New York City always has something fun to try whether you’re traveling with the family, on a date or even by yourself! However, you may not be able to experience any of it if you’re traveling on a budget. Luckily, there are still plenty of ways to take part in all that the Big Apple has to offer. New York City wants everyone to experience its luxury, so you’ll always be able to find something to do that costs $20 or less. Some of them are even free! Take a look at some of the affordable fun you can find throughout the city.
The Best of New York City Attractions on a Budget
Loeb Boathouse
You can have some outdoor, free fun when you take a walk in Central Park, thanks to the numerous gardens and landmarks placed throughout. If you really want to add some style to your visit, check out the Loeb Boathouse near Madison Avenue. From April to November, this lavish boathouse allows visitors to rent a rowboat and ride along the calm lake waters. Boats can fit up to four people, so you and your guests can see famous park sights like Bow Bridge, Cherry Hill and Wagner Cove during your voyage. Once your sailing is through, you can visit the restaurant attached to the boathouse and eat some fine chicken and seafood dishes. Rowboat rentals are $20 per hour and are available from 10 a.m. until dusk.
Citi Bike
If you want to see New York City at your own pace and get some exercise, too, try renting a Citi Bike! This bike rental program is set up at various points throughout the city and can be rented for a single 30-minute ride or an entire day. You can take a bike from its station, adjust it to your liking, then ride off through the city streets. Once your ride is through, you can return the bike to a different station and let someone else have a try. Citi bikes offer an affordable, efficient way to travel through the city. You can get where you want to be, see all the city sights without the hassle and it’s excellent for you and the environment too! Single rides cost $3.50 per trip, and day passes cost $15.
Mini Golf at Pier 25
For some great family fun, visit Pier 25 in Hudson River Park. This pier is the longest in the park and offers plenty of outdoor activities to help you soak up the sun. One of its most popular is the 18-hole miniature golf course, the only one in Manhattan. This golf course offers traditional mini-golf fun like waterfalls, sand traps and a cave you can walk through. If you get hungry during your game, visit the Sweet Love Snack Bar and munch on some pizza to take with you through the course. When the game is through, visit some other attractions at Pier 25, like the volleyball courts and playground. Mini golf costs $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Van Cortlandt House Museum
New York City has history on every corner, and there are several places you can visit that will help you step into the past. One is the Van Cortlandt House Museum in the Bronx. This colonial home was converted into a museum in 1896 and is a popular spot for field trips and historians alike. You can step inside a preserved 19th-century home and learn about all the different aspects of the property. The museum’s tour guides can tell you everything you want to know about the Van Cortlandt family themselves, the lives of their staff members and the culture of the period and neighborhood. Visitors can join others on a group tour, or they explore the property themselves on a self-guided tour. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for children ages 12 and under.
Brooklyn Bridge
If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to get active, take a visit to the Brooklyn Bridge. One of the most popular New York City landmarks has walking paths that run for its entire length. You can enter from either Manhattan or Brooklyn and spend an afternoon walking in the sun. You’ll stand high above the city and get a skyline view of popular sights like the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center and Governors Island. Throughout your walk, you’ll find plaques set up along the bridge that talk about the bridge’s construction and some of its history. You can visit at any time of day and get gorgeous views of the city from sunrise to sunset. The best part is that walking the bridge is entirely free! When you walk the Brooklyn Bridge, you can find the best of the city all in one spot.
Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park
A lesser-known park in the city is a hidden gem you can find in Hamilton Heights. Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park sits 69 feet above the Hudson River, offering visitors a great view of the city. There are plenty of activities inside that the whole family can get in on, helping them stay active while having fun too. A popular spot is the covered skating rink used for ice skating in the winter. If you visit during warmer months, you can still glide around the rink on roller skates. Other features guests can use include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, several sports courts and a carousel. Ice skating admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children, and skate rental is $6 per day. Roller skating admission is $1.50 per person, and skate rental is $6 per day.
