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New York City is a popular location for visitors but can be expensive for family trips. However, there are many free or low-cost options the family can enjoy on a budget. From family-friendly parks to boat trips to museums, hiking, and biking, there is something for everyone in the family. 15 Cheap Family Activities to Do in New York
1. Visit Pay-What-You-Like Museums
Several New York museums, such as the American Museum of Natural History, The Met, the Museum of the City of New York, and the Brooklyn Museum, offer pay-what-you-like admission. Before visiting, check if there are residency restrictions.
2. Free Museums
Some NYC museums offer free admission for all visitors or children under a certain age. The Bronx Museum, Bronx Children’s Museum, the Museum of American Folk Art, and the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology are the most popular.
3. Central Park
The ever-popular Central Park gets a 4.5-star Trustpilot rating. Situated between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side of Manhattan, Central Park is a pleasant urban landscaped NYC park suitable for visiting families.
4. North River Lobster Company
Enjoy a leisurely, hour-long cruise in a boat down the Hudson River. The restaurant offers delicious seafood and cocktails for the adults. You can pay at entry with a debit or credit card.
5. Staten Island Ferry
Courtesy of the New York City Department of Transportation, travel fare-free on the Staten Island ferry, which is a 25-minute journey from New York Harbour and between Manhattan and Staten Island.
6. Take a Family Hike
New York City has many family-friendly hikes right in the city center. For example, Inwood Hill Park is at the top of Manhattan. It has a natural forest and a network of trails leading to the Harlem River. The Bronx River Greenway has an 8-mile trail with a rolling landscape. Take a picnic or enjoy mother nature with your children.
7. Ride Family-Friendly NYC Bike Trails
New York City has protected cycling paths such as Battery Park City and the Bronx waterfront. It’s essential to choose a family-friendly bike trail. Avoid the Prospect Park loop as it’s more popular for speeding cyclists and unsuitable for families.
8. Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State Park in Tomkins Cove has 5,000-plus acres and 40 miles of trails. It’s situated on the west bank of the Hudson River and is about a one-hour journey from NYC by car. It’s a visit more suited to older children as some of the trails are steep. The park offers hiking, swimming, biking, boating, picnicking, cross-country running, and ice skating.
9. Governors Island
Head to New York Harbor and take the ferry to Governors Island. The former military base has play zones perfect for active kids, winding paths, lush green lawns, and various food trucks. Governors Island opens in the spring and is busy during the summer since it is only a short distance from Manhattan.
10. Ancient Playground Central Park
New York City has many fun playgrounds for kids, such as Central Park’s Ancient Playground. Kids love the multiple climbing options, bridges, pyramids, and tire swings. The park encourages creative play, and adults enjoy the spotlessly clean bathrooms.
11. Walk the High Line in NYC
Initially used for transporting freight and cargo across New York City, this elevated parkway is above the lower West Side of Manhattan. The High Line crosses the sidewalks and streets. You will see imaginative art, innovative planting, and many reflective spaces. The adults might enjoy the chance to do some people-watching.
12. The Ride
Enjoy a fun, guided 75-minute ride through New York City in a high-tech, multimillion-dollar, custom-designed bus hosted by entertaining and knowledgeable guides. Depending on the time of the year you visit, The Ride offers theme holiday trips, such as Halloween.
13. Bronx Zoo
The kids will love Bronx Zoo. Ride a camel, watch the animals, and wander around the grounds. Wednesdays are limited admission where you can pay what you like. Bronx Zoo is not the cheapest option, but it will keep the kids entertained all day. Take a picnic or enjoy the zoo’s catering for a more affordable day out.
14. Jane’s Carousel
You can find Jane’s Carousel across the Brooklyn Bridge and pay only $2 per ride. In the winter, the 1920s carousel is open Thursday through Sunday and every day during the summer. The kids will enjoy visiting a nearby playground and a beach with a stunning view of NYC.
15. Grand Central Station
Grand Central Station has something for everyone and is free. Kids especially love the Whispering Gallery by the Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant. If you stand on one side of the arch and your kids on the other, they can hear you whisper. Grand Central Station has many shops and restaurants and an Apple store.
The 41 Biggest Wastes of Money
If you’re looking for ways to earn more money to put toward your goals, start by examining your spending habits. By tracking your spending and seeing where every dollar goes, you’ll likely find several instances of spending money you don’t have to. It could be little things that add up or recurring monthly expenses that are an utter waste of money.
Once you eliminate your bad spending habits, that money can go toward your emergency fund, paying off debt, or other essential things. Here are the 41 biggest wastes of money to look out for.
The 41 Biggest Wastes of Money
Ace Your Interview With These Notes
As you prepare for a job interview, notes are an excellent way to remember important questions to ask and note any important information the interviewer may share with you. This is a best practice for successful interviewing and something hiring managers greatly appreciate.
