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If you're looking for free outdoor play destinations, we've got plenty of picks in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds and our Winter Fun Guide.

Try out new games or old favorites at Nintendo New York. Photo by Sara Marentette

Fun Spots Kids Can Play Indoors for Free in NYC

1. Nintendo NY – Midtown (Manhattan)

The 10,000-square-foot Nintendo NY store isn't just a gamer's paradise full of games to buy. It also has giant sculptures of iconic Nintendo characters, like Pikachu, Super Mario, and Donkey Kong. Better yet, there are several stations where kids can try out the latest Nintendo games, and a mini-museum of Nintendo consoles over the years, including the legendary Virtual Boy!

2. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library – Midtown

Renovated in 2021, the Stavros Niarchos is a brightly lit, spacious, and colorful library branch. Hang out and read in the cozy reading nooks or head up to the rooftop reading space when the weather permits. There are even soundproof recording booths for teens and programming that teaches them how to use them.

3. Hunters Point Library – Hunters Point, Queens

The Hunters Point Library (opened in 2019) has six floors to explore, plenty of seating areas, and so many different activities and workshops happening year-round, like toddler storytimes and sing-alongs, crafternoons, and STEAM activities—all completely free, of course. And, if kids get tired of everything there is to discover (they won't), there are sweeping Manhattan skyline views to peruse outside the massive windows.

4. Barnes & Noble – Union Square

This four-story bookstore overlooks Union Square and has thousands of tomes to browse. More importantly for kids, it also has a comfy, cozy reading and activity space full of children's books, stuffed toys, and play stations.

5. Books Are Magic – Multiple Brooklyn Locations

Discover the magic of books at the Books Are Magic bookstore. There's plenty of space to browse, but the winning indoor feature is a cozy book nook complete with couches and bean bag chairs. Regular read-alongs and storytimes by children's authors make this a must-visit for bookish kids.

6. Hudson Yards – Hudson Yards

Whether you're exploring The Vessel or browsing the shops, Hudson Yards is a popping spot to be. The indoor space at The Shops has plenty of wiggle room for the little ones, and great stores to browse, like PIQ and UNIQLO. It's also decorated for different seasons and holidays, so there's always something fun to look at, like the annual winter "Shine Bright" installation of more than 2 million glittering lights.

7. The Oculus – Financial District

Gawk at the architectural wonder of The Oculus—a commuter hub and shopping destination at the World Trade Center. More than 100 stores and eateries occupy the soaring, yet subterranean, space.

Pose for a magical photo-op in an authentic London phone booth at Harry Potter New York. Photo by Jody Mercier

8. Harry Potter New York – Flatiron

Take flight in the Wizarding World at Harry Potter New York, which is brimming with wands, magical creatures, and plenty of nostalgia for fans of the series. You might be tempted to buy something just to snag an iconic mock-newspaper paper bag, but you can enjoy the magical, fantasy-like feel of the store without spending a cent.

9. City Point – Downtown Brooklyn

The indoor shopping center and cultural center at City Point have plenty of shops to explore. It also houses a beautiful McNally Jackson Books and frequently hosts free family-friendly events. Take in the great vibes and cool art at the downstairs DeKalb Market Hall, which also has restrooms and seating space (even if you're not eating).

10. Rego Center – Rego Park, Queens

Rego Center is a small but lively shopping center that's great for a day in. A domed glass ceiling lets in the daylight while keeping the weather out. You'll find mall staples like Auntie Anne's and Five Below, as well as some more unique options like a Costco on the lower level. Kids can enjoy little play cars, colorful art, and fun seasonal decor with great food just steps away outside.

11. FDNY Fire Zone – Rockefeller Center

Kids can learn about fire safety from a real firefighter at the FDNY Fire Zone in Rockefeller Center. Kids can climb aboard a real fire truck, try on gear, speak with real firefighters, and more. There's even a fire simulator, where visitors can see what it's like to be a firefighter.

12. Toys 'R' Us – Herald Square

The legendary Times Square Toys 'R' Us might be long-gone, but the children's toy store has found a new home on the seventh floor of Macy's in Herald Square. The toy store section features a Lego model of Macy's and is always decorated for the season. There are several photo-ops (including one with Geoffrey the giraffe), an activity wall, and a small—but adorable—free indoor playground.

13. American Girl New York – Rockefeller Center

Kids play for free at American Girl New York, where you can meet the Girl of the Year, pose for pictures, and get hands-on with teeny, tiny play sets. There are also several cute photo-ops, a comfy pod chair for a break, and all the latest American Girl toys and accessories to browse. Bonus: The brand has recently teamed up with Hot Wheels to introduce a brand-new brand to its audience, complete with hands-on fun for racing fans.

14. Grand Central Terminal – Midtown East

You don't need to be catching a train to stop by Grand Central Terminal. Train-watch, try out the whispering gallery, or take in one of the other kid-friendly activities at this commuter hub. Don't forget to look up to take in the constellation artworks on the arched ceiling!

Play under the trees at the Brookfield Place Atrium. Photo by Janet Bloom

Cool Spots Kids Can Relax Indoors for Free in NYC

15. Winter Garden Atrium – Battery Park City (Manhattan)

If you want to feel like you're outside without any of the pesky weather that comes with it, head indoors to the Winter Garden Atrium at Brookfield Place. People watch through the floor-to-ceiling windows and get transported somewhere tropical thanks to palm trees growing inside. (Yes, they're real.)

16. The Hugh – Midtown East

The Hugh is a public space and food hall with more than 15 restaurants. If you're just looking for somewhere free to hang out indoors, you can skip the meals and  enjoy the trees, lights, plentiful seating, and regular community events held in the block-sized space.

17. Park Avenue Plaza Public Space – Midtown East

It might look like a regular office building from the outside, but Park Avenue Plaza has a huge indoor public seating space that welcomes anyone who needs a moment to rest or defrost. The two-story lobby features chairs and tables for passing New Yorkers, as well as a huge wall waterfall and lush greenery, including trees and bamboo, growing inside.

18. Chelsea Market – Chelsea

Watch the bakers in action at Chelsea Market, where a number of the city's best bakeries are rolling out dough, read a story in the children's section of Posman Books after grabbing a bite to eat, or just take in the decor, which changes seasonally.

19. Lincoln Center Atriums – Upper West Side

Lincoln Center has plenty of free and choose-what-you-pay programs, including a full lineup of family-friendly shows you can see on the website. What a lot of people don't realize is that the Lincoln Center lobby is completely free and open to the public, too. Enter through the Welcome Center to find the adjoining Karen and Richard LeFrak Lobby, self-described as "Lincoln Center's living room." Here, you'll find comfy chairs, free Wi-Fi, and a 50-foot digital wall showing off the art and performance livestreams. The David Rubenstein Atrium is another great, free, public space with lush vegetation, plenty of seating, a snack bar, and occasional shows.

20. The Ford Foundation Atrium – Midtown East

Visit a lush indoor oasis in the middle of the city at the Ford Foundation Atrium. The indoor garden has more than 40 types of trees, vines, and shrubs growing and thriving in a multilevel space (most of which is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible). Kids love the sensory section, where touching and smelling is encouraged!

21. Industry City in Brooklyn – Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Explore all the artisan shops at Industry City and check out the free public art exhibits and installations that pop-up. Its Japan Village is a major hub for Japanese food and culture. Several buildings are connected by outdoor atriums and there is tons to do and see at every step along the way. Plenty of seating is available indoors and out, and restrooms are on hand, so you could spend an entire day here. Don't miss out on the Game Room in Building 6!

Best Free Museums and Cultural Spots for Kids in NYC

Don't forget: Many NYC museums, zoos, and the aquarium offer free hours on a weekly or monthly basis. Here are some standouts for families:

22. 81st Street Studio – Upper East Side

Step inside The Met for free to explore its amazing art-and-science play space. Dubbed the 81st Street Studio, visiting the creative wonderland is free and a great jumping-off point to explore the museum. The indoor play space is designed to encourage kids ages 3-11 to learn and discover science and tech. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.

23. Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center – Dumbo

Learn about nature and get hands-on with animal exhibits, interactive exhibits, and regularly scheduled programs for the little ones. If you plan to brave the great outdoors, you can borrow a Cove Kit, which has everything your tyke needs to continue learning and interacting with the natural world around them.

24. Pier 57 – Chelsea

Pier 57 offers educational, recreational, and cultural experiences in an accessible and collaborative environment. Many of its programs are kid-friendly. Watch its calendar for interactive classes, and visit all winter long for an indoor oasis that aims to keep summer fun alive with swings, lawn games, and ample light in the sprawling indoor space. While you're there, enjoy the rooftop park and explore The James Beard Foundation's Market 57 food hall.

25. Sugar Hill Children's Museum – Harlem

Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art and Storytelling is housed in a David Adjaye-designed building on 155th Street and offers plenty of room to create and explore, plus weekly performative storytelling events. Kids 8 and under are always free, and adults enter for just $9, with discounts and free passes available for EBT users, Culture Pass, and Cool Culture card holders.

26. Bronx Children's Museum – South Bronx

This dedicated kids' space has many options for discounts and free admission, including Cool Culture, Culture Pass, and EBT/SNAP recipients. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to book your tickets online in advance.

27. Genesis House – Meatpacking District

Genesis House is an architectural gem that fuses culinary and cultural pursuits. It has an upscale Korean restaurant, a beautiful library with a tea garden, and an event space, where a rotating roster of free art installations and experiences is held.

28. National Museum of the American Indian – Financial District

Explore the always-free National Museum of the American Indian, housed in the historic US Custom House. Programming includes family-friendly films, workshops, and other no-cost fun.

29. Brooklyn Museum Lobby Cafe – Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Museum is a donation-based institution, so it's very accessible to visitors. If you're looking for a completely free option to recharge for a bit, the lobby cafe is open to the public. The flowing public space, which was redesigned in 2024, has seating arranged in an inviting, communal feel, with a great view through the glass wall.

30. MoMA PS 1 – Long Island City, Queens

This Queens spot for contemporary art made a splash when it announced admission for all New Yorkers would be free in the new year. Visit to explore its rotating exhibitions and enjoy interactive family programs. Be forewarned: Strollers are not permitted in galleries, so bring a carrier or save this visit for when your tots are older.

Free Indoor Places to Burn Energy in NYC

Don't forget: Many places offer free trial classes if you want to try some free activities with the kiddos before you make a paid commitment.

31. Shape Up NYC – Citywide

Kids ages 11 and up can take part in NYC's free series of fitness programs, Shape Up NYC. Though they're sometimes held outside in parks, many programs take place in libraries and recreational centers around the city. All are free (even when they're held in rec centers, which typically require a membership).

32. Recreation Centers – Multiple Locations (City-wide)

NYC has many recreation centers around the city, which (as previously stated) do require a membership. Membership for anyone under 24 is free, though, so teens can take advantage of all the indoor fitness equipment and classes at their local park.

33. KEEN – Multiple Locations

The KEEN program, which stands for "Kids Enjoy Exercise Now," provides free sports and art classes for kids free of charge. You can register kids for yoga, art, basketball, swimming, general fitness, and more at multiple indoor locations around Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn.

34. Gotham Gymnastics – Boerum Hill, Brooklyn

Though most of the activities at Gotham Gymnastics are paid, the space offers a free half-hour Mini Open Gym every Thursday for tiny tots ages 6 months through walking. Introduce your littlest ones to movement in a fun and gentle way with this free program.

What Are Some Cool (and Totally Free) Indoor Events for Families in NYC?

35. Home Depot – Multiple Locations

The Home Depot holds free in-store children's workshops on the first Saturday of every month. Register in advance to build something unique every month. No experience is necessary, and all tools and materials are provided.

36. Library Storytimes and Read-alongs – Citywide

Your local library is one of the best resources for a rainy day. Whether you're looking to entertain a toddler or a teen, most libraries have a regular rotating roster of classes, workshops, sing-alongs, and storytimes. Check the NYPL, BPL, and Queens Public Library websites to see what's happening at a library near you.

37. Greenlight Bookstore Read-alongs and Book Clubs – Downtown Brooklyn

Book-loving kids can stop by Greenlight Bookstore to take part in its read-alongs for ages 8 and under, which are held regularly throughout the year. The bookstore also has a tween book club for kids ages 9-12, where kids can discuss that month's book while enjoying a slice of pizza. (Parents are welcome but not required to attend.)

38. Wonderspark Puppets – Multiple Locations

The traveling troupe of free puppet shows at Wonderspark holds pop-up performances around the city (and beyond!). Shows are usually held at public indoor spaces, like libraries, and are best for younger kids (preschool and younger.)

39. BAM Kids Events – Fort Greene (Brooklyn)

The Brooklyn Academy of Music has a whole lineup of family and children's shows, film screenings, and other events. Be warned: Not all are free, though many (like the family-friendly film festivals) are and only require an advanced reservation.

Which Free Indoor Spots Are Best for Toddlers vs. Teens?

Best for Babies: Gotham Gymnastics – Boerum Hill, Brooklyn

There aren't that many free indoor spaces where babies can play for free, so Gotham Gymnastics' Mini Open Gym is a great chance to ensure your little one is getting guided movement and meeting milestones.

Best for Toddlers: Toys 'R' Us – Herald Square

The Macy's Toys 'R' Us is perfect for the toddler age group since it's one of the few free indoor places where they can explore and play.

Best for Elementary School Kids: Chelsea Market – Chelsea

There's so much to explore at Chelsea Market, and the over-the-top seasonal decor will wow elementary school-aged kids.

Best for Tweens: Greenlight's Book Club – Downtown Brooklyn

Greenlight Bookstore encourages reading and builds independence through its Tween book club, making it a perfect pick for the 9-12 crowd.

Best for Teens: Pier 57 – Chelsea

With oversized (indoor) lawn games, a sprawling, climate-controlled space, free Wi-Fi, and foodie friendly eats nearby, teens can easily kill an afternoon here.

FAQs for Free Indoor Places to Play in NYC

What can kids do indoors for free in NYC?
NYC is full of free indoor spaces where families can learn, play, and relax. Libraries are a great option since they're always free and have all-ages programs and events year-round. There are also free museums, community centers, art galleries, storytimes, and even a few indoor playground spots for kids.

Are there free indoor playgrounds in NYC?
NYC doesn't have too many indoor playgrounds, but two of our favorites are the 81st Street Studio at The Met, and the small romping spot hidden in the Toys 'R' Us outpost at Macy's.

Where can I go on a rainy day with kids in NYC?
Head inside any library, bookstore, or shopping mall on a rainy day to stay dry. You can also check out some indoor gardens and lounge areas, like Lincoln Center's lobby and atrium. If you plan ahead, you can also make use of free museum days.

What are the best free things to do indoors with toddlers in NYC?
Library and bookstore storytimes are great options for indoor play with toddlers in NYC. Besides these, you can while away the day and get some energy out by exploring grand indoor spaces like the Oculus, Grand Central, or Hudson Yards.

Do museums in NYC have free days?
Many NYC museums have free days! Some are also donation-based (so you can pay as much as you can afford), or grant free admission with library cards or culture passes. Other museums, like the Skyscraper Museum and the Museum of the American Indian, are always free to the public.

This article, originally published in 2014, is updated annually. Stephanie Ogozalek​ contributed additional reporting.