Free Things to Do in New York with Kids
Free Things to do in New York with Kids – With hotels, food & flights taking up our budget we reveal top free activities for families in NYC. We visited in the summer, and barely spent a penny. Food felt expensive so we made sure our experiences were amazing, AND amazingly free.
Day 1 – DOWNTOWN
Statue of Liberty – FREE Things to Do in New York with Kids
My son’s only request in America was to see the Statue of Liberty. Having consulted locals and Facebook, the free Staten Island Ferry was repeatedly recommended. You can pay for tours, which take you inside the statue and visit Ellis Island as well – these are brilliant and take up much of your day, but you can’t fault the Staten Island Ferry. It departs every half hour from the Battery Park Terminal – jump aboard and get your views and photographs! The trip takes about 20 mins, and you can return immediately on the exact same ferry (although we were told we had to disembark and immediately get back on board). Even in July, it wasn’t stupidly busy. Result.
Play at Battery Park Playground – FREE Things to Do in New York with Kids
Super close to the ferry terminal is a cool play area for kids. It’s a super quirky playground with interesting climbing apparatus, even featuring a mini water park for tots to puddle about in. Photo above of one small section of it.
Play in the Water Fountains at Battery Park – FREE
Yet another water feature, blasting fountains to hop, skip and jump through. Always bring a towel in New York summers, as your kids WILL make a beeline for water. We got drenched too – we’re Scottish and needed to chill!
9/11 Memorial – FREE Things to Do in New York with Kids
The serene water features, set in the foundations of the two former towers, are calming in their own way as the water cascades downwards. They’re also a good introduction to the story of 9/11 for little ones – you can tell them the key events in your own way, to suit their age and temperament. Victims’ names are carved into the edges of the memorial, and our boys tried to find people who shared their own first names and then imagine what their lives might have been like. Our kids definitely learned a lot, and were overwhelmed by what happened. I’d definitely plan to take them to the museum if we’re lucky enough to return to NYC when they’re older.
The Irish Famine Memorial – FREE
The memorial raises awareness regarding the Great Irish Famine in which over one million starved to death between 1845 and 1852. Such privations forced millions of others to immigrate, many of them to New York, to start a new life. The memorial is unusual, reminding me of a deserted Highland cottage during the clearances – turns out it’s an 1820s stone cottage, transported over from Ireland! The memorial features a hyper modern interior with frosted glass panels sharing info about the famine, plus a short ‘country’ walk to a viewpoint. We spent about 30 mins here, but this piece could only take up a few minutes of your time so it’s worth considering, however busy you are.
Ghostbusters HQ – FREE Things to Do in New York with Kids
On the way back to our hotel in Tribeca we happened upon the firestation that features as the Ghostbusters HQ in the hit films. The kids loved recognising something from the movies, and all the ghostbusters paraphernalia brought back memories for all of us. The station also has a touching memorial to the one member of its crew who lost his life in 9/11, reducing Mr Husband to tears.
Stay at a Hotel with a Complimentary Rooftop Bar for Guests -FREE BAR
We booked our hotel due to location, price, and the cherry on the cake was its rooftop bars with views of the New York skyline. I had no idea when I booked that the bar was free for guests during a happy hour of 1730-1930!! When we visited we were talking free red wine, white wine, beer, Pepsi and water, plus nibbles such as nachos, humous, guacamole and savoury pastries. After a hot day in the city it was a delight to sit and quaff chilled vino and relax. We were SO happy with this hotel – details here.
PAID UPGRADE
If you do have spare money then I’d visit the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island on an organised visit.
Day 2 – MIDTOWN UPTOWN
Visit the Rockefeller Centre for Unicorns, Garden, Fountains – FREE
A mix of free things to do here that are more fun than they sound! We meandered down through the little gardens with a mini brook and cascading water. They kids rode on toy unicorns. We admired the exterior of this iconic building, the sparkling gold statue and water jets. We watched kids roller-booting in the sun. Then we found large water fountains and, as it was stupendously hot, we all got soaked, fully clothed, knowing we’d dry off uber fast. There are cool shops around here, so I admired the Bulgari jewellery and the boys loved the LEGO shop’s window display.
Tour Central Park – FREE Things to Do in New York with Kids
From Rockefeller we walked to the southern entry point to the park. We wandered the paths, joining in with the madding crowd and saw the Alice in Wonderful sculpture. The squirrels are SO friendly, Mr Tot even had one climb onto his arm! There are a myriad of playgrounds to visit. But our highlight was the Turtle Pond. I had no idea if it contained actual turtles, but it does! The kids loved watching the turtle capers so we sat by the water for about half an hour having quality turtle time.
Walk the High Line – West – FREE
We caught a tube over to the High Line, which really intrigued me. This is a ‘public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Saved from demolition by neighborhood residents and the City of New York, the High Line opened in 2009 as a hybrid public space where visitors experience nature, art, and design.’ There are multiple entry points, so you can tackle a section or two. Plus look out for free tours – more info here.
Visit Little Island – West – FREE Things to Do in New York with Kids
We dropped down off the Highline when Little Island came into view. This new public park on Pier 54, located in Hudson River Park, allows New Yorkers and visitors to experience nature and art. I adored the tulip pod modules that seemed to bloom out to the water. Beautiful flowers and vegetation to explore, as well as installations. This unique destination only opened in May 2021, and due to Covid barely anyone’s been. It’s glorious. Visit after dark and the illuminations offer a totally different experience.
PAID Upgrade
Brunch at Ella’s Stardust Diner – We started the day at the all singing Ella’s Stardust Diner. Get there early to avoid queues (which isn’t difficult when you have kids). Waiters sing hits from My Way to Uptown Girl as customers chow down on great grub.
Central Park – Pay for a proper tour i.e. movie tour around Central Park.
Day 3 – Downtown & Midtown
Walk Brooklyn Bridge – East – FREE
It’s an odd thing to do, cross a bridge just because it’s there, but this bucket list activity appealed to us. On the Manhatten side of the bridge are stalls selling smoothies, snacks, and cold water (for $3). Once on the bridge we bought the same water for $1, so basic food and drink is available. There are also stands selling everything from art to souvenirs (a bit like Charles bridge in Prague). Don’t feel you have to cross the entire bridge if it’s too hot, too cold or too far for your kids. A fun iconic free thing to do on the east side of the city.
Kids go Free to Governor’s Island – Downtown – KIDS FREE
Ok, technically the short ten minute ferry costs only $4 return for adults (so, it’s peanuts) but it’s free for kids, so I’ve included Governor’s Island as an almost-free activity. Governor’s Island is just a ten minute sail from Battery Park (the terminal is just to the left of the Staten Island one). The island is 172 acres and a car free environment. History – Native Americans called it Nut Island, the Dutch occupied it until 1664, and, when the English captured New Amsterdam, they renamed it New York, and took Nutten Island calling it Governors Island in 1699. It was used in various military operations right up to WW2, and used by the coastguards from the 1960s to 1995. Today it’s been gifted back to the American people, reopening in 2005 as an attraction.
Look out for various playgrounds and a slide park. Admire the military fortifications, or walk/cycle the myriad paths and trails available. Glamping and various food shacks are also available onsite.
I’d definitely recommend hiring bikes or a family Surrey on Governor’s Island. We loved peddling around as a group on our Surrey, all peddling (kinda) as a team, and Mr Tot (aged 8) even did a fair bit of the driving. But look out for Free Bike Mornings allowing visitors to borrow a bike from Blazing Saddles for free for up to one hour every weekday between 10 AM and noon.
Other Suggestions
Times Square is an obvious one. Plus many museums can be entered free, as the entry price is merely ‘recommended’.
FREE Money-Saving Tips & Hacks
Water fountains are dotted around the city so bring a water bottle for free top ups and avoid paying for bottled water. Eat two meals a day – it’s enough! Kids go free on the metro too. I really hope this guide helps you save pennies and have a total blast in New York.
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