Free in August: 75+ Things To Do in NYC with Kids

Bryant Park's Picnic Performances welcome New Yorkers to experience the city’s vibrant arts and culture. Photo by Ryan Muir Lores
Bryant Park's Picnic Performances welcome New Yorkers to experience the city’s vibrant arts and culture. Photo by Ryan Muir Lores
8/4/23 - By Drew Kristofik

NYC empties in August, but the free things to do keep rolling. The lull before back-to-school is anything but dull, and we've found 75 fun free August activities in NYC for families. Our top picks for fun, free things to do this August include Summer Streets, which sets kids loose with awesome activities at rest stops along the way, the annual Blues Barbecue in Hudson River Park, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Fest, and the always-lovely Hindu Lamp Ceremony.

Legions of dancers take over Battery Park for the week-long Battery Dance Fest. And music and kites harmonize at FlyNYC in Riverside Park.

Finally, August ends "love all," when Arthur Ashe Kids' Day returns during US Open Fans Week. Plus, you can play with MommyPoppins at the Seaport on August 23!

So, put away your wallet and venture out for one of these fun, free things to do in NYC this August. We also have a full list of free outdoor movies. Be sure to keep the Mommy Poppins Family Activity Calendar handy for new ideas and updates, and consult our giant list of 100 FREE things to do this summer for even more picks.

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Places featured in this article:


George Seuffert Bandshell

Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Riverside Park

Various locations in Queens and Staten Island

Pier 26 in Hudson River Park

Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens

Central Park - Naumburg Bandshell

Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens

National Parks - Multiple Locations

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Riverside Park, Pier 1

Hudson River Park - Pier 76

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park - Pier 5