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If you're looking for free outdoor play destinations, we've got plenty of picks in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds and our Winter Fun Guide.

Best Free Indoor Places to Play in NYC

1. Local Libraries

Not all branches are created equal, but there are plenty of cool, free indoor places to play throughout the city's library systems. We're particularly impressed with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library in Midtown; the newly renovated Brooklyn Heights Library and Greenpoint Public Library and Environmental Center in Brooklyn, plus Queens' Hunters Point Library. Find even more options on our list of libraries with great kid-friendly play spaces, and discover what's going on at all the branches in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

2. Grand Central Terminal

Train-watch, try out the whispering gallery, or take in one of the other kid-friendly activities at this commuter hub.

3. Bookstores

Pick up a new read and see what else is going on at one of our favorite independent bookshops, including author readings, craft activities, and even puppet shows.

4. FDNY Fire Zone

Kids can learn about fire safety from a real firefighter at the FDNY Fire Zone at this Rockefeller Center spot.

5. The Oculus

Gawk at the architectural wonder of The Oculus—a commuter hub and shopping destination at the World Trade Center. More than 100 stores and eateries occupy the soaring, yet subterranean, space.

RELATED: 100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

Play under the trees at the Brookfield Place Atrium. Photo by Janet Bloom

6. Public Atriums

Our list of favorite indoor public plazas includes the Winter Garden Atrium in Battery Park City. If you've worked up an appetite, Hudson Eats is not to be missed.

7. Toy Stores

Hit one of NYC's interactive stores. We love the magic mirrors and giant castles at the Disney Store Times Square, and the amazing, engaging CAMP store in the Flatiron District. Nearby, find Kidding Around, one of our favorite local toy stores.

8. Central Park

There are a handful of free indoor destinations in the 840-acre green space, including Belvedere Castle and the Dana Discovery Center at the lovely northeastern edge of the park.

9. FAO Schwarz

You don't have to spend a dime to have a blast at the mega toy wonderland FAO Schwarz. Check out the toy demos, meet a soldier, and dance on the iconic piano!

RELATED: 30 Days of Indoor Activities for Kids

Pose for a magical photo-op in an authentic London phone booth at Harry Potter New York. Photo by Jody Mercier

10. Harry Potter New York

Take flight in the Wizarding World at Harry Potter New York, which is brimming with wands, magical creatures, and plenty of nostalgia for fans of the series.

11. Essex Street Market

This Lower East Side food hall and market pays homage to its neighborhood's multicultural roots with a diverse mix of eats, plus fun, free programming, and cooking classes.

12. Industry City in Brooklyn

Explore all the artisanal shops at Industry City and check out the free public art exhibits and installations that pop up. Also check out Japan Village, a major hub for Japanese food and culture.

13. The Lego Store

Check out amazing re-creations of NYC landmarks at the Lego Store at Rockefeller Center. Live farther south? Visit the Flatiron Lego Store.

14. Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art and Storytelling

This Harlem children's museum is housed in a David Adjaye-designed building on 155th Street and offers plenty of room to create and explore, plus weekly performative storytelling events. Kids 8 and under are always free and adults enter for just $9.

RELATED: 50 Indoor Activities for a Rainy Day with the Kids

Try out new games or old favorites at Nintendo New York. Photo by Sara Marentette

15. Nintendo NYC

At the 10,000-square-foot Nintendo NY, kids can gawk at the giant Donkey Kong and test not-yet-released tech and video games.

16. Nature Centers

See what's going on at one of the NYC Parks Department's many nature centers. Enjoy hands-on activities such as tours, crafts, and face time with animals.

17. Take Advantage of free Hours

Don't forget: Many NYC museums, zoos, and the aquarium offer free hours on a weekly or monthly basis.

18. Museum of the City of New York

MCNY is always free for children under 20 and has rotating exhibits highlighting New York's development and history.

19. Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

Explore the always-free National Museum of the American Indian, housed in the historic US Custom House. Programming includes family-friendly films, workshops, and other no-cost fun.

20. Bronx Museum of the Arts

Introduce kids to contemporary art at the always-free Bronx Museum of the Arts.

21. Bronx Children's Museum

This dedicated kids' space has many options for discounts and free admission, including Cool Culture, NY Culture Pass, and EBT/SNAP recipients. Availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis so be sure to book your tickets online in advance.

22. Genesis House

Genesis House is an architectural gem that fuses culinary and cultural pursuits. It has an upscale Korean restaurant, a beautiful library with a tea garden, and an event space where a rotating roster of free art installations and experiences are held.

23. 81st Street Studio

Step inside The Met for free to explore its amazing art-and-science play space. Dubbed the 81st Street Studio, visiting the creative wonderland is free and a great jumping-off point to explore the museum!

24. Chelsea Market

Watch the bakers in action at Chelsea Market, where a number of the city's best bakeries are rolling out dough, or read a story in the children's section of Posman Books after grabbing a bite to eat.

25. American Girl Place

Kids play for free at American Girl Place, where you can meet the Girl of the Year, pose for pictures, and get hands-on with teeny, tiny playsets.

26. Toys "R" Us

Head to the seventh floor at Macy's Herald Square where Toys "R" Us has an on-site toy shop. You'll have to usher kids past aisles of goodies to find the play space nestled against the back wall.

27. Community Classroom at Pier 57

The Pier 57 Community Classrooms offer educational, recreational, and cultural experiences in an accessible and collaborative environment. Many of its programs are kid-friendly. Sample offerings include 3D printing classes and coding video games with Scratch. While you're there, enjoy the rooftop park and explore The James Beard Foundation's Market 57 food hall

This article, originally published in 2014, is updated annually.