Free family activities in New York City
by Linzi Hill
5 February 2008
Bright lights, a myriad of colours and everything super size and noisy, close your eyes and think of New York and you can almost conjure up the perfect child friendly destination. But if you open your eyes to see dollar signs, take another look, New York offers a great variety of free of charge activities waiting to be explored.
Staten Island Ferry
Probably New York’s most iconic free attraction and the perfect way to see Battery Park, New York Harbour and of course the Statue of Liberty. Just remember through this is a commuter ferry used by thousands to get to work on a daily basis so try and avoid peak times.
Times Square
26 million people every year can’t be wrong, walk though Times Square by day and night and just soak up the buzz but hold hands at all times the crowds here are massive. Crammed with bright lights, familiar yellow taxis and the famous NYPD station. Also home to Toys R Us which is well worth a visit just to see the Ferris wheel which operates in the middle of the shop!
Window Shopping
Now who said shopping wasn’t a pass time that could be enjoyed by all? Head to Macys and you don’t even need to enter the shop, frequently throughout the year the windows at Macys attract huge crowds, be it for the Christmas displays, thanksgiving or the summer flower festivals where we admired life size whales made completely from flowers. Whatever time of year it’s worth checking out the worlds largest department store (well the windows at least!)
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Book in advance for this one but the building alone is impressive enough and head in and you could find yourself peering into the gold vault and watching the traders on one of the most important trading desks in the world. A must for any keen savers or wannabe bankers and a great story to tell when they go back to school.
Chrysler Building
Looking up is a must in New York, there are so many impressive buildings but one building which without a doubt stands out is the Chrysler building. You would never believe it is over 80 years old when you look at how shiny the roof is. Stepping inside, there is no access out onto the roof, but pop into the lobby as your passing, it’s worth it just to say you’ve been there, oh and to see the mural on the ceiling.
Central Park
Finally when you need to escape the bright lights and skyscrapers head to the 843 acres of open space, pathways, woodland and waterways that make up Central Park. Nothing can take you further from the city. Wander round to get rid of any excess energy, find a football game to join in with and count the squirrels, the park is full of them.
This is a just a few of the free attractions in New York the list is endless, there is something to amuse the whole family whatever their interests.
