Free and Affordable Kid Friendly Attractions in NYC
Every time I have friends visiting NYC they always ask me for recommendations. It’s always so hard because there are a MILLION fun things to do in this city! I have gathered some of my iconic free and affordable kid friendly attractions in NYC so that you can get some fun in the city while not breaking the budget.
Staying in the Big Apple doesn’t have to be expensive. Find out the sights in New York City that don’t cost a lot of money. Tour NYC on a budget! Tourists visiting New York City don’t have to spend a small fortune to see the city. There are parks, museums, stores and entertainment that won’t cost any more then the transportation to get there. Everyone from toddlers to teens can enjoy something in this list of free attractions and sights in New York. Also be sure to check the Official Central Park website for daily activities!
Affordable Kid Friendly Attractions in NYC
Central Park: No trip to New York is complete without a visit to this 843-acre park in Manhattan. There is a multitude of things to entertain tourists of all ages. Specific to children, free activities include 19 Adventure Playgrounds situated throughout the park. Check out Diana Ross Playground at 81st Street. Families can enjoy a free day of entertainment wandering Central Park, with its bridges, ponds and meandering paths. There are always buskers, boat racers and musicians showcasing their talents. Bring a picnic and get a map online, or buy one for $2 at the park.
Prospect Park: This park is located in the heart of Brooklyn and is the largest park in the borough. It can be easily accessed by subway from NYC. There are plenty of activities to enjoy including a lake and a watercourse. If you are a runner, the loop is just over 3 miles and is very hilly (so if you like a challenge, this one is for you!). Plus the Prospect Park Zoo and Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is right across the street from the park and super affordable.
Free Admission at Museums in New York City
Admission to many museums in New York is free for children under 12. The MoMa is free for tourists, 16 and under. The following museums, however, feature a day/time when admission is free for all visitors.
* MoMA: Museum of Modern Art is a four story museum that houses 150,000 pieces. The pieces include works by Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Picasso and VanGogh. Admission is free on Fridays from 4pm – 8pm. There is a line-up on free evenings, but entry is smooth and timely. The museum is located at 11 West 53rd St.
* American Folk Art Museum: The museum houses over 4000 art pieces including photos, sculptures, pottery and drawings. Admission is free on Friday evenings after 5:30 pm, when visitors can also enjoy live music in the atrium. The museum is located at 2 Lincoln St.
* Jewish Museum: Housed in a two-story Gothic building, the museum showcases artifacts and art from 4000 years of Jewish History. In addition to the permanent exhibit, temporary displays can be enjoyed. Admission is free on Saturdays and the museum is located at 1109 5th Ave.
Taking a vacation can be expensive. Hopefully you can explore some of these affordable kid friendly attractions in NYC! Make the trip easier on the budget by enjoying the free things that New York City has to offer. There are free things to do indoors and outdoors, so enjoy NYC in any weather, any time of year.
For more NYC Fun check out:
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The Best Running Route In Brooklyn
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Hi! I’m Nellie. I am an entrepreneur, a busy mama of 3 and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I have been sharing content for over 12 years about how to cook easy recipes, workout tips and free printables that make life a little bit easier. I have been featured in places like Yahoo, Buzzfeed, What To Expect, Mediavine, Niche Pursuits, HuffPost, BabyCenter, Mom 2.0, Mommy Nearest, Parade, Care.com, and more!
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Truly great resource, Nellie and always great to see that NYC does offer some free experiences for all. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Now that I’m living in the northeast, I’m looking forward to exploring NYC more now that the weather is getting nicer. I’m always up for a laid-back day relaxing at the park!