Free Family Activities in NYC This Weekend

New York City is one of the world’s most iconic cities, home to the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Times Square, and a major global financial center. With its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant energy, it’s no wonder why NYC has been called the “Capital of the World”. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there’s always something new to see and do in the city that never sleeps.

From Broadway shows to world-class museums, the Big Apple has an endless array of activities to offer families of all ages. This guide will help you find the best free family activities in NYC this weekend and beyond. With our recommendations, you’ll be able to explore the city’s many attractions without breaking the bank.

When to Visit

The best time to visit NYC depends on your interests and budget. While summer is the most popular season for tourists, the city’s vibrant energy and unique attractions can be experienced year-round. Whether you’re visiting during the mild winter months or taking advantage of the city’s breezy spring and fall days, there are plenty of free activities to keep your family entertained.

Getting Around

Getting around NYC is easy with its extensive public transportation system. The MTA runs subways and buses throughout the five boroughs and is the quickest way to get around. Taxis are also available but can be expensive for long trips. Walking is always a great option for short trips and allows you to explore the city’s unique neighborhoods up close.

Free Museums

New York City is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums. Many of them offer free admission on certain days or times, so you can explore their collections without spending a dime.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts offers free admission every day, with a suggested donation of $5 per person. The museum houses a permanent collection of contemporary art as well as special exhibitions, workshops, and tours.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) offers free admission on Fridays from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. MoMA is home to over 200,000 works of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos, drawings, prints, and installations. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year like film screenings and musical performances.

The Brooklyn Museum is free on the first Saturday of every month from 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM. The museum features a variety of permanent collections and special exhibitions that explore art from around the world. It also offers workshops, tours, talks, and other educational programs for all ages.

Outdoor Activities

New York City offers plenty of outdoor activities that are fun for the whole family. Whether you take a boat ride around Manhattan or explore Central Park, there are lots of free ways to enjoy the city’s beautiful parks and waterfronts.

Take a boat ride on the Staten Island Ferry for incredible views of Lower Manhattan’s skyline. The ferry is free and runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Enjoy breathtaking views of Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Governors Island as you ride across New York Harbor.

Explore Central Park’s 843 acres of lush greenery and winding paths. Take a guided tour or simply wander around on your own. Along with plenty of open space for outdoor activities like biking and picnicking, Central Park also offers free outdoor concerts and movie screenings throughout the year.

For stunning views of New York City’s skyline, visit Brooklyn Bridge Park. With its 85 acres of waterfront parkland and iconic views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of NYC’s most popular outdoor attractions. The park offers plenty of free activities including bike rides, kayak tours, running paths, playgrounds, and movies in the park during summer months.

Broadway Shows

Broadway is one of New York City’s most iconic attractions. Whether you’re looking for classic musicals or cutting-edge plays, there are plenty of shows that will entertain your entire family.

The TKTS booth in Times Square offers discounts on same-day tickets for Broadway shows as well as off-Broadway productions. You can save up to 50% off full-price tickets by lining up at their booth before 7:00 PM each day.

The Broadway Lottery is another great way to score discounted tickets for popular shows like Hamilton and Wicked. Most shows offer a limited number of free tickets each day through their lottery system. All you have to do is enter your name and contact information for a chance to win a pair of tickets.

Example Tours

Museum Mile Walking Tour

Experience the vibrant culture of NYC with this guided walking tour along Museum Mile. This tour will take you through some of New York City’s most renowned museums including MoMA, The Guggenheim Museum, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. You’ll learn about their collections and get an insider’s look at these iconic institutions as you explore their galleries and exhibitions. You’ll also get to see some of NYC’s famous landmarks along the way like Fifth Avenue and Central Park. Make sure to book this tour in advance as spaces are limited.Book Museum Mile Walking Tour here.

Statue of Liberty Cruise

Take a cruise around New York Harbor for incredible views of the Statue of Liberty up close. This tour will take you around Ellis Island and give you a unique perspective of NYC’s iconic landmarks from the water. You’ll also learn about the history of these sites from your knowledgeable guide as you cruise by them. Make sure to book this tour in advance as spaces are limited.Book Statue of Liberty Cruise here.

Brooklyn Bridge Bicycle Tour

Experience one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks with this guided bicycle tour over the Brooklyn Bridge. You’ll get breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan’s skyline as you ride along this historic bridge connecting Brooklyn to Manhattan. Along with incredible views of Manhattan’s East River waterfront, your guide will provide interesting stories about the bridge’s history as you ride along it at your own pace. Make sure to book this tour in advance as spaces are limited.Book Brooklyn Bridge Bicycle Tour here.

Conclusion

New York City offers an endless array of activities for families to enjoy year-round. Whether it’s exploring one of its world-class museums or taking a boat ride around Manhattan’s iconic skyline, there are plenty of free activities that will keep your whole family entertained this weekend and beyond. With our recommendations, you’ll be able to explore NYC’s many attractions without breaking the bank!