Free summer events for kids in New York City

Governors Island

Photograph: Courtesy of Governors Island

Has there ever been a summer when no-cost family programs were more welcome? Back in the Roaring 2000s, parents may have filed the city’s numerous warm-weather festivals under the dubious heading, “If we have time.…” You’d have loved to check out all the city had to offer, but between weekending with friends at their beach house and visiting family in the Midwest—well, you didn’t get around to much. Hey, there’s always next year.

Now, suddenly everyone’s playing a game called “How little can we spend this summer and still have fun?” Here in your favorite cultural metropolis, families can cut way back on their entertainment spending—without having to settle for weak, discount-rack distractions. The following pages list swimming lessons, movie screenings, Chinese acrobats, play spaces, tween heartthrobs, an auto show and tons of live music—all free (which is less than the cost of sitting home with the AC blasting).

Here’s to New York City families: Keep on rockin’ in the free world!

JUNE | JULY | AUGUST