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3/3/24 - By Jody Mercier

The best things in life may be free—but for families used to the high cost of living in NYC, that sounds like crazy talk. That's why we've pulled together this list of free times to visit NYC museums, gardens, and zoos with little ones in tow.

Bookmark this list of when your kids are eligible for freebies at New York City's best family destinations, from tourist hot spots like the Statue of Liberty to all of the New York City's top museums for kids and the best zoos and gardens, too. We've included a few of our favorite picks in nearby locales, too.

Note: Some places may ask for proof of age. Looking for a 100% FREE outing? Check out our roundup of no-cost admission hours for all-ages at NYC museums and our list of 101 free things to do in NYC with kids.

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Free Admission for Under Age 1

Brooklyn Children's Museum
Children's Museum of Manhattan
Liberty Science Center
Staten Island Children's Museum
Bronx Children's Museum
Westchester Children's Museum
Legoland Discovery Center Westchester
Legoland Discovery Center American Dream

Free Admission for Under Age 2

American Museum of Natural History
Museum of Chinese in the Americas
Museum of Mathematics
New York Botanical Garden
New York Hall of Science
New York Transit Museum
Staten Island Museum

Free Admission for Ages 2 and Under

Bronx Zoo
Central Park Zoo
Museum of the Moving Image
New York Aquarium
New York City Fire Museum
Queens Zoo
Rye Playland
Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari
Staten Island Zoo

NYC museums with free admission for kids: Statue of Liberty Museum
The Statue of Liberty museum on Liberty Island offers visitors a new way to engage with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jody Mercier