more. 

Other New York summer staples? Free activities galore, including street fairs, outdoor concerts and movies, Shakespeare In the Park, and NYC Pride

Farmer's markets explode with berries, produce, blooms and more (Union Square is a prime one to hit, or you can go pick your own at a farm nearby), and the city's water parks, or "spraygrounds" keep kids cool. (As do the city's collection of enormous swimming pools.) 

And a New York summer isn't complete without the spectacle of the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks. 

Fall: What to Do in NYC

Marie-Lan Nguyen via Flickr

There's a reason why there's a song called "Autumn in New York": it's an incredible time of year in the city. Summer actually lingers for a while, so fall activities can be enjoyed in warm weather as the leaves begin to turn. (When they do, spots like Central Park, Prospect Park, Fort Tryon Park, Wave Hill in the Bronx all put on a spectacular show.)

Fall is primetime for culture in New York City, with theaters and museums debuting some of their biggest shows of the year. (A theater town, New York has many productions and venues just for kids.)

The mild temperatures are a perfect fit for the many fall festivals and events that happen around the city. Many people head out to a local farm to pick apples or pumpkins, but NYC has its own farms within city limits for seasonal fun. 

New York embraces Halloween with equal gusto as it does the holiday season, evidenced by the famed Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, festivals and events in every borough, over-the-top decorations in neighborhoods from the Bronx to Brooklyn, and even a canine parade that attracts international attention. 

One of the heralds of autumn is the New York City Marathon, which draws participants and fans from around the world. (Cheering runners on along the route at key locations, such as Brooklyn's Fourth Avenue or in the final stretch in Central Park, is a highlight of the event.) 

Fall in NYC contains more than a few bucket list items (especially for families). Those include seeing the balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade be inflated the night before the event, or the parade itself, which serves as the unofficial kickoff to the holiday day season, and ushers in winter.

—Mimi O’Connor

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With school back in session (woo-hoo!) and that splurge-y summer vacay behind you, you and the fam might be looking for fun and not too pricey ways to spend your free time. Luckily September is full of free (or almost-free) kid-friendly events that you definitely don’t want to miss. From free days at your favorite museums to art and musical festivals around town, read on for our favorite wallet-friendly September activities!

1. Broad Fest

Courtesy of The Broad Stage

Sun., Sept. 1: Broad Fest is back! Your boppin’ babes are going to love shaking their tail feathers at this annual community outdoor festival in Santa Monica. Be sure not to miss the family dance jam portion of this event where dancers of all shapes and sizes can express themselves in style on the dance floor. With a performance lineup featuring world music bands such as Boogaloo Assassins, Viver Brasil and more, you can be sure there won’t be a dull moment (and everyone will sleep well that night)!

The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage
1310 11th St.
Santa Monica, CA
Online: thebroadstage.org/broadfest.php

2. LA Fleet Week

Pixabay

Sun., Sept. 1 & Mon. Sept. 2: Got any boat lovers on board? Take them to LA Fleet Week’s annual event where the general public gets to check out active military ships while naval sailors get some much-deserved R&R! This free event is a must-do for any maritime lover as there will be guided ship tours (ages 5 years old and up), military presentations, live entertainment, helicopter aerial shows, and even parachute jump demonstrations!

Port of Los Angeles Cruise Center
100 Swinford St.
San Pedro, CA
Online: lafleetweek.com

3. Fiesta Hermosa

Courtesy of Fiesta Hermosa

Sun., Sept. 1-Mon., Sept. 2: Locals love this semi-annual beach-meets-street party where loads of artists and craftspeople join forces with the general public for two days of beach fun. With a full-blown Kiddie Carnival, hundreds of artists selling their wares, live music and even a wine/beer garden for the grownups this is one party not to miss! They even have a “fiesta siesta” section which is a staffed, secure Mommy zone, where diapers can be changed, babies can be nursed, water can be found, and mommies can freshen up and just relax. Could this get any better? Oh wait, this event takes place against the backdrop of the shimmering Pacific, so yes!

Pier Plaza
Hermosa Beach, CA
Online: fiestahermosa.net

4. Grandparents Week at The Skirball

Grant Mudford via Skirball Cultural Center

Tues., Sept. 3–Fri., Sept. 13: In addition to free admission on the first Thursday of every month (so Sept. 6 in this case), Skirball Cultural Center, home to the award-winning interactive Noah's Ark exhibit, is also offering a 10-day special deal in honor of Grandparents Day. Grandparents (or great-aunts and great-uncles) enter for free when they buy a Noah’s Ark ticket Sept. 3–13.

Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: skirball.org

5. Family Day at Hammer Museum

Hammer Museum

Sat., Sept. 7: With a message like “unite and create,” this free afternoon of art, music, and performance sounds like a great way to spend some Saturday family time! Your art aficionados will especially love the interactive puppet show from Bob Baker Marionette Theater and a collaborative balloon constellation project. If the littles need to get their wiggles out, they can dance alongside hip hop dancers from Culture Shock or groove to music from Rhythm Child. Put a little love in their hearts with love and kindness activities and cap the day off with storytime all while sampling special cotton candy treats.

Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: hammer.ucla.edu

6. COAST Santa Monica

Courtesy of COAST

Sat., Sept. 15: Because LA typically isn’t the sort of place kids can ride their bikes in the streets, they are going to love Santa Monica’s free and clear roads celebration, COAST! With two miles of streets closed to car traffic, it really is a wonderland of free-wheeling freedom filled with roaming musicians, hands-on activities, interactive classes, and even a pop-up roller skating rink! Roll through downtown Santa Monica together and stop to decorate helmets take part in a giant puppet parade or even make some salad in the community garden!

Colorado Av. (4th St. to Ocean Ave.), Ocean Ave. (Colorado Blvd. to Wilshire Blvd.) & Main St. 
Santa Monica, CA
Online: santamonica.gov

7. Fun in the Garden at Stoneview Nature Center

LeTania Kirkland Smith

Sat., Sept. (recurring): September in the city is always sunny (but usually not too, too hot), so take your little sprouts outside to soak up tons of natural beauty at the Stoneview Nature Center in Culver City. Every Sat. at 10a.m., budding botanists can explore the garden (there is even a bee hotel!), then participate in a nature craft or activity at their Fun In The Garden events. Added bonus: Mondays at 10a.m. or 3:30p.m. and Fri. at 10:30a.m. are also perfect days to take the littles  to Stoneview for storytime led by garden staffers. 

Stoneview Nature Center
5250 Stoneview Dr.
Culver City, CA
Online: stoneviewnaturecenter.org

8. Mexican Independence Day at Olvera Street

Creative Commons

Sat., Sept. 14 & Sun., Sept. 15: Commemorate Mexico's Independence from Spain with popular and traditional entertainment, cultural activities, historic displays, festive food, artisan exhibits and more. This kind of super fun celebration will have everyone in your family shouting ¡Viva México!

Olvera Street Plaza
845 N. Alameda St.
Los Angeles 
Online: elpueblo.lacity.org

9. Tarfest at the La Brea Tar Pits

Rollence Patugan via flickr

Sat., Sept. 14: Make it an eclectic afternoon with the family at one of the coolest music and art festivals LA has to offer. KCRW DJs will be spinning some smooth beats on-site just perfect for your music-makers to get their grooves on while gourmet food trucks, kid craft activities, art installations, and live painting are all on hand to round out the excitement.

La Brea Tar Pits
5801 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles 
Online: launchla.org/tarfest-festival

10. Odd Nights at the Autry

Juan V. via Yelp

Fri., Sept. 20: Mosey on up to the Autry Museum for the outdoor celebration on the sprawling 2.5 acre lawn. Gourmet food trucks, tons of local vendors, live bands and a giant kids zone complete with bounce houses, a rock wall, and a toddler swing are what will have your lil’ cowpokes begging to stay all night long. It might not be how the West was actually won, but it will certainly win over the hearts of your posse-in-tow! Tickets are just $5 per person, and kids ages 12 and under free!

The Autry Museum
4700 Western Heritage Dr.
Los Angeles
Online: theoddmarket.com/autry

11. Coastal Cleanup Day

Courtesy of Heal the Bay

Sat., Sept. 21: Join in on one of the biggest family volunteer events around. Bring the entire clan to Heal the Bay’s Coastal Cleanup Day at one of over 60 sites around Southern California and put your urchins to work cleaning up our coastlines. Be sure to BYO supplies, lather everyone up with sunscreen and be prepared to show your helpers how good it feels to give back beach-style!

Multiple locations (60+ sites around Southern California)
Online: healthebay.org

12. Urban Kids Fishing Derby Los Angeles

Enrique M. via Yelp

Sat., Sept. 28: Calling all amateur anglers! Urban American Outdoors TV will host the 4th Annual Urban Kids Fishing Derby Los Angeles at Kenneth Hahn State Park for kids ages 7-15. This free fishing extravaganza also offers prizes, including a $100 prize to the kiddo with the biggest fish of the day! With only 250 spots available, you should make certain to register your fledgling fishermen asap as this event is sure to be quite a catch!

Kenneth Hahn State Park
4100 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles 
Online: uaotv.com/urban-kids-fish-la

–Jenifer Scott

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If you’ve spent your first decade in the Bay Area, there are a handful of things you must do before you blow out those ten candles in order to be considered a true NorCal kid. We’ve rounded them up for you, from eating Indian food to playing ancient arcade games at the Wharf. How many have you already checked off?

Photo: Woodleywonderworks via Flickr

1. Get out on the Bay. The fleets of ferries making the trip under the bridge aren’t just for the tourists. If you’re the adventurous type, ditch the ferry and rent a kayak or go fishing.

2. Jump on your bike. Don’t bother with the lycra, just stabilize with training wheels (if necessary) and put your foot down.

3. Go to the Cable Car Museum and look in the heart and belly of this feat of San Franciscan engineering.

4. Explore American Indian history at the Ohlone Village in Fremont’s Coyote Hills Regional Park, or a Miwok Village in Point Reyes.

5. Eat in Chinatown. Make this vibrant city neighborhood, with low-slung lanterns and highly delicious dim sum, your sensory playground for the day.

6. Set off for a gold panning adventure within a few hours of the Bay Area. If you can’t make it to Gold Country you can still step back in time and see nuggets the size of gobstoppers on display in Berkeley and San Francisco.

7. Dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean.

8. Find your favorite museum. Cal Academy, Oakland Museum, Exploratorium, SFMOMA, Lawrence Hall of Science, Bay Area Discovery, the list goes on…

9. Eat ice-cream! Swensens, Smitten or Humphry Slocombe? Pick your favorite and add sprinkles.

10. Hear the sound of a Wave Organ.

11. Sleep under the stars. Go camping (or glamping). The Bay Area has so many options from beaches to redwood forests. Don’t forget the s’mores.

12. Built a fort in the Presidio. While you are there check out the land art of artist Andy Goldsworthy. Tick two things off your list and set up camp here.

13. Catch some live music.

photo credit: Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band

14. See the Golden Fire Hydrant, credited with saving the Mission District from the fire that followed the 1906 earthquake. Then head over to fabulous Mission Dolores playground, grab a bite and take a look at the famous murals in this vibrant neighborhood.

15. Play 100-year old arcade games at the Musée Mécanique. Don’t forget your quarters!

16. Climb aboard the historic ships at San Francisco’s Hyde Street Pier.

17. Visit the San Andreas Fault walk at Bear Valley Visitor Centre near Point Reyes Station.

18. Do a fun run. A great way to explore a new ‘hood.

19. Stack stones at Crissy Field.

20. Learn the difference between seals and sea lions. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf and the Marine Mammal Center for clues.

21. Spend the night at a museum. Unroll your sleeping bag for the ultimate slumber party!

22. Hike a trail. See if you can name some of the wildflowers and spot some of California’s wildlife on the way.

23. Visit Mrs Grossman’s sticker factory in Petaluma.

24. Eat fish and chips at the Pelican Inn followed by an afternoon on Muir Beach.

Photo: Yinghai via Flickr

25. See the Giant Redwoods.

26. Get out to a ballgame.

27. Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge.

28. Visit a farm. Some will even let you stay the night, others give you the controls to a hydraulic tractor!

29. Get your geek on in San Jose at the Tech Museum of Innovation. While you’re nearby, check out the tech capital of Palo Alto.

Photo: Boudin’s

30. Eat sourdough bread, then see how it’s made.

31. Catch a crab in the Bay Area’s wonderful tide pools, from Santa Cruz to Bolinas.

32. Visit the San Francisco zoo and get up close and personal with some furry friends!

33. See the fog roll in. If you want to feel it too, the Exploratorium has a Fog Bridge installation mocking it up for those who need yet more summer gloom.

34. Watch an outdoor movie. Stretch bedtime and settle in under the stars for family film nights with your favorite movie characters.

photo credit: Pizzaiolo

35. Eat Pizza. Make Little Italy your starting point and let your taste buds lead the way.

36. Fly a Kite.

37. Visit a Lighthouse. Point Bonita is within a few miles of San Francisco. Further afield is Point Pinos in Pacific Grove, or Point Santa Cruz – home to the first ever surf museum. Or go one better and stay the night at one of the oldest nightlights on the west coast, Pigeon Post near Pescadero.

38. Watch elephant seals at Ano Nuevo State Park.

Photo: Chabot Science Center

39. Stargaze at the Cabot Space and Science Center in Oakland. Look out for special sleepover offers in partnership with Red Tricycle.

40. Watch for whales.

41. Watch the Blue Angels’ dare-devil maneuvers in the skies above the bay during Fleet Week celebrations. A Bay Area tradition for 34 years.

42. Climb some steps. And descend in style. Pick your favorite life-sized chutes and ladders from around the Bay Area.

43. See the monarch butterflies when they overwinter in Pacific Grove. October to February, the kings and queens of the butterfly world arrive by the thousands. If that’s too far to go, check out these other Bay Area butterfly sanctuaries.

44. Take a spin on a carousel.

45. Plan a trip to Yosemite. Get prepped before you go with some high octane athletics and maybe some climbing practice.

46. Build a sandcastle. Go one better and enter a castle building competition.
Photo: Chino

47. Eat sushi, saag or carne asada—prove your kiddie foodie cred at one of the Bay’s great international restaurants.

48. Take a road trip.

49. Visit 826 Valencia for pirate gear and story telling.

50. Go behind bars at Alcatraz.

Can you add to the list? Let us know what you’ve tried, tested, tasted or traversed in the comments below.

—Emily Myers

Photos are the author’s unless otherwise credited.

 

Get excited New York City, spring is finally in full swing! While it would be difficult to say there’s nothing to do in NYC at any time of the year, the options expand exponentially once the temperatures rise. Looking for ideas on how to do the season right with a kid or two? Here are a few of our favorite NYC springtime activities for you and your little ones to enjoy, from free museums to storytimes to stargazing. Seriously though: all of the below are $5 or less!

Central Park Turtle Pond photo: via Mike Carey on Flickr

1. Relax in the sun and check out Central Park’s Turtle Pond, which is home to not one, not two, but five species of turtles. (It’s thought that many of the current residents began their lives as NYC pets and were brought to the park when they outgrew their indoor accommodations.) See who can spot a bird, dragonfly, and turtle first!

2. Make a weekend stop at Smorgasburg on Pier 5. Grab some of the best no-fuss gourmet street food and picnic with the family in the massive Brooklyn Bridge Park for an only-in-NYC experience.

3. Take a trip to the Bronx Zoo. Free on Wednesdays, it’s finally warm enough to walk around outside and take in the numerous animal exhibits. The Children’s Zoo offers kids the option to feed the animals as well.

4. For those rainy spring Saturdays, make your way to the Guggenheim. Expand your children’s minds by bringing them in from 5:45–7:45 p.m., when admission is pay what you wish.

Bryant Park Carousel photo: via Rhiannon on Flickr

5. Head to Le Carrousel in Bryant Park. With carousel rides at $3 and kid-friendly events on Saturdays from 1-2 p.m., this one is great option for a weekend midtown diversion.

6. Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights is a can’t-miss. Admission is free on Thursdays from 3-5 p.m., perfect for an after school visit or playdate.

7. Breathe in spring’s freshest florals at the New York Botanical Garden. Grounds admission is free to everyone all day on Wednesdays, and from 9 -10 a.m. on Saturdays.

8. …Or swing by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. It’s always free for children under 12, and free for everyone both all day on Tuesdays and from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays. Be sure to check out the Kids’ Discovery Stations once inside and catch the cherry blossoms while you can!

Highline photo: via Ashu Mathura on Flickr

9. Walk the High Line. If you’re in the area as the sun sets, check out the park’s free stargazing event every Tuesday from dusk until 9 p.m. at 14th Street. High-powered telescopes from the Amateur Astronomers Association help visitors get a glimpse of the moon, stars and planets!

10. Grab a hotdog at Papaya King. This NYC institution’s cheap grub is perfect for a spring day (just not every spring day). Head to its location at 86th and Third Avenue before visiting Central Park or a nearby museum.

11. Summer reading season is about to kick into high gear — get your child a free New York Public Library Card to get started. Check out your closest library’s kids programs; Family Read Aloud is one of our favorites.

Roosevelt Island Tramway photo: via Phil Roeder on Flickr

12. Go for a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway. (Catch it at 60th Street and Second Avenue.) Take in the city views on a clear day with the family for the price of a subway ride. And while you’re there… take a Kids & Family yoga class for a suggested donation of $5 at Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park. Classes are held Wednesdays-Saturdays.)

13. If you’ve got a Mastercard and your kids like baseball, be sure to take advantage of the New York Yankees $5 Mastercard game on June 17th. Yankee Stadium, 1 East 161st street, Bronx

14. Visit the Discovery Room at the American Museum of Natural History and inspire your kids to explore science hands-on. The entire museum is pay what you wish, and the Discovery Room exhibit is free for a 40-minute session.

Fleet Week photo: via Official U.S. Navy Page on Flickr

15. Welcome Fleet Week. From May 18-25, take your pick of free events across NYC: Ship tours, Navy Band Concerts, Parade of Ships, and a US Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demo.

16. Check out the NY Aquarium. Explore water-dwellers on Fridays from 4-6 p.m., when admission is pay-what-you-wish. Recommended donation is $5.

17. Register for New York Hall of Science (NYSCI)’s Sounds for Unusual Creatures free concert on May 17th. You’ll get free general admission to the museum for the day with your registration. We’re also big fans of their Make It: One Block Challenge series, offered on May 17th as well for $3.

park photo: NYC Parks

18. Head to one of Manhattan’s top playgrounds. We recommend these!

19. Visit Brooklyn’s Prospect Park for the free outdoor activities of its Pop-Up Audubon series. Activities include nature hikes, bird-watching, and learning about native plants and the aquatics habitats of the park. Grab a Discovery Pack, a ready-to-go kit of nature activities for families.

20. Pipsqueak’s Children’s Shoppe in Brooklyn is always a good idea. This kid’s store offers open play time for $5, among other workshops and music series for your kids to enjoy while you shop.

Sony Wonder Lab photo: via Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

21. Visit the Sony Wonder Technology Lab. With free entry, the whole family can explore high tech and creative exhibits that will make you feel like you’re living in the future. The Dance Motion capture is our favorite.

22. Get down at a Celebrate Brooklyn! Dance Party, a free groovefest with live bands and DJs playing Classic Soul Funk (May 14), Electro Soul (May 21) and Latin Jazz (May 28).

23. Take a boat ride on The Staten Island Ferry on a warm, sunny day. It’s free and a great way to see the Statue of Liberty up close.

photo: Public Art Fund

24. Visit one of the many public art installations on view throughout the city, or hit a bunch and make a day of it!

25. We’re already getting excited for the Park Slope Old Stone House’s Rites of Spring event featuring a giant puppet pageant. It’s free and takes place on May 16th. Check out their site for lots of other free events for families.

26. Get crafty. Michaels offers free events (plus supply costs) like jewelry-making and paper crafting at the chain’s multiple NYC locations.

storytime photo: Brooklyn Public Library

27. Head to one of the many free drop-in story times around the city.

28. Never walked the Brooklyn Bridge? It’s time. Take advantage of the nice weather and enjoy this NYC landmark on a sunny afternoon with the whole family.

29. Get to Carnegie Hall by, you know, just going there already. Enjoy free interactive concerts and family activities on weekends at Carnegie Hall. The Hall also offers family concerts throughout in all five boroughs.

30. Sneak away to the Elevated Acre, the New York Earth Room or another one of our favorite secret spots in the city!

What’s on your must-do list this season? Tell us in the comments below!

—Ilyssa Smith