Free & Cheap in New York: Wednesday, Dec. 26

Free & Cheap in New York: Wednesday, Dec. 26

Children can get chills and thrills as they ride down a 25-foot ice slide. Photo by Luke Groskin

HAVE AN ICE DAY. For a really cool time, check out the Wildlife-Themed Ice Carvings all week at the Bronx Zoo. Watch artists turns frozen blocks into glistening sculptures of turtles, sharks and sea lions, and kids can ride down a 25-foot ice slide. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Suggested admission: Adults, $ 16; seniors, $ 14; children, $ 12. 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx. (718) 367-1010. Info: bronxzoo.com.

PICTURE PERFECT. Brooklyn photographer Jamel Shabazz celebrates “Men of Honor and Women of Distinction” at the Central Library. His exhibit is a salute to police officers, military personnel and others who “uphold the principles of family, community and civic service.” 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn. (718) 230-2100.

IN-CIDER KNOWLEDGE. The Museum at Eldridge St. will host a Hot Cider Walking Tour through the lower East Side. Visit synagogues, Yiddish newspaper buildings, socialist hot spots and sample treats from local vendors, including rugelach, bialys and pickled herring. 2 p.m. Adults, $ 25; students and seniors, $ 18. 12 Eldridge St. (212) 219-0888.

‘KWANZAA’ FOR KIDDIES. Children (ages 5 and under) can “Meet the Holiday: Kwanzaa Celebration!” at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. They can explore meaning and traditions of this African-themed event and even create a holiday-inspired craft to take home. 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. Admission: $ 9; free for children under 1. 145 Brooklyn Ave. (718) 735-4400.

JOIN THE JET SET. In its “See It in 70MM” series, the Walter Reade Theater screens “West Side Story,” the 1961 Oscar-winning musical for Best Picture. The 70MM, a precursor of IMAX, captured the wide streets and horizons of New York City in this moving story of love, race and gang warfare. 3 p.m. Adults, $ 13; students, children and seniors, $ 9. 165 W. 65th St. (212) 875-5600.

DOWN BELOW GROUND. Take a “December Vacation” at the New York Transit Museum. At Subway Safari, children can build crafts and hear stories about animals that spend most of their time underground, much like MTA trains. 11 a.m. Adults, $ 7; kids, 2-17, $ 5; seniors, free. 130 Livingston St, Brooklyn. (718) 694-1600.

FARM LIVING IS THE LIFE FOR ME. The Queens County Farm Museum, which dates back to 1697, will hold a Holiday Open House. There will be cider and kids’ activities on the property, which also includes a greenhouse, an orchard and lots of livestock. Noon-4 p.m. Free. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway. (718) 347-3276.

YOU LUCKY SEW-AND-SEW. Try your hand at needlecrafts at the Lefferts Historic House, built by a Dutch family in the 18th century. It’s also the home for its current exhibit of “Cool Quilts.” 1-3 p.m. Free. Prospect Park, Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn. (718) 789-2822.

LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU. Drag personality Hedda Lettuce hosts a musical and comic Christmas camp at the Metropolitan Room. 9:30 p.m. $ 25 cover, two-drink minimum. 34 W. 22nd St. (212) 206-0440.