Free Things to do This Summer in NYC- The Adventuring Millennial

UPDATED MAY 2023

Budget Travelers this one is for you!

Ok let’s be real, I am ALWAYS going to be a budget traveler. I just love exploring too much. I stretch my travel dollars as far as possible so I can see more places and eat more things. If you can relate, keep reading!

If you haven’t already been, New York City is probably somewhere on your bucket list. Everyone needs to see this city at least once, right? If NYC is part of your summer travel plans and you are anything like me (AKA- traveling on a budget, baby) you are in luck! Today I am giving you a list of the best free things to do this summer in NYC.

1. See the Manhattan Skyline from Governor’s Island

15 Things to Do For Free This Summer in NYC - The Adventuring Millennial

A short ferry ride is all that separates you from the gorgeous views, trails, and sunbathing spots on Governor’s Island. This 172-acre island is open year-round but you won’t want to miss out on visiting in the summer. On the island, you can take relax in a hammock, soak in the views from the top of The Hills, or rent a CitiBike. (Ok so this isn’t free- but it’s still fun!)

You can check the current ferry schedule here. On Saturdays and Sundays, all of the ferries before noon are free and you don’t have to pay for the return ticket. If you happen to miss one of the early ferries, roundtrip tickets are only $4.

2. Kayak for Free on the NYC Waterways

If you want some unique views of NYC, hop in a kayak and paddle along the waterways. Multiple boathouses around the city offer free kayaking during the summer. One of the most popular spots is the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse and you’ll have to snag a spot online 2 weeks in advance. Free kayaking is offered here on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

You can also check out Governor’s Island, Pier 26, or Pier 96 for more free kayaking.

3. Stargaze at the High Line

Need a cheap date night idea? Why not go to the High Line for free stargazing? Every Tuesday night in April-October you can join the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York as they bring out high-powered telescopes and discuss all the celestial bodies you might see.

Even if you can’t make it on a Tuesday night, visiting the High Line is still one of the best free things to do this summer in NYC. Take in the views from this elevated park or soak up the sun in one of the many lounge chairs. The High Line is one of NYC’s most unique parks and is the perfect place to spend a sunny summer afternoon.

4. Watch an Outdoor Movie

Is it really summer if you haven’t watched a movie outside? Well, don’t worry if you haven’t yet because there are plenty of opportunities to catch an outdoor movie in NYC. Governor’s Island, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Bryant Park, and Central Park are just a few of the places you can catch a flick on a giant inflatable screen. Review the schedules, pack a picnic, and enjoy a beautiful summer movie night.

5. Soak up the Sun in Sheep Meadow

Ok, so you won’t see any sheep (this stopped being a grazing yard in the 1930s) but you can at least enjoy a nice Manhattan skyline view. This 15-acre patch of grass is a relaxing spot to picnic, read, or throw a frisbee. On a warm summer’s day, you will find hundreds of New Yorkers gathered in this Central Park field. Pack a picnic and join in the fun. It’s practically an NYC summer right of passage.

6. Ride the Staten Island Ferry

You should do this at least once. It’s such a classic (and FREE!) way to view the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The ferry departs Manhattan from the Whitehall Terminal near Battery Park. You will have to depart and reboard the ferry in Staten Island, but hey it’s a free trip so who can complain! Check the schedule here.

Pro Tip: Beer and concessions are sold on the ferry. So if you wanted a cheap boozy cruise, this is the way to go. Sure, it won’t be as nice or private as an actual booze cruise, but it’s a much cheaper alternative. And you can still say you took a booze cruise past the Statue of Liberty.

7. Take a Waterfront Workout Class

Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of my favorite spots in the city. Located under its namesake, this park offers fantastic Manhattan views, outdoor restaurants, and free events. In addition to movie nights, free kayak rentals, and concerts, this is one of the best places to take a free workout class.

All summer long, various instructors from top local gyms will offer fitness classes in the park. With Zumba, Yoga, Hip Hop Dance Aerobics, and more, there is something for everyone. Check the schedule here, sign up in advance, and get ready to sweat!

8. Attend a Free New York Philharmonic Concert

The iconic New York Philharmonic puts on a few outdoor concerts each summer. This year’s program includes Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man. You can catch the performances at the following parks around the city:

Van Cortlandt Park – June 13, 2023 at 8pm
Central Park – June 14, 2023 at 8pm
Cunningham Park – June 15, 2023 at 8pm
Prospect Park – June 16, 2023 at 8pm
St. George Theatre (Indoors) – June 18, 2023 at 4pm

Stick around for a fireworks show after all of the outdoor performances.

9. Try to See Shakespeare in the Park

Shakespeare in the Park is a beloved summer tradition in NYC put on by The Public Theater. Central Park’s Delacorte Theater will host Halmet this year from June 8 – August 6.

This is a true New York tradition and tons of well-known performers have graced this stage including Denzel Washington, Anne Hathaway, James Earl Jones, and Meryl Streep.

If you want to score free tickets you need to be prepared. Tickets are distributed at 12 pm on a first-come-first-serve basis. And people line up EARLY. Part of the fun is setting up with a blanket and snacks and making a day out of it. You’ll need to sign up for a Public Theater Patron ID to get tickets so make sure to do that online before you go.

There are a few other ways to score free tickets too, like with the TodayTix lottery and in-person lottery at the Public Theater.

10. Attend a Summer Event in Bryant Park

Have I mentioned how much I love Bryant Park in the summer? Seriously, this should be your go-to NYC park this summer. With yoga, movie nights, juggling classes, and more there is always something free going on at Bryant Park. They even have a game cart where you can borrow a board game to play in the park.

If you don’t want to attend an event, you should still check out the lawn at Bryant Park. It’s the perfect spot to picnic, soak up the sun, or read. Plus, you’ll be right next to the main branch of the New York Public Library, which is free to explore and has an incredible permanent exhibit of rare artifacts you won’t want to miss.

11. Enjoy a Beach Day

It’s not summer without a few beach days thrown in, right? There are some excellent beaches you can access by subway. Rockaway Beach is one of the most popular, but Coney Island and Manhattan Beach are great options.

Regardless of which beach you choose, get ready to BBQ, sunbathe, or play volleyball. Seriously, what’s better than a relaxing Saturday at the beach?

12. Hang Out at the Hudson Yards Backyard

If you haven’t been to Hudson Yards yet, add it to your summer bucket list. They put on a ton of free events all summer long including showing sporting events on The Big Screen. Check out the schedule online, plan a time to go, and snag a spot to watch the French Open, Wimbledon, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup with the Vessel in the background.

13. Visit The Intrepid for Free

Select summer nights are free at the Intrepid Museum and this is a great chance to explore one of NYC’s most fascinating museums. The last Fridays of April, June, July, August, and September are free from 5pm-9pm. Plan to get here early as the museum will cut off the line if it gets too crowded.

The June, July, and August nights line up with the Intrepid’s free movie nights so you could stick around for a screening on the deck after checking out the museum.

14. Museum Hop on the Upper East Side

The annual Museum Mile Festival is a highlight of my NYC summer plans. On June 13 from From 6pm-9pm you’ll be able to hop in and out of some of the best museums along 5th Ave for free. The MET, the Museum of the City of New York, the Jewish Museum, El Museo del Barrio, and more will be participating this year. It’s always a lot of fun plus it’s not every day that you get to go to a museum at night!

15. Stroll the Summer Streets

Stretches of NYC’s streets are closed off for three Saturdays each August to give runners, walkers, and cyclists a chance to take over. The streets are usually closed off from 7am-1pm and along the way, you’ll see water stops, performances, and volunteers making sure everything runs smoothly. It’s a unique way to experience the city and a fun opportunity to go for a jog in NYC without having to worry about cars or dodging people on the sidewalks. The 2023 dates haven’t been announced yet but keep an eye out for the dates here.

Ok, there you have it, my list of the 15 BEST free things to do this summer in NYC. I’ll be sure to post updates on my Instagram story when I find out about any more free events so keep an eye out!