What's Free or Cheap in NYC? General Information

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Index of Listings by Category Using the local environment, and not staying encased in the classroom, helps us connect to the world. Finding educational opportunities around every corner – the supermarket, the post office, US government at the local courts, ornithology at the local pet store, science in the park – makes us constantly alert for the next learning opportunity. Our senses are heightened. We look in unexpected places. We look up, at the architecture, at the birds and the trees, looking in the direction most people overlook. – Laurie Block Spigel, from Education Uncensored Note that because of budget cuts, some City swimming pools, historic sites, etc. may be closed or have shorter hours. Be sure to check before planning your visit. idNYC is the new, free identification card for all New York City residents age 14 and up, which gives all of us the opportunity to show who we are — New Yorkers. Benefits include free admission to a long list of museums and cultural institutions: Free Programs in NYC Public Schools. New York City offers children and teens a wide range of after-school and summer activities--from paid museum internships to free science research programs. The free and low cost programs listed here are a great way to explore new interests, get extra support, and supplement what is being taught during the school day. Here's a list in pdf format: Summer Fun Events from NYCHEA. Read Laurie's article on Hunting Down What's Free or Cheap in NYC See also Seasonal Field Trips, Summer Camps , and Armchair Travel. Tips on Getting around New York Forty free attractions in New York City, written by Lonely Planet's Robert Reid. Growing up in New York was like living in a magical world. I often wondered how my neighbors could live in the same city I did, and somehow not know its incredible museums, universities, libraries, cultural and historical attractions. I homeschooled my children here, from elementary through high school, delighting in the cultural candy store called the Big Apple. Homeschooling is a misnomer. In truth, the world is our classroom, and there is no more exciting place to learn than this great city. Please note: Everything listed here was correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change without notice. Please check when scheduling an activity. Thank you. back to top This list, first printed in a much shorter form in the NYCHEA (New York City Home Educators' Alliance) Newsletter (July 2001) has been updated and expanded to include a wide variety of field trips and curriculum choices. Some low-cost choices are included because families consider them to be a bargain, either because of the price or because of the quality that is offered. My sincere thanks to the members of NYCHEA who frequent the chialist (NYCHEA's email list), and all of my other email friends who, by freely sharing their tips and anecdotes, have added immeasurably to the contents herein. Tips Don't forget your local public library as a great resource. Many have free classes and activities for kids. Also check out NYPL's website HomeworkNYC.org for information on a bunch of subjects. Many schools and organizations offer a free "trial class." It never hurts to ask! Using your MetroCard, you can get free or reduced admission to many events and attractions. See MetroCard Deals & Trips. back to top Special Ed or kids with disabilities can enjoy many of the offerings here. See also the Special Ed Resources on this website. back to top STACKS is a free after school program in select Queens branch libraries, language arts, math/sci, all subjects. Developed by Queens Library, STACKS isfor children aged 6 – 14. STACKS programs starts with structured homework help supervised by a librarian, followed by a variety of enrichment activities that are informative, hands-on, and fun. Activities include week-long learning projects, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and literacy-based activities. LOCATIONS: Arverne, East Elmhurst, Lefferts, Ridgewood, Baisley Park, Far Rockaway, Lefrak City, South Hollis, Briarwood, Flushing, Long Island City, South Jamaica, Cambria Heights, Jackson Heights, Queens Village, South Ozone Park, Corona, Laurelton, Richmond Hill, Woodside. REGISTRATION DETAILS: STACKS is a year-long program. Each library has a limited number of openings. You must first RSVP to attend an information session. Children must be aged 6-14, with a valid Queens Library card, and must commit to a year in the program. The signature of a parent or guardian is required. back to top

Index of Listings by Category

General Information:

By Subject:

Getting around New York

New York is a great city for walking or cycling. It also has a world-class mass transit system of subways, buses, etc.

• Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) includes subways, buses, Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and Metro North.
• NYC Subway.org has some fascinating stuff.
• The Port Authority of NY & NJ looks after bridges, tunnels, airports, and more.

Tip: Using your MetroCard, you can get free or reduced admission to many events and attractions. See MetroCard Promotions.

Local Newspapers, etc.

Our area has a number of local publications that list events, etc. Some are free (look out for the boxes on street corners), many have websites. Here is a huge list of New York newspapers and news media.

Area Listings & Organizations

Many of these organizations hold events, encourage volunteers, and generally try to improve the quality of life in their specific area.

Area Listings & Organizations: NYC

• Downtown Alliance
• Mommy Poppins - get more out of NYC with kids.
• NYC Arts - a culture guide and calendar.
• Places that Matter

Area Listings & Organizations: MN

• Columbia University Arts Initiative lists a whole bunch of events, lectures, etc.
• Vision Urbana. Among other projects, they hold a Free Summer Day Camp on the Lower East Side. Ages 10-14, Monday to Friday 8am-6pm. Activities include sports, dance, film production, music, drama, art, gaming, and trips! For more info, contact Desiree Gil, Program director at (212) 227-0762 ext. 150 or dgil@visionurbana.org. 200 East Broadway, Suite E • New York, NY 10002, phone 212.420.0041.
• Lower Manhattan Info
• Harlem Arts Alliance

Area Listings & Organizations: BK

• Brooklyn Arts Organizations
• The Brooklyn Brainery hosts low-cost classes and is always seeking teachers for a host of interesting topics. Suggest a teacher or a class, or check out their course catalog. They are located in Carroll Gardens at 515 Court St., a couple of blocks from the Gowanus Canal.
• Heart of Brooklyn is a partnership of the leading cultural institutions located near Grand Army Plaza in central Brooklyn: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Public Library, Prospect Park, and Prospect Park Zoo.

Area Listings & Organizations: QN

• About.com: Queens
• Discover Queens
• Jackson Heights Beautification Group
• Long Island City Cultural Alliance

Councils on the Arts

The various Councils on the Arts carry free listings of concerts and other events. Check out the calendars of events at the website for your borough:

• New York State Council on the Arts has a great page of arts resources
• Lower Manhattan Cultural Council
• Brooklyn Arts Council
• Queens Council on the Arts
• Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts
• Bronx Council on the Arts
• Council on the Arts and Humanities for Staten Island

Other Arts Organizations

• The Alliance for the Arts produces NYCkidsARTS, a cultural calendar for teachers and parents.
• ArtsConnection is New York City's most comprehensive arts-in-education organization. connecting artists with children, families and schools in creative partnerships for teaching and learning.
  They offer:
  • In-school and afterschool residencies in dance, music, theater and the visual arts
  • Collaborations between classroom teachers and teaching artists
  • Exhibitions of student work
  • Professional performances
  • Afterschool programs
  • Professional development for classroom teachers, teaching artists and arts specialists
  • $5 tickets to professional arts events for teens and their families through High 5 Tickets to the Arts

Preschool Playgroups, etc.

Visit our page of resources for Early Childhood.

Many libraries run special programs for young children. Search the NY Public Library's list of Events at the Local Branch Libraries for storytelling, arts and crafts, and more.

• Barnes & Noble
• Camp Geoffrey
• Community Programs at Rutgers Presbyterian Church
• Hudson Park Library
• St. John the Divine

Playgroups: NYC

Barnes & Noble (NYC)

Throughout the city, Barnes & Nobel stores have children's’ rooms with free storytelling times. Inquire for details at any branch. They also have clean restrooms with changing tables.

Camp Geoffrey (NYC / mid-June to mid-July)

Camp Geoffrey is a Summer Activity Program in all Toys"R"Us stores. It’s two hours of activities and free giveaways for boys & girls ages 3-8 on Saturdays from June 11 through July 16 (except July 2), from 1-3 p.m. Check with your local store, (find a store here), or call the Times Square hotline for events schedule at Broadway & 44th St: (646) 366-8855.

Playgroups: MN

Community Programs at Rutgers Presbyterian Church

Community Programsat Rutgers Presbyterian CHurch, 236 West 73rd Street (west of Broadway), include a variety of playgroups and classes.

Hudson Park Library (MN)

Hudson Park Library at 66 Leroy St., Manhattan, is a great place for toddlers and older, complete with rug, blocks, puzzles, slide, play kitchen, etc., and outside there’s a playground. There are little tables in the library where young children are allowed to eat their snacks. And sometimes they bring out the 'water table' and aprons to play. Story times are held regularly, call for info (212) 243-6876.

St. John the Divine (MN)

There is an indoor playground, for ages five and under, in the basement of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam at 112th St. It's not fancy but it's comfortable and warm in the winter months, open Mon-Thursday noon-3 p.m. They charge $5/child. Adults and babies are free. For more info, scroll to the bottom of the Adults and Children in Trust page or call (212) 316-7530.