Museum of Natural History
The Discovery Room at the American Museum of Natural History is a cool place to hang out in on it's own, but their free story time makes it even better for Preschoolers. Every Monday morning during the school year, except holidays, little kids can enjoy a free play time, plus an educational story, singing and then a visit to the related Museum Hall. There are two sessions: 10:30 or 11:15.

Once Upon a Blue Marble...
Listen to fun stories while chillin' with some ice cream at Blue Marble Ice Cream story time. Every Thursday morning at 420 Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill, from 10:30am - 12:00pm. Three stories will be read starting with something for one and two year olds and 10:30, 2-3s at 11 and 3s-s at 11:30. Free with $3 ice cream purchase...great excuse![Closed]

FAO Schwarz
Unfortunately FAO Schwarz closed in July 2015.
Every day at 11, 1 and 3, one of the famous toy soldiers from FAO takes time out of his busy day to read to youngsters. Occasionally they host other free story times with guest authors or other events so check the calendar. Or stick around to watch the giant piano dancers or other fun demos.

Mt Vernon Hotel and Museum
This historic mansion and museum right in Midtown at 421 E 61st St. hosts a storytime on the third Friday of the month at 10:30am. Each day has a theme that both the story and follow-up activity reflect. After the story time, the museum also has a Children's Corner where kids can dress up in 19th Century clothing and play in a reproduction kitchen.

Get Fresh Table and Market
A new toddler story hour is being offered at Park Slope's Get Fresh on Tuesdays at 5:30. The event is free, but scheduled conveniently at dinner time with a healthy kids menu available for purchase. 370 Fifth Ave (btwn 5th and 6th Sts, Brooklyn)

Global Story Hour
A new museum-like space has opened at 6 River Terrace in Battery Park City, The Action Center, dedicated to educating people about world poverty and hunger. Every Friday at 3:30 they host a Global Story Hour where kids can learn about new countries and cultures and engage in interactive activities. Suggested donation of $5 goes to help end world hunger.

The Moxie Spot
Sadly, Moxie Spot closed in December 2014

Scholastic Store
Sadly, the Scholastic Store closed in January 2015

McNally Jackson
Also in SoHo, at 52 Prince Street, bookseller McNally Jackson hosts a kids storytime with storyteller Yvonne Brooks including arts and crafts for kids ages 3 - 7, every Saturday at noon in the children’s section. Baby Storytime with storyteller Cheryl Sucher takes place on Friday at 4:00 PM for ages 0 - 2.

Books of Wonder
Wonderful Bookshop Books of Wonder, at 18 W 18th St, has been offering their Sunday Story Time every week at from noon to 1 for ages. They also have a cafe or go across the street to City Bakery. Yum!

For more indoor activities don't miss our Indoor Guide.