Are there free outdoor things to do with kids in New York City?

11 outdoor activities in New York City are free, including Central Park, Heckscher Playground, Battery Playscape.

How many outdoor activities in New York City are stroller-friendly?

15 of the 17 outdoor activities in New York City are fully stroller-friendly.

Best Outdoor Activities for Kids in New York City

17 outdoor adventures for families in New York City. Parks, trails, playgrounds, and fresh-air fun for every age group.

Highest rated: Central Park, Heckscher Playground, Thain Family Forest. 11 are free. Every listing includes age ratings, stroller access, and parent tips.

Top Picks

Central Park

4.8 stars

Central Park has 21 different playgrounds scattered throughout its 840 acres, including the hugely popular Heckscher Playground at 62nd Street with wa

All agesFreeOutdoor$0 park entry; budget $30-$60 for food from park vendors and nearby restaurants, $12 for carousel rides ($4/person), $0-$8 for rowboat ($15/hour for a boat holds 4 people)

Heckscher Playground

4.7 stars

Heckscher Playground is the largest and most iconic playground in Central Park — with sprawling equipment, multiple age zones, sand areas, and the uni

Best for ages 2-12FreeOutdoor$0 playground + $20-40 for Central Park lunch/snacks = very affordable

Thain Family Forest

4.7 stars

The Thain Family Forest is 50 acres of old-growth forest right in the middle of the Bronx — the largest tract of old-growth woodland remaining in New

Best for ages 4 and upOutdoorIncluded in NYBG All-Garden Pass ($60-$80 for 2 adults; children 12 and under free on qualifying days)

Battery Playscape

4.7 stars

Battery Playscape is an award-winning nature-themed playground in The Battery park at the southern tip of Manhattan, with views of New York Harbor, th

Best for ages 2-10FreeOutdoor$0 playground + $20-40 for food/drinks nearby = very affordable day

Children's Zoo

4.7 stars

The Children's Zoo is designed around animal interactions appropriate for young children — kids can get close to goats, sheep, prairie dogs, and other

Best for ages 2-9OutdoorIncluded in Bronx Zoo general admission (~$150-$200 for full-day family visit)

Free