6 FREE Family Activities in New York City

As expensive cities go, New York City, is probably at the top of the list.  But that doesn’t mean you should bypass the city – it’s full of wonderful things to see and do – it just means you may need to come up with some creative options to make it affordable.

Here are some FREE family friendly activities for your next visit to the Big Apple:

1. Columbia University’s Rutherford Observatory: Help the kids reach for the stars at a FREE stargazing night.  The telescope is open alternating Fridays, along with a slide show and astronomy lecture.  Dress warmly!  The nights can get a bit chilly.
2. Harlem Meer in Central Park:  A free catch and release fishing program is fun for kids of all ages, and for many city kids is one of the few opportunities they’ll ever have to go fishing.The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (inside the park at Lexox Avenue & 110th Street) has poles, unbarbed hooks and bait.
3. Lefferts Historic House Museum – Located in Prospect Park, this provides an opportunity for you to experience what life was like in the 19th century.  Explore period rooms, a working garden, and take a look at toys and artifacts from the era.  Always FREE admission.
4. Museum of Modern Art:  FREE weekend family programs, with an assortment of drop-in tours for kids ages 4-14.  Schedule and tours vary.
5. Socrates Sculpture in Queens:  During the summer months (May – September), you’ll find FREE sculpture workshops with local artists.  A great opportunity to get some hands on artistic experience.
6. Staten Island Zoo:  Admission in FREE on Wednesdays after 2 pm, so have a relaxing morning and then head to the zoo.  You can take the FREE State Island Ferry to get there, another fun experience and a great way to get some dynamite city views.  Check out the famous rattlesnake collect – not for the squeamish.

Intersperse a few of these FREE events into your NYC trip, and watch your vacation budget stretch ever so much more.

Photo credit: SXC

Source: North American Journeys