Santa rolls into town at the tail end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and starts taking gift requests at Santaland on Friday. Photo by Jody Mercier
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in NYC: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and More Things To Do
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
See the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation 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
See the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC with our insider's guide and tips!
GUIDE
Guide to Thanksgiving in NYC for Kids and Families
Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Where to Watch, What's New
Enjoy a cozy, French-style Thanksgiving meal at Le Rivage. Photo by Evan Sung
25 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in NYC
Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council
Where To Find Free Turkey in NYC for Thanksgiving Dinner 2025
Volunteer to help feed families in New York this Thanksgiving.
Best 2025 Thanksgiving Volunteering Opportunities for Families in NYC
Celebrate the shortest day of the year at Marine Park's Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the Marine Park Alliance
47 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids in 2025
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
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
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
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 10. Photo by Heidi Lee
34 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC November 2025 with Kids
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.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
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
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
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
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
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
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
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
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
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
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
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
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

89 Free Activities for Kids in NYC June 2025: Best Things To Do

The annual PrideFest street fair features live music, artists, craft vendors, food trucks, performers, and more. Photo by Walter Wlodarczyk/NYC Tourism + Conventions
The annual PrideFest street fair features live music, artists, craft vendors, food trucks, performers, and more. Photo by Walter Wlodarczyk/NYC Tourism + Conventions
5/27/25 - By Drew Kristofik

June marks the kick-off to the summer season and tons of fab, free things to do in NYC. From the Lower East Side's Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival to the Mermaid Parade on Coney Island and train-inspired fun with Mommy Poppins at Grand Central, plus lots of Juneteenth and Pride events, we've found more than 80 family-friendly free things to do in NYC this June with kids.

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Free Things To Do in NYC All June Long

SummerStage in Central Park

Central Park
Select dates from Wednesday, June 4-Tuesday, September 16, 2025
The City Parks Foundation's SummerStage returns in 2025 with tons of free performances in Central Park, and a few more costly shows as well. READ MORE

Smith Street Stage: Henry V in Carroll Park

Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
Select dates from Thursday, June 5-Sunday, June 29, 2025
The award-winning Brooklyn theatre company, Smith Street Stage, returns to Carroll Park for its 16th year of free outdoor Shakespeare under the stars. This summer’s production is Henry V. READ MORE

Storytelling at the Hans Christian Andersen Statue in Central Park

Central Park
Saturdays from Saturday, June 7-Saturday, August 9, 2025
Gather 'round Hans Christian Andersen's statue at the Conservatory Pond in Central Park to hear his tales—and other classic folk stories—told by a fine ensemble of storytellers. READ MORE

Naumburg Orchestral Concerts

Central Park
Tuesday, June 10 and Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Bring a blanket and a picnic, and enjoy classical music under the stars on select Tuesday evenings at the Naumberg Band Shell. READ MORE

Live at the Archway in Dumbo

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Thursdays from Thursday, June 12-Thursday, July 31, 2025
Live at the Archway is Dumbo's signature series that features dynamic musical performances, pop-up galleries, and interactive art experiences in a magical, only-in-Dumbo setting. Always free, always all-ages, and always rain or shine.  READ MORE

Julius Caesar in Riverside Park

Upper West Side
Select dates through Sunday, June 22, 2025
The Hudson Classical Theater Company presents Shakespeare's tragedy, exploring those timeless themes of power, betrayal, and the consequences of political actions. READ MORE

Locomotive Lawn Live in Riverside Park

Upper West Side
Thursdays through Thursday, June 26, 2025
Moosiki Kids Musical Storytime fosters a love of reading at a young age with musical stories and sing-along encouragement on the comfy and danceable turf lawn by the big locomotive. READ MORE

Sunset Singing Circle at the Irish Hunger Memorial

Tribeca
Fridays through Friday, June 27, 2025
Singer/songwriter Terre Roche leads a weekly singing program with the beautiful backdrop of the setting sun in NY Harbor. READ MORE

Big City Fishing at Pier 26

Tribeca
Thursdays from Thursday, June 12-Thursday, August 22, 2025
Drop in a line with the Hudson River Park River Project team and go catch-and-release fishing at the water’s edge. All the necessary equipment and instruction is provided. READ MORE

Sounds at Sunset in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
Fridays from Friday, June 13-Friday, August 8, 2025
Some of NYC’s finest musical talents share their vision of the present and future in music. Bring a blanket and a picnic READ MORE

Battery Park Playscape Presents Sundays at the ShowBox

Battery Park
Sundays from Sunday, June 15-Sunday, October 26, 2025
The ShowBox Theater, located in the beautiful Battery Park Playscape, hosts a full season of music, dance, puppetry, and more with special free performances on Sunday afternoons. READ MORE

Summer Concerts at the Hudson Yards

Midtown West
Wednesdays from Wednesday, June 25-Wednesday, August 13, 2025
This free eight-week series showcases rising artists across a variety of genres, bringing fresh sounds and unforgettable performances to the Public Square and Gardens. Bring a blanket and a picnic, or take advantage of the glorious concession stands. READ MORE

Picnic Performances in Bryant Park

Midtown West
Fridays and Saturdays through Friday, September 12, 2025
Picnic Performances are the perfect way to spend a summer evening, with 25 live and in-person music, dance, and theatrical shows. Bring a blanket and a picnic (of course). READ MORE

Le Carrousel Extravaganza in Bryant Park

Bryant Park
Select dates through Friday, September 26, 2025
Bryant Park's charming carousel serves as the backdrop for a mix of kid-friendly entertainment. Discover scientific marvels, be awed by trickery in magic shows, and see puppet shows and storytimes, too.  READ MORE

Stargazing on The High Line

Chelsea
Tuesdays through Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Gaze at the stars, planets, and moon through the high-powered telescopes of the Amateur Astronomers Association, and chat with the experts about the sights you see. READ MORE

Tunes & Tales for Toddlers in Teardrop Park

Battery Park City
Mondays, through Monday, October 27, 2025
Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to enjoy interactive music-making, storytelling, and more entertainment at these weekly sessions in Teardrop Park. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Sunday, June 1-Sunday, June 8, 2025

Right of Spring at the Old Stone House

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Sunday, June 1, 2025
A costumed performance with handmade masks, larger-than-life puppets, live music and a parade of insects buzzes through Washington Park. This year's theme puts a magnifying glass on adventures in the world of insects. READ MORE

Drums Along the Hudson: A Native American Festival in Inwood Hill Park

Inwood
Sunday, June 1, 2025
This annual event marks its 21st anniversary as Manhattan’s only open-air pow wow. The all-day event features Native American crafts, storytelling, and traditional food and dance. READ MORE

Rolie Polie Guacamole Album Release Party in Prospect Park

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Sunday, June 1, 2025
Holy Guacamole! Brooklyn’s award-winning titans of kindie music celebrate the release of the band’s 12th album, On the Stoop, with a hometown show.  READ MORE

Much Ado about Nothing at Bryant Park/NYPL

Midtown West
Tuesday, June 3-Sunday, 8, 2025
The Public Theater’s Mobile Unit celebrates its 15th year with the beloved romantic comedy, Much Ado about Nothing. This bilingual, 90-minute, family-friendly take on the classic tale of love, deception, and misunderstandings blends Latine influences, original music, and Shakespeare’s timeless wit.  READ MORE

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Central Park

Upper West Side
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks have become an iconic New York summer experience since they began in 1965, transforming parks throughout the city into a patchwork of picnickers and providing music lovers with an opportunity to hear the best classical music under the stars. Stay after the show for the fireworks! READ MORE

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Van Cortlandt Park

Fieldston, the Bronx
Thursday, June 5, 2025
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks return, transforming parks throughout the city into a patchwork of picnickers and providing music lovers with an opportunity to hear the best classical music under the stars. Stay after the show for the fireworks! READ MORE

CityParks PuppetMobile Presents Pippi Longstocking in the Astoria Heights Playground

Astoria, Queens
Friday, June 6, 2025
City Parks Foundation is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the world-renowned children’s story Pippi Longstocking by the legendary Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. The production features nearly two dozen, hand-made marionettes crafted by the expert puppeteers. READ MORE

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Prospect Park

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Friday, June 6, 2025
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks return, transforming parks throughout the city into a patchwork of picnickers and providing music lovers with an opportunity to hear the best classical music under the stars. Stay after the show for the fireworks! READ MORE

Red Hook Fest: Revamped in Valentino Park

Red Hook, Brooklyn
Saturday, June 7, 2025
The annual Red Hook Fest gets a fresh new look and programming in 2025. Enjoy a DJ spinning global beats, a photo walk, dance classes, film screenings, live performances, and more.  READ MORE

Lenfest Kids: Community Day Charlie Chaplin’s ‘The Kid’

Morningside Heights
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Charlie Chaplin's first full-length feature is a masterpiece about a tramp who takes-in an orphaned child. Chaplin directed, produced and starred in this film, and also composed the score. Ben Model returns to perform live musical accompaniment for this silent comedy classic. READ MORE

Paws for Pride at Manhattan West

Midtown West
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Celebrate Pride for all, including your pets, at Manhattan West Woof Fest: Paws for Pride. Guests are invited to the Manhattan West Plaza for a colorful afternoon of amazing performances, fabulous activities, and marvelous treats. READ MORE

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park: Cunningham Park

Jamaica, Queens
Saturday, June 7, 2025
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks return, transforming parks throughout the city into a patchwork of picnickers and providing music lovers with an opportunity to hear the best classical music under the stars. Stay after the show for the fireworks! READ MORE

Your Community Day at New York City Center

Midtown West
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Your Community Day at City Center presents a full slate of performances, workshops, and activities featuring the National Dance Institute, teaching artists from Ballet Hispánico, Roger Rees Awards 2024 Finalists, Broadway Dreams Connections, and more. READ MORE

Community Science Seining at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Discover the amazing biodiversity of the Hudson River estuary as park staff and scientists use a seine net to humanely catch incredible creatures that live below the water’s surface. READ MORE

Hard Hat Area: Introduction to Construction at the Skyscraper Museum

Battery Park City
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Young learners are introduced to the basics of skyscraper construction through a group reading of Susan L. Roth's picture book, Hard Hat Area. After the story, the young architects design their own skyscraper. READ MORE

World Oceans Day on Randall's Island

Randall's Island
Saturday, June 7, 2025
RIPA’s Natural Areas team hosts a fun-filled and educational afternoon exploring the unique organisms that call the greater NYC Harbor Estuary home. Drop-in to observe the team conduct seining in the Harlem River and assist in counting and ID’ing fish and other aquatic organisms. READ MORE

Live Music, Free Ice Cream, and Kids Activities on the East River Waterfront Esplanade

Upper East Side
Saturday, June 7, 2025
EsplanadeFriends hosts a free live music event on the East River waterfront. Enjoy live samba with Embola Carambola featuring Malaya Sol, plus samba instruction by Luciana Da Silva. Enjoy free icees from Delicioso Coco Helado, plus craft activities for kids—all with a spectacular water view!  READ MORE

Shakespeare Unrehearsed in Central Park

Central Park
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Actors to go toe-to-toe with The Bard while simultaneously stretching their improv muscles. Cast members are given 30 days to learn their lines and get off book. They aren't allowed to rehearse with each other or coordinate performances.  READ MORE

Kids @ Grand Central with Mommy Poppins

Midtown East
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Mommy Poppins hosts a day of train-inspired adventures in partnership with Grand Central Terminal! Activities include paper train crafts, musical performances and sing-alongs, face-painting, train-themed imaginative play, and a preview of the new Mommy Poppins book, The Young Traveler’s Journal & Activity Book, with travel-themed games from its pages.  READ MORE

City Island Spring Arts & Crafts Fair

City Island, the Bronx
Saturday, June 7-Sunday, 8, 2025
City Island hosts this annual spring arts and crafts fair, featuring 50+ artists and craftspeople displaying and selling their works along the sidewalks of City Island Avenue. READ MORE

The Happening: Free Community Block Party at Church Street School

Tribeca
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Church Street School for Music & Art's annual, all-ages community block party, The Happening, features live musical performances, art projects, a student art show, games, raffles, and more.​   READ MORE

New York Philharmonic Concerts In the Park: Indoor Concert on Staten Island

St. George, Staten Island
Sunday, June 8, 2025
The New York Philharmonic performs Britten's String Quartet No 1. READ MORE

Whitney Pride Celebration

West Village
Sunday, June 8, 2025
The Whitney hosts a Pride celebration with activities designed for community members and families of all ages, including hands-on artmaking, giveaways, and more. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, June 9-Sunday, June 15, 2025

Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Jackie Robinson Park

Harlem
Monday, June 9, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Jackie Robinson Park! This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—Tessa McQueen, Hannah Jones, and Sunghoon Han, accompanied by Mariam Bombrun. READ MORE

Museum Mile Festival

Midtown
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
NYC's biggest block party returns, bringing art outside (and in) on Fifth Avenue between 82nd Street and 105th Street. A collection of New York City’s finest cultural institutions are open free to the public throughout the evening, with outdoor events along the way. READ MORE

Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Williamsbridge Oval

Norwood, the Bronx
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops in Williamsbridge Oval. This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—Tessa McQueen, Hannah Jones, and Sunghoon Han, accompanied by Mariam Bombrun. READ MORE

Music Storytime with LaFrae Sci at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Dummer LaFrae Sci reads Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills. Alongside the reading, Sci performs an interactive sonic storytime with electric music instruments, field recording, and samples. READ MORE

Sing with Suzi in JJ Byrne Playground

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Enjoy an interactive, family-friendly concert series featuring award‑winning children’s performer Suzi Shelton and special guests staged in this beloved park. The entertainment includes giant bubbles, dancing, and sing‑alongs in the heart of Park Slope.   READ MORE

Juneteenth at Wave Hill

Riverdale, Bronx
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Celebrate Juneteenth and honor Black history, achievement, and resilience with an evening of performances, artmaking, and more. Picnic on the Great Lawn and enjoy a tasty treat of specialty ice cream while supplies last, courtesy of Only Rare NYC.  READ MORE

Queer Teen Night at the Whitney

West Village
Friday, June 13, 2025
LGBTQ+ youth and allies are invited to a celebration of Pride at the Whitney. The Museum's Youth Insights Leaders host an evening of artmaking, performances, dancing, giveaways, and a tour of exhibitions on view. READ MORE

Gil Scott-Heron Celebration in St. Mary's Park

South Bronx
Friday, June 13, 2025
A celebration of the legendary poet, vocalist, and activist.  READ MORE

NYC KidsFest in Harlem

Harlem
Friday, June 13-Sunday, 15, 2025
NYC KidsFest brings performances from some of New York City’s most innovative and talented artists into public spaces for all to enjoy. Catch sets by Divi Roxx and Ray de Jesus and enjoy face painting, balloon animals, science fun, and storytelling!   READ MORE

Juneteenth Celebration in Rockefeller Park

Battery Park City
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Battery Park City Authority's annual Juneteenth Celebration features a jam-packed lineup of free activities, including storytelling, pony rides, music, arts and crafts, and more for the whole family to enjoy. READ MORE

The 22nd Annual Hunts Point Fish Parade and Summer Festival

Hunts Point, the Bronx
Saturday, June 14, 2025
The annual Hunt’s Point Fish Parade celebrates the neighborhood's heritage. Activities include a children’s art corner, boat rides, bird watching, a day-long basketball tournament, face painting, print-making, tons of great food and activities, live music, and performances. READ MORE

Shakespeare Workout in Riverside Park

Upper West Side
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Resident Artists from Hudson Classical Theater Company in the disciplines of acting, voice production, and stage combat lead a vigorous workout/training for teens. READ MORE

Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Saturday, June 14, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Brooklyn Bridge Park! This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—soprano Janai Brugger, tenor Jack Swanson, and baritone Benjamin Taylor, accompanied by Howard Watkins. READ MORE

Brooklyn Pride’s 29th Annual Celebration in J.J. Byrne Park

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Brooklyn Pride hosts its annual multicultural festival featuring a​ cross-section of the borough’s business, community, and citywide organizations. Hit the family fun zone in J.J. Byrne Park for family-friendly activities, music, face painting, arts and crafts, story times, and more. READ MORE

Gladiators NYC in Central Park

Upper East Side
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Knights in full armor battle on the grass in Central Park behind The Met. Bring a blanket and a picnic.  READ MORE

Big Summer Pride Twirl in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Celebrate Brooklyn Pride in the Park with Papi Juice and Friends, featuring DJ sets and live performances. READ MORE

Pride Family Picnic at St. John the Divine

Upper West Side
Saturday, June 14, 2025
The Queer Big Apple Corps Marching Band returns this summer for its third Pride at the Cathedral! The Cathedral Gardens are open for all, and everyone is invited to bring a picnic, play yard games, and spend an afternoon in community.    READ MORE

Schomburg Centennial Festival

Harlem
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Celebrate the Harlem Renaissance and the Schomburg's engagement with authors of African descent and a century championing literacy and intellectual exploration in Harlem during this celebration that unites book lovers, authors, and comic book creators on 135th Street between Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevards in Harlem. READ MORE

Play Date Featuring Zing! in Riverside Park

Upper West Side
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Head to Riverside Park for an outdoor party featuring a children’s entertainer, arts and crafts, and neighborhood fun. READ MORE

Summer for the City: Caribbean Day at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Lincoln Center honors the culture, creativity, and craft of our island neighbors. Stop by for a wide selection of programming across campus that starts in the early afternoon and goes all night READ MORE

Alt 1940s at King Manor Museum

Jamaica, Queens
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Hightail it to King Manor for a day of '40s pinup glamor during a 1940s CAR-nival! Admire vintage beauties, design car decals and temporary tattoos, pose for photos, purchase vintage goods, enjoy delicious foods, and watch a Mae West-inspired drag performance! READ MORE

Pigeon Fest on the High Line

Chelsea
Saturday, June 14, 2025
In celebration of Iván Argote’s Dinosaur—the striking 17-foot-tall aluminum pigeon sculpture at the Spur on the High Line—the High Line presents a full-day festival celebrating pigeons, urban ecology, and public art. READ MORE

Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival

Lower East Side
Sunday, June 15, 2025
The Museum at Eldridge Street presents the annual Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival, a joyous celebration of the diverse ethnic communities of the museum's Lower East Side neighborhood. READ MORE

Open Studios: Summer in the City a UrbanGlass

Downtown Brooklyn
Sunday, June 15, 2025
UrbanGlass' Open Studios invites families to discover the many ways glass shapes the world around us, with an afternoon of art making and exciting demonstrations in UrbanGlass’ 17,000-square-foot studios. READ MORE

Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital in Socrates Sculpture Park

Long Island City, Queens
Sunday, June 15, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera’s free summer recital tour stops at Socrates Sculpture Park! This iconic series of opera throughout NYC is presented outdoors and features three of today’s most exciting young stars—Tessa McQueen, Hannah Jones, and Sunghoon Han, accompanied by Mariam Bombrun. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, June 16-Sunday, June 22, 2025

Dance Storytime With Jennifer Jones at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Jennifer Jones, the first Black Rockette dancer, reads her illustrated children’s book, On the Line: My Story of Becoming the first African American Rockette. READ MORE

Lavender Blues Summer Concert at the Harlem Library

Harlem
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Enjoy this hip-hop concert for families, which features interactive, toe-tapping, get-out-of-your-seat good time with Lady B and her Bunnies!   READ MORE

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Citywide
Thursday, June 19, 2025
On select days throughout the year, all national parks in the United States are open to the public with no admission fee.  READ MORE

Juneteenth Family Trolley Tours in Green-Wood Cemetery

Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Celebrate Juneteenth with a family trolley tour at Green-Wood! Discover the powerful stories of remarkable Black Americans whose legacies continue to inspire generations. From celebrated figures to unsung heroes, each story illuminates the resilience, innovation, and courage that define the Black American experience.  READ MORE

Juneteenth Celebration at the Van Cortlandt House Museum

Fieldston, the Bronx
Thursday, June 19, 2025
A Juneteenth ceremony on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum includes musical and spoken word performances, followed by a procession with drums to the Enslaved African Burial Ground and a libation ceremony, honoring the memory of the enslaved people.  READ MORE

Oh Sankofa: Juneteenth Celebration at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Thursday, June 19, 2025
The fifth annual Juneteenth celebration at Lincoln Center draws inspiration from the rich traditions of African and African-American folklore, exploring themes of cultural identity, societal norms, and significant historical events through the lens of African folklore.   READ MORE

Summer Solstice 2025 at Socrates Sculpture Park

Long Island City, Queens
Friday, June 20, 2025
Celebrate Summer Solstice at Socrates Sculpture Park with workshops, performances, and music that focuses on reflection and the human connection to the land and nature.  READ MORE

Anti-Prom at the New York Public Library

Midtown West
Friday, June 20, 2025
The New York Public Library welcomes teens to its annual Anti-Prom to celebrate personal expression. Created in 2004, the program offers an inclusive, safe space for attendees to embrace their sexuality, gender identity, culture, and style of dress. READ MORE

Swedish Midsummer Festival in Rockefeller Park

Battery Park City
Friday, June 20, 2025
Rockefeller Park is the setting for a unique celebration of the summer solstice. Learn traditional Swedish folk dances and join in a lively dance around the midsummer pole. READ MORE

Porch Stomp on Governors Island

Governors Island
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Porch Stomp invites dozens of folk bands, artists, and performing arts organizations to use the historic porches of Nolan Park as a space for performance and education, highlighting artistry ranging from traditional folk to old-time blues, roots, bluegrass, and Americana. READ MORE

Make Music New York

Citywide
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Make Music New York puts the beat under city feet as musicians of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, physical capabilities, and skill levels represent New York City’s remarkable creativity and diversity. READ MORE

Pollinator Palooza at Randall's Island

Randall's Island
Saturday, June 21, 2025
A pollinator-themed afternoon of art, games, and exploration includes taking photos at the butterfly photobooth and bringing home a pollinator craft. Learn from expert horticulturalists about the work they do to plant and maintain the park’s gardens, and stroll through the Urban Farm on a self-guided tour of what’s growing.   READ MORE

The Mermaid Parade on Coney Island

Coney Island, Brooklyn
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Welcome summer with the return of the Mermaid Parade, an eclectic (and historically jam-packed) celebration, featuring revelers decked out in their most outrageous sea-themed costumes.  READ MORE

Mozart for Munchkins at Hudson Yards

Midtown West
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Mozart for Munchkins puts on free Saturday concerts that focus on a different style of music each week—classical, jazz, bluegrass, and more—performed by first-rate artists who have played the stages of Carnegie Hall, Broadway, Lincoln Center, and other top venues. READ MORE

Mumu Fresh at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Maimouna Youssef, aka “Mumu Fresh,” is a multifaceted artist whose influences range from jazz, gospel, and traditional African and Indigenous music to hip-hop, soul, rock, and experimental acapella fusion.   READ MORE

Free Things To Do in NYC from Monday, June 23-Monday, June 30, 2025

Theater Storytime at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Broadway star Ali Stroker and middle grade author Stacy Davidowitz take their audience on a musical theater journey inspired by their co-authored book, The Chance to Fly.  READ MORE

Fireworks and Fun on Randall's Island

Randall's Island
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Kick off the summer season on Randall's Island! Enjoy an evening of games, crafts, and music before the Astoria Park fireworks display at sundown. Fireworks are presented courtesy of Central Astoria, LDC. READ MORE

2025 Independence Day Celebration in Astoria Park

Astoria, Queens
Thursday, June 26, 2025
The jazz and swing band, Fleur Seule, plays a concert of standards and classic swing, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. READ MORE

GorillaFest at the Coney Island Amphitheater

Coney Island, Brooklyn
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Coney Island’s own Gorilla NEMS assembles an impressive cast of talented music makers to represent New York City hip-hop to the fullest during this musical fest near the sea. READ MORE

Pride Celebration with The Bad Judies in Hudson River Park

West Village
Thursday, June 26, 2025
The Bad Judies and Papi Juice perform on Pier 46, mashing up classic hits and more.  READ MORE

Sense and Sensibility in Riverside Park

Upper West Side
Opens Thursday, June 26, 2025
The Hudson Classical Theater Company presents Jane Austin's comedy of manners. READ MORE

Community Field Day in Rockefeller Park

Battery Park City
Friday, June 27, 2025
School’s out for the summer! Families are invited to join a paydate with Divinity Roxx and Friends in Rockefeller Park. Take part in field games, activities with local organizations, and a tug-of-war. Plus, enjoy face-painting, water play, and so much more! READ MORE

Pride! + Architecture at the Skyscraper Museum

Battery Park City
Friday, June 27, 2025
Learn about the importance of inclusion by looking at places in the city that commemorate and pay tribute to Pride's movement of coming together and treating others with kindness and acceptance. Then, take part in an arts and crafts activity where kids design and draw their own inclusive community space for family and friends. READ MORE

Summer for the City: 1,2,3, Let's Go with Missy D at Lincoln Center

Upper West Side
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Missy D, a hip-hop, rap, soul, and bilingual artist based in Vancouver, performs, backed by a dynamic hip-hop band. READ MORE

PrideFest Festival

Astor Place
Sunday, June 29, 2025
The annual PrideFest street fair features live music, artists, craft vendors, food trucks, performers, and more. Family Fest activities take over the streets around Astor Place. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Central Park Hans Christian Andersen Statue
Central Park - Naumburg Bandshell
Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Riverside Park
Pier 26 in Hudson River Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Vanderbilt Hall - Grand Central Station
Church Street School for Music & Art
David Geffen Hall, LeFrak Lobby
Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Riverside Park
Cathedral of St John the Divine
Schomburg Center For Research In Black Culture
David Geffen Hall, LeFrak Lobby
National Parks - Multiple Locations
Van Cortlandt House Museum
Hearst Plaza at Lincoln Center,
Stephen A. Schwarzman Bldg, 42nd St & Fifth Ave., NY, NY 10018 212-621-0208
Randall's Island Park
Hudson Yards - Public Square and Gardens
David Geffen Hall, LeFrak Lobby
Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Riverside Park

About the Author

Drew Kristofik
Drew Kristofik’s career took a twist from editing teen magazines to a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a long run at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick Online and Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com. A founding member of the Webby Award-winning GoCityKids, she’s written for Family Fun, Vanity Fair, and New York. Her middle school novel, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. Drew keeps the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar spot-on and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.
Recent Articles By Drew Kristofik:
Read more articles by Drew Kristofik.