FREE Things to Do In NYC This Summer
Let me paint you a picture of a typical NYC Summer. Bright-colored outfits, clear blue skies & especially smiles on everyone’s face are not something you see every day here in NYC. Groups crowd together in NYC’s iconic Central & Washington Square Park (to name a few). They indulge in extravagant picnics (deli sandwiches and a Snapple- the NYC version of an extravagant picnic).
The energy is at an all-time high. From rooftop season to outdoor concerts & beach days, New Yorkers find every way to seize the moment. Outdoor fitness is also taken to another level. You have outdoor Soul Cycle classes, yoga at the Edge, and my favorite being the avid bikers & runners doing their thing on every orchestrated pavement you can find- it’s inspiring really.
FREE Things To Do In NYC This Summer
It’s a no-brainer that every time of the year is the best time to visit NYC; however, no energy can truly match the iconic NYC summers especially when the word free is involved. This is one of the most if not the most expensive places to live in the world so we need to save our money every now and then. I love free activities because NYC has the infrastructure to do it. We have tons of parks, and venues and honestly just walking outside the views is a selling point in itself. Join me as I list my favorite FREE Summer events to help you have fun while on a budget.
Adventurous Things To Do In NYC For Free
1. Kayaking In Brooklyn Bridge Park & the West Side: Now you don’t need to go upstate to kayak, we have it right here and it costs $0! It’s free this summer. I have gone to both locations and they are both a lot of fun! Pro Tip: Get a waterproof bag for your phone so you don’t stress about dropping it – or just live in the moment and
- Brooklyn Bridge Park Reservations for each session open exactly two weeks in advance. Limited walk-ups may be available based on no-shows. (Wednesday & Thursday 5 pm to 7 pm) Saturday 10 am to 3 pm & Sunday 12 pm to 2:30 pm. Reserve here
- West Side: Weekends & Holidays from May 27 to October 9, 2023: 10 am-4:30 pm (Last boat goes out at 4:30 pm) Just come on by, no reservations are needed (they sometimes close the line early so everyone gets in the water!) Reserve here
2. Hiking in NYC: It’s super affordable (FREE) and accessible. Just hop on the Metro North to nearby areas and get your hike on! Check it out here
3 Free Surfing in Rockaway Beach: In collaboration with the Locals Surf School, join The Rockaway Youth Program runs each year, on Friday afternoons from June to August, and learn how to surf! Check more info out here!
4. Biking Around NYC: Biking is FREE and accessible around NYC. With new bike lanes opening up, it’s a great way to explore without wearing down your shoes! I’m an avid biker, so I highly recommend these routes! West Side Highway | Central Park | Prospect Park | Bay Ridge (along the Belt Parkway)
Free Things To Do In NYC For Music Lovers
5. Free Concerts in NYC: If you like music and like free things, then it can’t get better than this. Whether you like classical, jazz, opera, and more- there’s a date night for you in NYC to immerse yourself in the beauty of music. For the complete list, head over here
6. Shakespeare in the Park: Are you a lover of the arts? Then this is something you can’t pass up! Shakespeare in the Park is something I still have to do and it’s up there on the bucket list. Enjoy live performances from some of Shakespeare’s greatest plays and guess what, IT’S FREE! Free things to do in NYC never looked better. Check it out here!
Things To Do In NYC: Fitness Edition
7. Walk from the top of Manhattan to the bottom: There are so many people that are doing this and it’s encouraging me to do this as well! It’s definitely something you can add to your brag list and even make it a fun fact! Be sure to bring snacks, wear a hat, and sunscreen while it’s hot out!
8. Work Out FOR FREE In NYC: Still blown away that people pay monthly memberships to work out when you can literally do this FOR FREE! Check it out here
9. Walk the Highline: One of the best things to do in NYC (and did I mention it’s FREE) is walking the Highline. See incredible views of NYC and the sunset (phew it’s all too good!) Get active and spend time outside without spending a dime!
Free Things To Do In NYC For The Foodies
10 Night Markets Technically you have to pay for the food, but overall, there are many food markets in NYC that will get you super excited to stuff your face with your friends and family. Here are the top ones in NYC
- 11. Queens Night Market: Check it out here!
- 12. Bronx Night Market: Check it out here!
- 13. Phillippines Market: Coming to NYC Aug 27! Check it out here!
- 14. Japan Market: Coming to NYC AUG 26 Check it out here!
Free Things To Do In NYC: The Arts
15. Free Movies in Brooklyn Bridge Park: Ever seen a movie with the entire NYC skyline in the background? It’s honestly something you CAN NOT miss so let this be your sign to head over to the many FREE (might I add) movies that scream nostalgia in the greatest city in the world. See the list of movies here.
16. Free Museums: There are probably 1k museums in all of NYC. That means lots to explore and learn. I am so glad I didn’t have to do the research for every free museum in NYC because NYC Arts covered it for me! Happy adventuring! Check out free museums here
Free Things To Do In NYC (Beaches & Pools)
17. NYC Public Pools: Coming from a former NYC Pool lifeguard, the NYC Pools are a great way to have fun without spending a dime! You’re going to make sure you bring a lock because they don’t allow phones in there! My favorites are 14. Hamilton Fish Pool, 15. Sunset Pool, 16. John Jay Pool. Check out the complete list here!
18. NYC Public Beaches: I mean it isn’t a NYC summer if you haven’t been to 15. Coney Island, 16. Rockaway Beach, or 17. Fort Tilden Beach. I don’t make the rules, but you’re missing out for sure! Check out my guide to Coney Island and Rockaway beaches below!
19. Free Events At The Little Island: From crafting to moving and grooving, The Little Island is a cute place to wander and enjoy some free activities. (It’s also super close to the Highline if you wanted to combine it into one day!) I just went to The Little Island this summer and had the best time. There’s tons of seating to enjoy a cute little outing and lunch with your family & friends. Check them out here
20. Picnic In The Best NYC Parks: Sometimes all you need to do is grab a deli sandwich and chill at the park. Bring your book, watercolor paints, and a speaker and jam out with good company or alone too! Here are my favorite NYC parks! 20. Prospect Park, 21. Central Park, 22. Washington Square Park, 23. Astoria Park, 24. Brooklyn Bridge Park** all-time FAV, 25. Owl’s Head Park & More!
21. Follow NYC_ForFREE & find the best Pop-Up Events!: I had the best time following her recommendations! Give her a follow and you can even score free goodies to some of your favorite brands! Check her out here!
There You Have It
There’s nothing better than a NYC summer than a FREE NYC Summer. There are tons of free things to do where you don’t have to worry about spending a dime, taking out your credit card, or venmo-ing someone. I hope you enjoyed this list and I think it’s safe to say I’ll be busy having fun for FREE right here in the most expensive city in the world, NYC
what do you think?