When people look for things to do on the weekends, they often forget that we live in New York City, home to some of the most amazing activities and things to do. While some activities can have a high price tag, fortunately, there are tons of free things to do that not only get you out of the house, but also see some great things around the Big Apple.
One thing that many New Yorkers do not take full advantage of are the many parks across the five boroughs. During the springtime, the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom which are perfect for photos and backdrops. Visiting parks around NYC is totally free and a great way to get in step and also explore new places with friends and family. Central Park, for example, is one of the most famous and well-known parks in New York, spanning miles across Manhattan. Going to take a walk there can be an endless adventure with various places to stop, sit, take photos, and relax.
Another park in New York City that people neglect is the Highline. This park is well-known because it’s 30 feet above the street level on an old railway. The height gives visitors insane city and river views, and is a great way to spend time. Not to mention, the photo ops are endless. It’s great to go right when the sun is setting, too, because you won’t get that kind of view anywhere else.
Bryant Park, located close to Grand Central Station, is another park known for many things. In the winter, their festivals bring in people from all over the world, but in the spring time they really shine. During the spring and summer, various concerts, shows, and performances take place at Bryant Park, free of charge. Students can attend plays, watch a jazz performance, or have a movie night under the stars, all for free. The park usually posts their schedule on social media or on their website for visitors to keep up with their events.
New York also has two baseball teams that represent the Bronx and Queens. Going to see a baseball game is the perfect way to enjoy a spring day. Some days, tickets go for as low as $7 to games, and there are tons of things to do inside the park. Not to mention, the food at each stadium for the Mets and the Yankees is pretty great. Prices may vary, but if you buy tickets close to the beginning of the game, they tend to sell lower on apps like StubHub.
The JAPAN Fes is another way to spend time and save money. It is the world’s largest Japanese food festival. With events running over 30 neighborhoods in NYC, thousands of people attend yearly. It features authentic street food, ranging from ramen and takoyaki, to matcha and taiyaki. Vendors from around the world attend this festival to give New York a taste of Japanese culture. Check on their website for dates and locations to secure your plans.
For those rainy spring days, going to a museum is a good idea for friends who want to learn more or just simply enjoy various cultures and art. Most of the museums in the city give free admission to students on certain days when they present their school ID. These museums can have you explore art, culture, history, or even allow you to experiment with items. Some of them even offer guided tours, so you can learn from professionals who are trained in the knowledge of the artifacts and art.
Despite NYC being known as a pretty expensive city to live and visit, there are options for teens to have fun and still spend a fulfilling day with friends and family.
