A trip to New York City is worth is priceless but it’s not cheap. While getting there and staying in a hotel costs money, you can take it easy on your wallet by finding things to do for free. Do more on your vacation budget in New York City by checking out the following opportunities.
Go to Central ParkSure, the US is stocked with plenty of free public parks but only one of them is the Central Park. Built in the 1860s as an amenity to raise the prices of real estate uptown, the park is massive and stocked with monuments. If you don’t use the site for walking or bike riding, plop down for a picnic with the family.
See Fashion at FIT
NYC’s Fashion Institute holds the first gallery dedicated to the industry in the US. It’s stocked with over 50,000 pieces, some dating back to the 1800s. It’s great inspiration for any young girl or boy who is interested in the industry and would like to see rotating exhibits from current Institute students.
See Governor’s Island
Step outside the Marriott Fairfield Inn, find a cab or Uber, and then take a ferry to the 172-acre island. There, play mini golf, get on a 2-mile bike path, and explore pieces of history such as Nolan Park and the Admiral’s House.
Staten Island Ferry
Don’t be confused; Ferry tours cost money but those who are commuting and using the ferry’s services to get across the water get on free. You and family can be among the 19 million who hop on the Staten Island Ferry each year. It’s used to get to and from Manhattan from Staten Island and you and family can go across and back for free as commuters.
Go See a Taping
Tapings for a variety of talk shows are free. Put in a request to be a guest of a taping of Live with Kelly, Good Morning America, etc. Go online and obtain more information to get tickets for desired tapings in NYC.
Relive Hamilton
Hamilton is Broadway hit but you can retrace the steps of Alexander Hamilton at no cost of admission. At the forefront of your DIY tour would be Hamilton Grange. Research and additional cues in NYC can lead you to other places he frequented.
Walk the Highline
The Highline is an abandoned above-ground railroad track that now serves as the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds or plan on getting there early.
Read a Story at the Library
Kids may not be thrilled to visit a library but the Bryant Park New York Library is something special. The Main Reading room’s presentation is breathtaking and it would be fun to read a quick story with the kids. Free tours of the entire building are given on a first-come basis.
Do Some Yoga
Yoga to the People is a donation-based project that takes place around the city. There will be no bad karma involved for showing up with the family and appreciating the free yoga. Just pay it forward in another fashion in the future. Actually, it makes for a great lesson to teach the kids.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind