12 Free Activities And Events in New York City
- Empire State Building Spring 2011
Summer is upon is New York City and while, this may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, there a tons of free activities that you can partake over the summer.
Here are 12 Free Summer Activities to do This Summer in New York City:
1. Barnes & Noble – Summer Reading Imagination’s Destination program
- Kids grades 1-6 can earn a FREE book whenever they read ANY 8 books! Go here for more details. Ends September 6.
2. Children’s Museum of Manhattan – Target First Fridays
- On the first Friday of every month admission is free from 5 – 8pm, sponsored by Target (Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W 83rd St between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway 212-721-1223 cmom.org)
3. Learn to Kayak
- The New York City Downtown Boathouse offers free kayaking lessons on first come first served basis, reservations not accepted. Kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Lessons take place at Pier 40, Pier 96 and 72nd Street every weekend and holidays through October. Visit http://downtownboathouse.org for hours for each location.
4. Broadway in Bryant Park
- The most popular shows on and off Broadway perform their biggest hits. Bryant Park is situated behind the New York Public Library in midtown Manhattan, between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues.Visit bryantpark.org for schedule, dates and times.
5. Free Magic Shows at Abracadabra
- Every Sunday Abracadabra hosts a 20 minute magic show at their store. Abracadabra Magic Store, 19 W 21st St between Fifth and Sixth Aves 212-627-5194; abracadabrasuperstore.com
6. Intrepid Summer Movie Series
- What better place to watch movies than on the Intrepid? Join Intrepid in celebrating some of our favorite heroes from the movies with our 3rd annual Intrepid Summer Movie Series. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, however no outside alcohol is permitted. Doors open at 7:30PM, film begins at sunset, weather permitting. Space is limited. Seating is on a first come first serve basis. Location: West side of Manhattan on Pier 86, 12th Ave. & 46th Street. Visit intrepidmuseum.org/Summer-Movie-Series for the summer movie schedule.
7. Hudson River Flick’s Friday Summer Movie Series
- Free outdoor movies under the stars on the west side waterfront. Movies start at Dusk, usually around 8:30pm.
Free Popcorn! Beverages and snacks available for purchase.Hudson River Park at Pier 46. Visit riverflicksnyc.com for the summer movie schedule.
8. Socrates Sculpture Park Sculpture Workshops
- Free family classes are being offered at the Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens. Classes are taught by a local artist. Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Blvd at Broadway, Long Island City, Queens 718-956-1819, Visit socratessculpturepark.org for the summer schedule.
9. CityParks Puppetmobile Shows
- SummerStage Kids offers unique, interactive events for kids ages 3-12, and the entire family, throughout the summer in park locations citywide. Visit cityparksfoundation.com for locations, dates, times and performance schedule.
10. Fireworks at Coney Island
- Head to the Coney Island home of the iconic Cyclone roller coaster for fireworks every Friday night. Coney Island Boardwalk, Boardwalk at 10th St, Coney Island, Brooklyn 718-449-8836, coneyisland.com
11. Sony Wonder Technology Lab
- SWTL offer kids an opportunity to combine technology and creativity. Kids can explore hands-on exhibits in a dynamic, state of the art exhibit. Location: 550 Madison at 56th street, 212-833-8100. Visit sonywondertechlab.comfor directions, hours, screening schedules and calendar.
12. Museum of Modern Art
- Admission to MOMA is Free on on Fridays from 4-8 pm. Location: 11 W 53rd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-708-9400) Visit moma.org for directions and current exhibits.
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Category: Events, Events/Travel/Performances/Dining, Museums, New York City, Performances, Travel
I sent you an email on this but wanted to say “great job” on this post / guide. Check out my Guide to Things & Do in Toronto. Would love to have this for NYC (or maybe there are multiple guides we can do for NYC since it’s so big & awesome) – http://www.skinnyscoop.com/list/eden/best-things-to-see-and-do-in-toronto