Yahoo Finance 6 Fun and Cheap (or Free) Things To Do in New York City This Summer
New York City is known as the city that doesn’t sleep. And for anyone who’s been there, you probably also know it’s a city that doesn’t stop spending. If you’re in Manhattan or trendy parts of Brooklyn, it’s all too easy to dish out a fortune. Even ostensibly affordable restaurants and cafés can bust your budget, and there are endless rows of shops encouraging you to buy souvenirs and indulge in retail therapy. And then of course there’s the astronomical cost of living there — 128% higher than the national average, according to Payscale.
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Even tourists feel the impact of big costs in the Big Apple; according to Statista, the average cost for overnight accommodation in New York was $504 as of last September 2023 — and prices are expected to go up. It all prompts the question, “How can you enjoy a summer vacation in NYC without breaking the bank?” Let’s look at six cheap or free things you can do in this awesome location.
Parks (You Have Several Options, All Free)
When you think of NYC, images of lush nature may not spring to mind. The city is better known for its busy sidewalks and intense hustle-and-bustle energy. But NYC has several green oases that are idyllic in the summer. Most famously there is Central Park in Manhattan that spans 834 acres and has more than 18,000 trees and over 200 species of birds. You should also check out Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Tompkins Square Park in the East Village or The Battery in Lower Manhattan. All are free to enjoy.
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The Met and Other Museums
What’s a visit to New York City without a trip to one of the most famous museums in the world: The Met? Tickets are $30 for adults, $22 for seniors and $17 for students. Kids under 12 get in for free. And for New York State residents and New York, New Jersey and Connecticut students, you can pay what you want although you have to pay something. For anyone who has to pay, it’s worth the price when you consider how much time you can spend there and the amount of historical and modern art experiences you can soak up. Founded in 1870, The Met is home to art collections spanning 5,000 years of world culture — from prehistory to the present. If you’re free on a Friday evening, check out special events that run through 9 p.m.
There are plenty of other museums to visit in NYC. The Guggenheim is another must-see in Manhattan, and costs around the same as The Met. Children under 12 get in at no cost, so this too is an excellent choice for families traveling with kids. For a more somber but equally important cultural experience, go to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in lower Manhattan. Admission prices range from $21-$33.
Free Summer Movies
Rather than paying for a movie ticket, enjoy a free movie in one of NYC’s parks. You can find a list of what’s playing and where here. Most of the showings are in the late evenings, so this one may not be ideal if you have a little one with an early bedtime.
Free Kayaking in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Want a fun water activity to take the edge off the sweltering humidity and catch some gorgeous views of lower Manhattan and the NYC harbor? Hit up the Brooklyn Bridge Park. The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy and Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse partner to provide free kayaking adventures every summer. Live vests are included.
The High Line
You don’t need to spend any money to take a pleasant stroll on the High Line, a 1.5-mile long park constructed on an old elevated rail line that runs from Gansevoort St. to 34th St. Here, you’ll find blissful gardens, art shows, boutique vendors and awesome street food. It’s totally free to check out, but donations go a long way to support this vibrant community.
Coney Island
Come for the city lights and stay for the bustling beaches! Sure, you won’t find white-sand coasts or translucent water in a city that is, frankly, somewhat grimy, but you will find some fun in the sun. Your best bet, particularly if you’re on a family excursion, is to jaunt over to Luna Park Coney Island in the southwestern section of Brooklyn. Not only will you enjoy a boardwalk with rides (daredevils should check out the Cyclone, a historic rollercoaster) street food and drinks, but you can also find some fun free events happening all summer long. Though Coney Island is free to visit, you’ll have to pay to go on the rides.
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