Explore Kids Museums in New York City

Explore art, culture, jazz, film, theater and more! Several kid-friendly museums are always gratis (or pay-what-you-wish), and tons more offer special free museum days. Here are some ideas. Exploring cool and out of the ordinary is one of our favorite free things to do with kids, so check out our list and get going! Please call ahead to confirm schedules and fees as they are subject to change.

Children’s Museum of the Arts 
Pay what you wish on Thursdays from 4-6pm

Children’s Museum of Manhattan 
Free admission on the first Friday of every month from 5-8pm

National September 11 Memorial & Museum 
Free museum admission on Tuesdays from 5pm to close. Memorial admission free. Children ages 6 and under free.

Jewish Children’s Museum 
Children under age 2 free. New York Hall of Science Free admission on Fridays from 2–5pm and Sundays from 10– 11am.

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
Free admission every Friday from 4–8pm. Children ages 16 and under free.

 
New York Aquarium 
Pay what you wish on Fridays starting at 3pm. Children ages 2 and under free.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art 
Admission by suggested donation. Children under age 12 free.

Rose Center for Earth and Space (at the American Museum of Natural History) 
Pay what you wish.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden 
FREE admission on Tuesdays, Saturdays from 10am- 12pm (except during festivals) and weekdays between December and February