What's Free or Cheap in NYC?

Listings by Category and Location / Alphabetical Listings

• Read Laurie's article on Hunting Down What's Free or Cheap in NYC
• See also Seasonal Field Trips and Armchair Travel.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tip: Many schools and organizations offer a free "trial class." It never hurts to ask!

Listings by Category / Alphabetical Listings

Resources are categorized by school subject, then listed by location, beginning with city-wide activities, then Manhattan (downtown to uptown), Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island.

Listings by Category

Local Newspapers etc.
Area Listings & Organizations
Councils on the Arts
Preschool Playgroups (NYC, MN)
Phys. Ed. (NYC, MN, BK, QN, BX, SI )
Summer Phys. Ed. (NYC, MN, BK, QN, BX, SI )
Science and Math (including Economics) (NYC, MN, BK, QN, BX, SI )
Social Studies (NYC, Lower MN, MN above Canal Street, BK, QN, BX, SI )
Art & Architecture (NYC, MN, BK, QN, BX, SI )
Music & Dance (NYC, MN, BK, QN, BX, SI )
Summer Music Festivals (NYC, MN, BK, BX )
Language Arts: Theater, Film, & Writing (NYC, MN, BK, QN, BX, SI )
Summer Outdoor Film & Theater (MN, BK, QN )
Precollege Programs

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.