Alternative Child-care Services

Use the links below to search for child-care options.

For more information, contact [email protected].

Baruch College Now Summer Program 2024

College Now is a collaborative effort between the City University of New York (CUNY) and the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) to improve NYC public high school students’ academic achievement.

Through College Now, students become immersed in and inspired by Baruch campus life through visiting facilities and participating in academic, social, and cultural events. Interaction with our faculty and students provides College Now students with an authentic college experience. This eases the transition from high school to college and prepares students for a successful academic career.

The deadline to submit applications is April 5, 2024.

Summer Camps with 1199SEIU Member Discounts

Many summer camps offer discounts, including early bird rates, to 1199SEIU members. Check our provider listings to see what's available in your area.

Dial-A-Teacher

Dial-A-Teacher, the UFT's free homework help hotline, is once again open on Mondays through Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.

Facilitated Enrollment Scholarship Program

The Facilitated Enrollment Scholarship Program provides financial support for working families to help cover child care costs.

New York Public Library

The New York Public Library offers free summer-long events and programming for youth. With specific events for kids and teens, including reading recommendations, exhibitions and much more, there’s something fun and informative for all ages. Learn more about upcoming events and programs happening at library branches throughout New York City by visiting the New York Public Library website.

NYC Child Care Connect, administered by NYC Health

Search for Camp, Infant and Toddler Child Care Centers, Pre-School, School Based Child Care.

NYC Parks Department Free Summer Activities for Kids

The NYC Parks Department offers lots of fun and free summer activities throughout New York City, including outdoor pools and swim programs, summer meals, organized sports, digital tech programs, movies, rec centers and family camping.

Office of Children and Family Services, Division of Child Care Services

Search for Day Care Center, Group Family Day Cares, Family Day Cares, School-aged child care.

WDI Child Care Scholarship Program

WDI’s Child Care Scholarship Program provides financial support for working families to help cover child care costs.

Discounted Programs

Cool Culture Family Pass

Provided to schools that serve 3K, Universal Pre-K and Kindergarten students. Families can sign up to receive a Cool Culture Family Pass for free admission to different museums/cultural centers around the city.

Culture Connected

Program that provides disenfranchised families with discounts for events around New York City. The website also provides free events around NYC.

Culture Pass

If you have a library card from either the Brooklyn, New York, or Queens Public libraries you can reserve free passes through the website for various museums/cultural institutions. Cardholders must be 13 years of age or older; apply for the passes through the link below.

Fair Fares NYC

City program that provides half-fare Metrocards for low-income New Yorkers. Check to see if you qualify with the link below.

Discounted Institutions

Bronx

The Bronx Zoo 

The Bronx Zoo offers free admission on Wednesdays, giving families access to more than 265 acres and over 10,000 animals. To get your free tickets, head to the “Plan Your Visit” section on the zoo’s website, click “Buy Tickets” then go to the “Wednesday Tickets” section on Mondays at 5:00 pm. Select “Wednesday Limited Admission” (restrictions apply).

Brooklyn

Brooklyn Children’s Museum (BCM)

Provides free and discounted general admission tickets for healthcare workers, EBT/SNAP cardholders, Cool Culture, Culture Pass, Association of Children’s Museums, Association of Science and Technology, NYPD, FDNY, Blue Star Families and teachers.

BCM provides free membership to IDNYC cardholders. This membership provides free admission to the museum for the cardholder and discounted admission for all additional guests.

Brooklyn Museum

Museum in the heart of Brooklyn that offers exhibits and various events. General admission is suggested, so you pay as you wish.

Manhattan

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Discounted admission for individuals enrolled in specific programs. Person must provide photo ID and accompanying card in person.

Free admission: Blue Star Families (active-duty military and reservist personnel and their families), EBT/SNAP cardholders, Cool Culture Family Pass (families with a child enrolled in a participating early childhood center or elementary school), NYC agencies for card holder ONLY (Department of Education, Department of Homeless Services, Administration for Children’s Services and Department of Corrections), NYC Museum Community, Household families up to five people for active NYPD and FDNY employees, and members of United Federation of Teachers.

Discounted admission: You will receive a discount for up to six individuals if you are a member of the Association of Children’s Museums.

Governor’s Island (Brooklyn Ports will open soon)

Various events and activities on specific dates. All ticket prices are round trip.

Free for: All passengers on Saturdays and Sundays before noon, adults 65 years of age or older, children 12 years of age or younger, Residents of NYCHA housing, IDNYC holders, Military servicemembers (former or active) and Friends of Governor Island members.

Madame Tussauds

Wax Museum located in the heart of Times Square.

Provides discounted rates for groups of 10 or more, local groups serving children and non profit groups. Free ticket for every 20 people booked.

Queens

Queens County Farm Museum

Historic farm site located in Queens. Free to the public except for special ticketed admission days and group visits.

Queens Botanical Garden

Urban oasis where people, plants and cultures are celebrated through inspiring gardens.

Admission is free for everyone December 16-March 31, children 3 years of age and younger are free April 1-December 15. It is closed on Mondays year-round except on national holidays.

Free for: IDNYC cardholders, members of American Public Gardens Association, Blue Star Families (active military members) up to five family members, Culture Pass and Cool Culture (up to five family members).

CUNY students pay $2 for admission.

Museum of the Moving Image

Museum on the history and technology of film, television and digital media.

Free general admission Thursdays from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm (no reservations required), free general admission for teachers with an ID, free general admission for US active-duty military personnel and veterans with valid ID or service record, free general admission for NYC families registered with Cool Culture and free admission through Culture Pass (must reserve through their system and present a voucher).

$3 general admission for visitors with disabilities who present either their half-fare Metrocard or Access-A-Ride ID.

New York Botanical Garden

Its role is to house living plant collections arranged in gardens and landscapes across its National Historic Landmark site.

Children under 2 years of age and Patrons/Members get free admission.

Staten Island

Staten Island Children’s Museum

A diverse community where children can be empowered to learn and play.

Free or discounted tickets for: Corporate Members, Cool Culture families, Culture Connected passholders, adult EBT/SNAP cardholders, and members of the Association of Children’s Museums and Association of Science and Technology Centers.

Snug Harbor (Cultural Center & Botanical Garden)

A place where history, architecture, visual and performing arts, gardens, agriculture, and education come together.

Main outdoor grounds and gardens are free of charge to the public seven-days a week.

Long Island

Long Island Children’s Museum

Exhibits, programs, and performances that help fuel children’s creativity.

Provides discounts for members but need to call for details.

Starting on Armed Forces Day through the day before Labor Day, admission is free for active-duty military families. All year long, there is free admission for one active duty or retired member of the military or their spouse showing military ID, plus one child.