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New York City, other than being the city that never sleeps, is also an excellent vacation destination. We have a list of free things to do in New York for you if you’re considering a New York Vacation but worried about the selection or availability of great family activities in which to participate. Let me put your mind to rest. Many family activities in New York City will appeal to all ages, from toddlers to teens. Some of these great activities are surprisingly easy on the pocketbook despite New York City’s reputation for being an expensive place to live and/or visit. You can find a lot to do without needing the New York City Pass.
Free Things to do in New York
There are many ways the careful planner can enjoy many of this great city’s attraction for little or no cost. Most museums offer free admission one night or day each week. Check around and plan your trip to that particular museum on the free days and evenings. Additionally, several of the museums offer a ‘pay what you wish’ policy, which allows you to provide a donation for entrance rather than having a set price that would exclude many from visiting. Visiting museums are an excellent way for everyone in your family to gain some cultural insight from their New York City visit while the free nights make this experience rather easy on the pocketbook.
In addition to these museums, you can also experience the technology of tomorrow at the Sony Wonder Technology Lab at no cost or take a stroll down the boardwalk of Coney Island. In the winter, try ice-skating in Rockefeller Center. If you have the time and inclination, Queens County Farm Museum offers free admission (except special events, so be sure to check) and provides the family with a step back in time.
To take a bite out of the Big Apple, try the market at Union Square Green Market. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, you will find all kinds of yummy goodies to eat and drink. There are also many walking tours, some guided (these tend to cost money), and many self-guided tours you can take through the neighborhoods of New York as well as some historic walking tours.
For a truly historical experience, visit Federal Hall National Memorial. Admission is free, and you will be able to view American History at its core. This is the place where George Washington took the oath of office, and our form of democracy was born. For any American history buff or school-aged child, this is one of the must-see freebies available in New York City. Other national parks in New York City that are of interest historically include Ellis Isle, the Statue of Liberty, Grant’s Tomb, and Fort Wadsworth. Each of these parks offers free admission to the general public and makes an excellent place for the entire family to not only visit and enjoy but also to learn about our History.
Get the New York CityPASS, Adult, ages 18+ by clicking this linkGot kids? Get the New York CityPASS, Child, ages 6?17 by clicking here
Wave Hill is another great place to visit. This tour is free during the week, otherwise its nominal cost for both adults and for children. Regardless of whether you go during the week or on the weekend, it is still an excellent value for the price of your visit.
Of course, this is only a small sample of the many free and low priced things to do in this great city. You will want to wear comfortable walking shoes for the many miles your feet will take you in this fascinating city. In addition to the many family activities mentioned above, New York City is home to some of the world’s most beautiful parks, which also offer free recreational and cultural experiences to their visitors.
I highly recommend that you pay careful attention to try and plan free activities. Activities that cost little money with those other can’t miss events in similar areas. This will save time (a considerable commodity when traveling around New York City) and the money you would pay in transportation fees. Planning your trip ahead of time is one of the most economical decisions you can make. This doesn’t mean that you can’t be flexible if you see something when you get there, just that you have a pretty good idea of the things you want to do balanced with the reality of the budget with which you have to do them all. The most important thing to do is to have fun!
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