1. Bronx Zoo: If you are a Bank of America (BOA) customer and have a BOA ATM, Debit or Credit Card, you get free admissions on the first weekend of every month. Also on Wednesdays throughout the year admissions is pay as you wish or you just give a donation. You may have to pay for separate exhibits. It is one of the biggest zoos that we’ve been to.

2. Toys r Us: This 3 Story toy heaven is right in the heart of Times Square. There is also a Ferris wheel ride inside the store! The kids can sit in their favorite seat on the wheel: a cozy coupe, school bus, or pink Barbie Cadillac, Cars. You can also go to FAO Schwarz. This huge 50,000 square feet Toy store is located at 5^th Avenue -58^th Street, and is a NYC landmark. The giant Bobby the Toy Soldier by the entrance is very welcoming, and a great photo opportunity. They have lots of interactive activities including a dance – on piano; the same one Tom Hanks danced on, in the movie Big.

3. Brooklyn Botanical Garden:  There is a free program on Saturdays from 10-12, if there are no special events going on. Children under 12 are always free.

4. NY Aquarium, Brooklyn: As BOA customers the first weekends are free. Or, every Friday between 3:00pm until closing at 4:30pm, it’s pay as you wish. Children under 2 are always free. The kids are sure to enjoy exhibits with over 8000 animals from as far as Southwest Coast of Africa to the nearby Hudson River.

5. The Jewish Museum: Children Under 12 are always free. They have Free Saturdays from 11am to 5:45pm. In addition, as BOA customer the first weekends of every month is free. Kids 3-10 can enjoy the interactive, Archaeology Zone. Here the kids can discover what happens to the artifacts once they are unearthed and brought to the labs for analysis.

6. Children Museum of Art: On Thursdays from 4-6pm, it’s Pay as you wish. The art work by young people from 50 different countries and some adults all geared towards children is sure to spike their interest in art.

7. Skating Rinks: The admission to Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink is free. However the skate rentals are $12 each. If you are visiting family / friends you can always borrow theirs, that’s what we do! The South Street Seaport – Seaport Ice Admissions is only $5, and $7 (cash only) for skate rental. Ice skating at Rockefeller Center, this is a great winter season experience in NYC. The admission is only $5, Monday – Thursday 11:30am to 1:00pm.

8. NY Hall of Science: This is located at Flushing, Queens, and is free for BOA customers on the first weekend of every month. September through June admission is Free on Fridays 2-5pm, and Sundays 10-11am. Kids can explore and enjoy the hands on science and technology exhibits.

9. Story times: No matter where you are, kids always enjoy story time; and a little downtime for you. Most Barnes & Noble bookstores offer story times for different kid’s age group. Time and days will vary by location. You also want to check it by the local library close to where you are staying. Usually story times last about 30 minutes, with stories, songs, coloring or some arts and crafts. The best part is that it’s always free!!

10. Coney Island Beach: People usually don’t come to New York for its beaches. However this beach located in Brooklyn, offers the combined fun of a 3 mile boardwalk, the not so common seashore Circus Sideshow, and an amusement park. You can also enjoy walking on the long pier.

You can also read my article, 10 Family Fun things to do in New York City for FREE for other great activities. If you have a little extra in your budget, tours4fun provides guided new york city tour  of some of the places mentioned in this article and many other NYC attractions, including helicopter tours, and 90 minute skyline cruise starting from $26.

Which one of these activities has your kids enjoyed the most?

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