Here’s some good news for museum-loving families—NYC has plenty of FREE museums to explore. From science and history to art and culture, we scouted out the museums that cost nothing to enter (of course, donations are always appreciated). And with interactive exhibits that keep kids engaged and informed, you’ll find you’ll keep coming back, especially since you don’t have to pay to visit. Scroll down for our favorite free museums that everyone in the family will enjoy. (featured photo credit: istock/ULU_BIRD)
7 Free Museums In NYC
With a smaller, cozy space full of colorful exhibits, kids will love meandering through this museum. One of the best parts is that it makes art feel approachable and fun, featuring quilts, sculptures, and whimsical handmade pieces. Kids will love the interactive, hands-on programs and chances for them to create their own art.
2 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023
Introduce your kids to bold, contemporary art at the Bronx Museum of the Arts. With rotating exhibitions, there is always something for everyone to enjoy, including diverse artists and stories that give kids a different perspective and can foster meaningful conversations. Look for their family-friendly programs, workshops, and interactive art activities. The best part? This museum is typically less crowded than some of the city’s bigger museums.
1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456
With family-friendly programs including crafts, music, and demonstrations, this museum brings history and culture to life in a way the whole family can enjoy. As you walk through the museum, you will find interactive exhibits, gorgeous artifacts, and storytelling-centered displays that help kids connect with Native cultures. Check out the interactive, family-friendly imagiNATIONS Activity Center, where it explores Native science and innovation.
One Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004
Looking for a museum where kids can immerse themselves in art but in a more playful way? At MoMA PS1, you’ll find exactly that. With large, open spaces and unconventional installations, kids are encouraged to roam freely, making it feel less traditional and more like an artistic adventure. Along with the exhibits, the museum offers family-friendly programs and events year-round.
22-25 Jackson Avenue, Queens, NY 11101
Its most famous attraction is a massive, detailed scale model of all five boroughs called the Panorama of the City of New York, and it’s a must-see. This museum feels like exploring the entire city in one room, bringing kids face-to-face with the vibrancy of New York City. Interactive exhibits and family-friendly programs also encourage kids’ creativity and discovery, which helps keep them engaged.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Building, Corona Park, Queens, NY 11368
The Nicholas Roerich Museum
This calm, relaxed museum is filled with colorful, story-like paintings and is a great place to explore at a comfortable pace without feeling overwhelmed. With over 200 paintings on display, you can spend the entire afternoon wandering around and taking it all in. The museum also hosts events, including free concerts.
319 West 107th Street, New York, NY 10025
The Skyscraper Museum
This museum is devoted to all things skyscraper. Kids who like to build will be intrigued by the design and ways skyscrapers are ingrained in city life. Exhibits focus on how the skyscrapers are part of the city’s vertical landscape, along with a 36-foot-long mural that shows the skyscraper’s evolution.
39 Battery Place, New York, NY 10280
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