As your summer calendar is filling up with trips and brunches and birthdays, maybe you’re just looking for something to do that’s…less expensive? We get it, there are so many things to do in New York City in the summer, and you want to do it all, but you also don’t want to spend a fortune. Here are 11 free activities happening in New York this summer that are actually fun.
Shakespeare in the Park
Shakespeare in the Park is a New York classic and is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year! Every summer, some of the best actors, directors, and producers come together to put on plays in the Delacorte Theater.
This year’s line-up includes Richard III and As You Like It. Tickets are completely free and can be obtained via lottery or in person (tip: we had good luck getting tickets in person, it was about a 1-hour wait on a busy Saturday).
Outdoor Fitness Class
Get your sweat on! The Hudson River Park puts on daily fitness classes through their Healthy on the Hudson program. It’s a great way to enjoy some exercise, meet some friends, and enjoy the beautiful parks. They alternate between yoga and HIIT classes, check out the full schedule here.
Staten Island Ferry
Yes, it’s touristy, and a little chaotic but a ride on the Staten Island ferry gets you out on the water and gives you views of the Statue of Liberty. For free. Most people will hop off the ferry and run through the terminal to catch the return ferry, but if you stick around in Staten Island, you can check out the outlet malls or enjoy the waterfront view and Manhattan skyline.
Free Movies
New York sure does fill up the summer months. Nearly every night of the week, there’s a free screening of a movie in a park in the city. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day, meet up with friends, and get some fresh air. While there are many more movies than this, some favorites include Villa Albertine’s French Films on the Green and Movies with a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park. At the Brooklyn movie nights, there’s a Smorgasborg with different food and drink vendors too!
Bryant Park Jazz
Head to Bryant Park and see the lawn transformed into a concert venue. Their stage has a great lineup of dancers, singers, and musicians from the Opera, Carnegie Hall, Symphony Orchestra, and more! What better way to kick off your Friday night than with charming jazz or beautiful dance?
Check out the full schedule here.
Governor’s Island
For when you need to get away from the sights and sounds of the city, Governor’s Island is a great retreat. The ferry is free on weekends before noon ($4 otherwise), and a trip to this carless island feels a lot like a vacation. The ferry goes daily from Lower Manhattan but has two Brooklyn stops on weekends as well. Grab some bikes to ride around the island and enjoy the peace and quiet. There are great food vendors and parks to relax all around the island.
Chelsea Art Galleries
If you’re into art (or wine), check out Chelsea galleries! Since new galleries usually open at the end of the week, galleries invite visitors for gallery hopping every Thursday night during the summer at 6:30pm. There is often wine, treats, and a high chance of meeting artists!
The Chelsea galleries are located between 10th and 11th Avenue from West 19th to West 27th Street. You can easily weave your way through the streets but you can also follow the map here.
US Open Qualifying Rounds
Grabbing tickets to watch tennis at the US Open can be pricey, but you can visit the week before to watch the qualifying rounds for free. It’s a nice way to tour the grounds, get your US Open merch, get some autographs, and of course, watch some great tennis.
The 2022 details haven’t been released, but you can watch for more information here.
Go to the Beach
In a city where everything costs something, it’s a marvel that a trip to the beach costs nothing more than the $2.75 ferry or train. If you’re in New York for the summer, a trip to Rockaway Beach is a must. Smell the salty air, dip your toes in the water, and feel that laid-back beach vibe.
If you’re planning a trip to Rockaway Beach, this guide covers how to get there, which beach to go to, and what to bring for a perfect beach day.
Visit A Brand New Park
Have you checked out the city’s newest rooftop park?! It’s located on top of the City Winery Building on the West Side Highway. Thank Google for this one because they’ve set up offices in this building and funded the building of this park for their employees and the community as well. The space covers 80,000 square feet and has incredible views of lower Manhattan and Little Island.
Little Island
Let’s not forget about the park that opened last year (seriously, how lucky are we?!). If you aren’t familiar with New York’s floating park, you must visit! It’s quirky, and completely its own thing. The perimeter is flanked by the huge water towers, while the inside has a grassy section, an amphitheater, and an upper level where you can get great city views. The architecture alone is worth checking out, but they also have a lot of free programming for things like spoken word, concerts, bingo, and family-friendly events.
You can find the full events schedule here.
That concludes the short list of free things to do in New York City this summer.
What are you up to this summer?
Are there any free activities you love and would add to this list?
I’ve never tried Outdoor Fitness Class and really need to get out there!