10 Free Things To Do in NYC This Summer

This blog is about the 10 free things to do in NYC in the summer.

Are you looking to travel to New York City this summer? Welcome! New York City is a great place to travel for the summer and has a lot to offer.

As a New Yorker, I’ve spent many summers here without having to break the bank! In this blog, I’ll share 10 FREE things to do in NYC in the summer, so you can explore the Big Apple!

10 Free Things To Do in NYC This Summer

Central Park

We can’t talk about New York City without mentioning Central Park! Central Park is a must-see place to visit when you come to New York City, plus it’s free! You can spend the day people-watching, having a picnic, attending one of their street fairs, and listening to free concerts in the park.

There are so many things that you can do in Central Park, that it can take a full day or more to explore. From rowing boats in the lake to exploring the winding paths and hidden sculptures, every corner offers something unique. Don’t forget to visit the famous Bethesda Terrace and Fountain for stunning photo opportunities. Definitely be sure to add it to your list of places to visit when planning your trip to New York City.

The High Line: A Walk with a View

Another great free attraction that is a must-see is The High Line! It is about 1.5 miles long and takes around 30 minutes to walk (without stopping). However, it always takes me about an hour when I visit! There’s so much to stop and see along the way. I highly recommend going during golden hour, perfect for the views and a gorgeous backdrop for photos!

There are art installations to admire and seating areas to take in the view. For my garden lovers, there are a variety of plants such as cone flowers, which add a pop of color, and bluestar, known for its star-shaped blue flowers.

The High Line also has vendors where you can stop for food and drinks along your walk. It’s a perfect way to spend the afternoon.

Museums on a Budget: Cultural Gems for Free

New York City has amazing museums full of history and culture to visit! It’s a great way to cool off on a hot summer day or during a summer rain. While not all are completely free, admissions to a lot of the museums are “pay what you wish” or have “suggested donation days,” which makes them a fun, affordable activity to add to your New York itinerary.

Here are some Museums that are a must-see attraction!

The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Pay What You Wish
The American Museum of Natural History: Suggested Donation Days
The Brooklyn Museum: Pay What You Wish
The New York Historical Society: Pay As You Wish on Friday Evenings
The Bronx Museum of the Arts: Free Admission

*This does not apply to special exhibits

Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is another amazing historical New York City attraction to visit in the summer that is completely free. It’s one of the best place to get some free exercise, explore two boroughs, and spend the day in Dumbo!

If you have the time, you can also hire a photographer to capture iconic shots of you and your family or friends! Sunrise or sunset are two great times to visit the Brooklyn Bridge, especially for a photoshoot, giving you a gorgeous backdrop for an unforgettable moment.

To learn more about what to do in Brooklyn, check out my latest blog, here – “8 Cheap Spring Activities To Do in Brooklyn.”

Free Outdoor Movies

Outdoor movies in New York City are a can’t-miss experience in the summer! One of the more popular ones is Bryant Park Movie Nights! This summer is the 30th year of summer movie nights in Bryant Park. The lawn opens at 5p and movies start at 8p. They have classics like “Dream Girls” “Star Trek” and “Mean Girls.” Perfect for a night out with family, friends, a date, or even going solo!

Another great option is Hudson River Flicks, a free outdoor film experience with a waterfront view of a stunning sunset. They have two options: NYC Films Wednesdays (Pier 63) and Family Fridays (Pier 46). Located on 353 West Street, New York, NY 10011. Check out their website to learn more.

Lastly, if you’re staying in Brooklyn, Movies with a View is the fun free option where you can watch movies by the Brooklyn Bridge. You can bring your own food and picnic blanket and enjoy the show!

Street Festivals and Markets

New York is full of street festivals and markets throughout the boroughs during summer. While it’s free to enter, you’ll have the option to purchase the food, drinks, or products from local vendors.

Some of my favorite festivals and markets are:

Enjoy the local food, and explore the different cultures and traditions of the city!

Coney Island

You can’t visit the city without seeing the beaches! One of the most famous and iconic is Coney Island. Coney Island is known for the sun, sand, sea, and historic park! You can stroll their boardwalk and take in the iconic views. Every Friday they have Fireworks Fridays, a great summer tradition to take part in! You can also enjoy the rides at Luna Park, while not free it’s a must-visit attraction with the historic carousel! There’s tons to do at Coney Island and an ideal way to spend a summer day in New York City.

Public Libraries

Public Libraries are a great escape from the scorching heat of New York City! They’re not just about books; they offer tons of free events and workshops for all ages. From storytelling sessions for kids to craft workshops and book clubs for adults, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you can explore historical locations like the New York Public Library, which is more than just a library—it’s a piece of history.

What to Visit:

New York Public Library: Events and Workshops: Check out the diverse range of events and workshops at the New York Public Library. It’s a great place to learn something new or just enjoy a fun day out.

Architectural Wonders: Exploring Historic Branches: Take a tour of the historic branches of the library and marvel at the stunning architecture. It’s a great way to appreciate the beauty and history of New York City.

The Battery: A Waterfront Retreat

The Battery is a great downtown free attraction in the city. Perfect for walking your dog, having a picnic, and their famous view of the Statue of Liberty! They even opened a SeaGlass Carousel in 2015 for kids to ride for only $6.

Street Art and Graffiti

New York is full of street art and graffiti, one of the attractions that truly shows our culture and who we are as a city! I love walking around the different boroughs and taking in all the free art. It’s ideal for a weekend stroll after getting a cup of coffee or heading to happy hour.

Here are some of my favorite street art in NYC:

Bushwick Collective: A Mural Mecca (Bushwick, Brooklyn)
Graffiti Hall of Fame: Legendary Urban Art (East Harlem)
Welling Court Mural Projects (Astoria, Queens)
First Street Green Art Park (East Village, NY)

Other Attractions at The Battery:

Visit The Gardens
Enjoy the local cafe
Ride your bike

For more activities, click here.

Final Thoughts: A Summer to Remember in NYC

While New York City is known for being expensive, there are a ton of free activities that you can enjoy this summer! I recommend planning ahead to make your trip as smooth as possible. Do you know of some other free activities to do in NYC? Let us know in the comments below!

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