Free activities! The indispensable cogs in my travel mechanics and in the lavish city of New York City nonetheless. ‘Free’ is music to my ears when it comes to planning my trips and I centre in on actual experiences, things that keep you busy, make you feel something, new memories! There is nothing worse than a blog full of “getting lost in the street of….This blog will give you details of how to keep busy in New York while keeping your pockets full.
Free Kayaking
Sparkling at the top of the podium for best activities found, is free kayaking on Pier 96 . Simply turn up, strap on your life jacket and get rowing. Perfect for a sunny day or on a crisp October, with views of the statue of liberty from the far corner.
Location: W 55th St, New York, NY 10019
Link: Pier 96 — Hudson River Park
– Arrive early or expect to wait as there is no booking system, just first come first serve.
Free Fitness
In a nearby location, at multiple piers, you can indulge in healthy fitness classes such as yoga and HIIT (High intensity, interval training). These are to promote local wellbeing and community, so cost you nothing but a smile and your time.
Location: Multiple Pier across the Hudson
Sweat Sessions — Hudson River Park
– Session usually run in the summer month, keep checking the page for updates
– You need to register your interest as places are limited
Central Park
Getting lost through the paths of Central Park…just kidding! Although this is an awesome walk in nature and a great place for a picnic, I’ve got more for you than that! Head down to Manhattan and join in with some park board games. Meet new people, learn new skills and have fun! Events and activities change often, so you have to check the central park website. There are also other cool free things: Belvedere Castle, watch a beach volleyball game, and a butterfly garden.
Location: 14 E 60th St, New York 10022
Niagara Falls State Park
A little further from the city, you can find the natural spectacle of Niagara falls. Although there are lots of paid activities to experience, you can enter the park at no cost. You can stroll around the edge of the waterfall, looking down as it thunders into the blue basin. On your amble through the park you will also see cascading flows over the rapids.
Location: 332 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Link: Visitor Center | Niagara Falls State Park
– It Is not easily reachable by public transport. Possible, but not easy.
Free entertainment
A must see spot when visiting the big apple, with captivating lights and adverts at all angles, it is a lot to take in! I spent an hour entertained by talented street performers. I saw dancing, singing, magicians and flip artists. Some of the acts are well worthy of paid tickets but can be seen for free! Of course donations are encouraged but voluntary.
Location: 1560 Broadway Ste 1, New York 10036
– Better seen at night due to the lights, but is very crowded
Free Ferry
The ferry to Staten island is completely free! Cruise across the river Hudson taking in Statue of Liberty views and feeling the wind in your hair. With service running every half an hour, you can add this to any days itinerary. At the other side you can look around the shops in Empire Outlets, have a picnic on South Beach or visit the Greenbelt Nature Center.
NYC often has a very pricey place on the bucket list, but not everything you do needs to cost a year’s salary. Splurge on the show stoppers and fill the rest with free fun things!
Read more about saving money while travelling HERE!
OR
Free activities in Las Vegas HERE!