SPRING FLING ON A SHOESTRING
Where to find the city’s best free escapades for kids
AFTER a winter where your living room has seen more dramatic exits and entrances than a Broadway stage, it’s high time to release the kiddos into the great urban outdoors.
In the Big Apple, there’s a bloom of opportunities for free fun. That’s right: New York City is shaking off its spendy reputation, serving slices of joy without asking for anything more than your smiles in return.
One for the birds
Who needs a safari when Prospect Park transforms into a feathery paradise every spring? Join the Prospect Park Alliance at the Audubon Center and dive beak-first into the world of our winged wonders.
With more than 250 species of birds flitting about, you’re stepping into a liveaction “Where’s Waldo?” of the avian variety. Fun games, bird walks and hands-on experiments will reveal the secrets of these colorful critters.
It’s not just about spotting these feathered friends; it’s about becoming part of a citizen science project that’s as educational as it is exciting. So, grab your little explorers and let them earn their wings in the most entertaining way possible.
95 Prospect Park West, Park Slope; NYCGovParks.org
Game night
Monday nights just got a major upgrade at the Hop Shoppe in Stapleton, SI, where the mantra is “Burgers, Brews and Bravo for the Kids!” Munchkins munch for free, and you get to enjoy your meal with a side of serenity (and a pint of your favorite brew).
On Mondays, with every adult entree, your little ones get a complimentary kids’ meal, as well as four tokens to dive into the arcade game adventures.
It’s a win-win: The kids are thrilled with their victorious game quests and you’re relishing that rare moment of peace, all while indulging in some of the finest burgers and beer on the island.
372 Van Duzer St., Stapleton; TheHopShoppe.com
Down by the riverside
Dive into fun at the Pier 26 Science Playground, where playtime meets marine science on the scenic shores of the Hudson River in Tribeca.
Designed by OLIN, this 4,000-square-foot playground isn’t your typical jungle gym. Instead, it’s an immersive adventure featuring two big play structures in the shape of the river’s very own aquatic stars — the endangered Atlantic and shortnose sturgeons. It’s a hands-on (or feet-on) way to learn about conservation and the river’s ecosystem.
Located at the tip of North Moore Street, this unique play space makes every visit a discovery.
231 West St., Tribeca; HudsonRiverPark.org
Riding the waves
Gear up for an adventure that’s as fun as it is free — kayaking on the Hudson. Kicking off May 25, this isn’t just any kayaking; it’s a chance for kids and their favorite adults to team up and tackle the gentle currents of the Hudson with easy-tonavigate, sit-on-top kayaks, perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.
With everything from life vests to sunblock provided, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a waterproof camera to capture those smiles). Expert guides are on hand to give you a quick rundown before you set sail.
231 West St., Tribeca; DowntownBoathouse.org
Get carded
Did you know your library card is basically a magic wand this summer? Yep, if you’re 13 or older and have a card from the Brooklyn, Queens or New York Public Library, you’re in for a treat.
With the Culture Pass, you can reserve and download free passes to more than 90 awesome spots all over NYC. Unravel the secrets at the American Museum of Natural History, have a howl of a time with the furballs at the AKC Museum of the Dog or take a voyage back in time at the National Lighthouse Museum.
Whether you’re into buzzing around the lively Bronx Children’s Museum, visiting a gallery or prefer peaceful walks in the city’s gorgeous gardens, there’s something for everyone.