Travel Like Jess
Map · 61 places ·
Manhattan, NY
Travel Like Jess ~ Free NYC
Made by Travel Like Jess
·
Updated Apr 2025
Museums
16
Iconic NYC
15
Outdoor Fun
15
Shops and Markets
9
Indoor Fun
6
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Places on This Map
61 places · 5 groups
1
Pier 57 Discovery Tank
Indoor Fun
Pier 57, 25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
This free indoor spot lets kids explore Hudson River wildlife through touchscreens, games, and hands-on science fun. It’s a great add-on to…
2
Poster House
Museums
119 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011, USA
Enjoy free admission every Friday and on the third Sunday of each month. The museum stays open until 9 pm on Fridays, offering extended hou…
3
Museum at FIT
Museums
227 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001, USA
Fashionistas, rejoice! This museum is free to the public and open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 8 pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 1…
4
Essex Market
Shops and Markets
88 Essex St, New York, NY 10002, USA
The Essex Market isn’t just for snacks and shopping...there are often free cooking demos, free family workshops, and free community classes…
5
Rockefeller Center
Outdoor Fun
45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, USA
Live music in the middle of Midtown... and yes, **it’s totally free**. From indie fests to surprise pop-ups, Rock Center hosts shows throug…
6
Pier 26 Science Playground
Outdoor Fun
231 West St, Bronx, NY 10463, USA
This Hudson River playground is all about big fish energy—kids can climb inside giant sturgeon, scale nets, and explore river-themed featur…
7
Manhattan Community Boathouse
Outdoor Fun
Hudson River Greenway, New York, NY 10019, USA
Kayak the Hudson for **free...** no reservations, no experience needed, kids can do it! Just show up at **Pier 96 (**W 56th St) during open…
8
Tribeca Skatepark at Hudson Park
Outdoor Fun
N Moore St & West St, New York, NY 10013, USA
A street-style plaza with stairs, rails, and ledges, perfect for skaters of all levels. Free and open daily from 8 am to dusk. Access via N…
9
Heckscher Playground
Outdoor Fun
E 65th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
Central Park’s biggest playground is all about climbing rocks, splash zones, and room to really run. Best entrance: 7th Ave & Central Park…
10
Pier 62 Skatepark
Outdoor Fun
143 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
This 15,000-square-foot concrete park offers a California-style bowl, flowy transitions, and skyline views. It's free and open daily from 8…
11
Bryant park
Outdoor Fun
W 42nd St & 6th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA
Enjoy **free movies** on Monday nights in the summer on the Bryant Park lawn (blankets out at 5 pm, movies at 8 pm) and **free concerts** t…
12
High Line
Outdoor Fun
456 High Line, New York, NY 10011, USA
This elevated park runs from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards, with public art, skyline views, and plenty of spots to stop and snac…
13
Jo Malone London
Shops and Markets
225 Liberty St #220, New York, NY 10080, USA
Treat yourself to a **free 20-minute hand and arm massage** at any of their four Manhattan locations...but you _**must**_ book online in ad…
14
Gansevoort Beach
Outdoor Fun
427 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014, USA
Manhattan’s first free public beach is a vibe...1,200 tons of sand, Adirondack chairs, and misting stations for cooling off. No swimming al…
15
Ancient Playground
Outdoor Fun
Museum Mile, New York, NY 10028, USA
Next to the Met and full of pyramids, tunnels, and water features. Best entrance: 5th Ave & E 85th St.
16
Billy Johnson Playground
Outdoor Fun
E 67th St, New York, NY 10022, USA
Known for its giant granite slide and woodland vibes, this one’s a quieter gem tucked near the south end of the park. Best entrance: 5th Av…
17
New York Public Library Children's Room
Indoor Fun
476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018, USA
Enjoy a whole children’s floor tucked inside the main branch of the NYPL, with free storytimes, baby lapsits, and early literacy programs m…
18
Battery Playscape
Outdoor Fun
20 State St, New York, NY 10004, USA
This downtown playground feels like a kid-sized obstacle course with climbing walls, tunnels, and a dramatic stone slide that’s cooler than…
19
Central Park Summer Stage
Outdoor Fun
E 71st St, New York, NY 10021, USA
Free concerts all summer long at Central Park's Summer Stage, Rumsey Playfield. Check the schedule and arrive early...these shows fill up f…
20
New York Public Library Children's Room
Indoor Fun
18 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, USA
This sleek Midtown branch runs free weekly storytimes. From baby-friendly songs and rhymes to preschool read-alouds with crafts. Some are d…
21
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Iconic NYC
30 Rockefeller Plaza Studio 6A, New York, NY 10112, USA
This one tapes several times a week, usually in the afternoon, and you’ll need to keep an eye on 1iota for ticket drops. You must be 18+, a…
22
Jo Malone London
Shops and Markets
20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, USA
Treat yourself to a **free 20-minute hand and arm massage** at any of their four Manhattan locations...but you _**must**_ book online in ad…
23
Market 57
Shops and Markets
25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
James Beard-backed vendors, waterfront views, and one of the best hidden public bathrooms in the city. Market 57 is doing the most. Check t…
24
Nintendo New York
Shops and Markets
10 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020, USA
It’s free to enter and packed with demo stations where kids (and grown-ups) can test out games without spending a dime. Part store, part pl…
25
Late Night with Seth Meyers
Iconic NYC
Rockefeller Plaza, 30 Rockefeller Plaza #8g, New York, NY 10112, USA
Taping runs Monday through Thursday in the early evening, and tickets drop about a month out on 1iota. Ages 16+ only, and standby is someti…
26
Strand Book Store
Shops and Markets
828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, USA
The Strand often hosts free children's storytime sessions. There is no better excuse to visit The Strand.
27
McNally Jackson Books SoHo
Indoor Fun
134 Prince St, New York, NY 10012, USA
Join free storytime sessions on Tuesdays at 3 pm and Fridays at 11 am. Perfect for a midweek, indoor, literary adventure with your little o…
28
Home Depot
Indoor Fun
40 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10010, USA
On the first Saturday of each month from 9 am to 12 pm, kids can build, paint, and take home a themed project...**for free**. Each child re…
29
Museum of Chinese in America
Museums
215 Centre St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Always free and open Wednesday to Sunday. It’s small, meaningful, and totally doable with kids...plus, you’re already steps from Chinatown…
30
Jo Malone London
Shops and Markets
10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019, USA
Treat yourself to a **free 20-minute hand and arm massage** at any of their four Manhattan locations...but you _**must**_ book online in ad…
31
Books of Wonder
Shops and Markets
42 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011, USA
This wonderful bookstore hosts free storytime sessions on Sundays at 11:30 am. Expect picture book readings led by staff or guest authors.…
32
Jo Malone London
Shops and Markets
1048 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA
Treat yourself to a **free 20-minute hand and arm massage** at any of their four Manhattan locations...but you _**must**_ book online in ad…
33
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Museums
11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, USA
New York State residents enjoy free admission every Friday from 5:30–8:30 pm during UNIQLO Friday Nights. Advance reservations and proof of…
34
Neue Galerie
Museums
1048 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
Visit for free on the first Friday of every month from 5–8 pm. Admission is first-come, first-served, and note: children under 12 aren't ad…
35
Japan Society
Museums
333 E 47th St, New York, NY 10017, USA
Explore Japanese art and culture for free every Friday from 6–9 pm. Bonus: free guided tours at 6 pm (in Japanese) and 7 pm (in English). T…
36
Museum of Jewish Heritage
Museums
36 Battery Pl, New York, NY 10280, USA
Enjoy free admission on Thursdays between 4 and 8 pm. Explore the poignant exhibits that honor Jewish history and heritage.
37
Museum at Eldridge St.
Museums
12 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Pay What You Wish on Mondays and Fridays and explore one of the most beautiful synagogues in NYC. Open Sunday to Friday (_closed Saturdays_…
38
Museum of the City of New York
Museums
1220 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA
Pay what you wish every day if you're a New York State resident, and it's free for everyone on Wednesdays. Open daily with extended hours o…
39
Intrepid Museum
Museums
Pier 86 at Hudson River Park, New York, NY 10036, USA
Board a legendary aircraft carrier for free during select **Free Summer Fridays** from 5–9 pm. On these evenings, enjoy after-hours access…
40
American Folk Art Museum
Museums
2 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023, USA
Admission is always free. Located across from Lincoln Center, it's a perfect spot to explore self-taught artistry.
41
The View
Iconic NYC
320 W 66th St, New York, NY 10023, USA
Filmed live weekdays at 11 am, The View releases free tickets about a month out on 1iota. You must be 18+ to attend, but standby is sometim…
42
SNL (August ticket lottery)
Iconic NYC
Rockefeller Plaza, 30 Rockefeller Plaza #8h, New York, NY 10112, USA
There’s no weekly ticket release...your best shot is the August lottery or arriving early for standby on the day of the show. You must be 1…
43
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Iconic NYC
1697 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA
Tickets go live at the start of each month for the next, and shows tape late afternoon Monday through Thursday. You must be 18+, and standb…
44
FAO Schwarz
Iconic NYC
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, USA
It’s free to visit, but don’t be surprised if you leave with a magic kit, a plush flamingo, and a child who suddenly plays the piano with t…
45
Live with Kelly and Mark
Iconic NYC
7 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023, USA
A classic for morning TV fans—this one tapes at 9 am, Monday through Thursday. Kids 10+ can attend with an adult, and tickets are released…
46
The Tonight Show
Iconic NYC
Rockefeller Plaza, 30 Rockefeller Plaza #6b, New York, NY 10112, USA
Taping Monday through Thursday at 5 PM in Studio 6B at 30 Rock, this show is a high-energy mix of comedy, music, and celebrity interviews.…
47
Good Morning America
Iconic NYC
1500 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, USA
GMA films live in Times Square from 7 to 9 am, Monday to Friday. You can apply for tickets or just head to the outdoor plaza the day-of for…
48
Grand Central Whispering Gallery
Iconic NYC
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA
The Whispering Gallery is located downstairs, outside of the Grand Central Oyster Bar. Stand in one corner and whisper into the wall, and i…
49
The Daily Show
Iconic NYC
733 11th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA
Free tickets release a few weeks ahead on 1iota, and shows tape Monday to Thursday at 4:30 pm. You must be 18+, and standby is possible wit…
50
Staten Island Ferry
Iconic NYC
4 Whitehall St, New York, NY 10004, USA
What to Know: The Staten Island Ferry is free to ride and runs every 15-30 minutes. You will want to sit on the right side of the boat leav…
51
Free Paper Subway Map
Iconic NYC
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA
Free paper subway maps are hard to come by and make a great souvenir. You can get one at the ticket counter at Grand Central.
52
The Downtown Boathouse at Pier 26
Outdoor Fun
Pier 26, 233 West St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Show up, sign a waiver, and kayak... **for free.** Kayaking runs **Saturdays and Sundays from 1–6 pm (May to Oct),** plus Mondays and Tuesd…
53
Rooftop @ Pier 17
Outdoor Fun
89 South St, New York, NY 10038, USA
Free rooftop movies with skyline views. Doors open at 5 pm, films start at 7:30 pm. RSVP recommended, but seating is first come, first serv…
54
McNally Jackson Books Rockefeller
Indoor Fun
W 48th St, New York, NY 10020, USA
Every Saturday at 2 pm, enjoy free storytime sessions in the heart of Midtown. A delightful free activity for families.
55
South Street Seaport Museum
Museums
12 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038, USA
Pay What You Wish Wednesday to Sunday, and yes, it includes boarding a ship. Great for boat lovers, history lovers, or anyone who needs a s…
56
Whitney Museum of Art
Museums
99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014, USA
Admission is free every Friday from 5–10 pm and on the second Sunday of each month. Visitors aged 25 and under enjoy free admission every d…
57
National Museum of the American Indian
Museums
1 Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004, USA
Always free and open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. No tickets or reservations needed...just walk in and explore the rich heritage showcased in…
58
The Morgan Library and Museum
Museums
225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
Free Fridays from 7–9 pm feel like a literary cheat code. Or visit the historic library rooms for free on Tuesdays (3–5 pm) and Sundays (4–…
59
Delacorte Theater
Iconic NYC
81 Central Prk W, New York, NY 10024, USA
Free tickets come out at noon on performance days, either in person at the Delacorte (there will be a line already started by 6 am) or via…
60
9/11 Memorial
Museums
9/11 Memorial & Museum, 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007, USA
New Yorkers can visit for free on the first Sunday of each month from 4–7 pm. Bring a valid ID and reserve tickets in advance.
61
The Drew Barrymore Show
Iconic NYC
524 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
Tickets open on 1iota and go fast, so check often. Most shows tape in the morning and you’ll need to be 18+ (16+ with an adult) to join. Dr…
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