These free family activities in NYC are easy on the wallet

Just because you live in the Big Apple doesn't mean you can't spend time in the great outdoors. There are amazing family-friendly hikes close to NYC—in fact, the Bronx River Greenway and Inwood Hill Park are right in the middle of the city. Check your weather app, pack a picnic and make plans to visit mother nature with the fam. Our list of the best hiking trails has picks for children of all ages, from toddlers out for a stroll to bigger kids looking to go for a scramble.

New York is a good biking town. From protected bike paths on the Bronx waterfront to the low-key cycling in Battery Park City, the best bike trails will turn NYC into a playland. The key? Pick the right bike path. Brooklyn Bridge bike trail? It has one of the best views in the world, but it's steeper than you think—and might be too much for tiny legs. Prospect Park? Glorious setting—but the loop is dominated by super-pumped peletons zooming at top speed. Check out semi-secret bike paths in Central Park, Erie Basin in Red Hook, and Governor's Island, a car-free paradise with 7 miles of bike paths and breezy skyline views.

Pack the SPF! Trips to the best beaches for kids in NYC and beyond guarantee a fun summer afternoon for the whole family.  Not only will the kids love to search for shells and splash in the waves, but there are plenty of other cool amenities to enjoy. When in Coney Island, you're within striking distance of awesome amusement parks for kids. Other locales boast some of the best picnic spots in NYC and fun water playgrounds for kids. There are plenty of beaches within the five boroughs that are perfect for days when you're craving the smell of salt water and sand between your toes. 

This is a golden age of parks in NYC, and our updated list of the 50 most epic playgrounds has something for everyone. From the stunning Sweetwater Playground at Domino Park, to the classic Ancient Playground in Central Park, to the splashy water features at Beach 30th Street, you can guarantee your kid will have a great time.

Taken over by Mark DiSuvero in 1986, this is one of the few locations in the city specifically designated for artists to create outdoor works. The splendid Queens space looks out over the Manhattan skyline and is open 365 days a year.

A century ago, this site vied with Niagara Falls as New York State’s greatest tourist attraction. Filled with Victorian mausoleums, cherubs and gargoyles, Green-Wood is the resting place of some half-million New Yorkers, among them Jean-Michel Basquiat, Leonard Bernstein and Mae West. Battle Hill, the highest point in Brooklyn (offering prime Manhattan skyline views), is on cemetery grounds.

The New York Public Library makes it possible for anyone with a library card and an iOS or Android device to read any of the 300,000 e-books in the library's virtual collection. All you need to do is download the SimplyE reader from the NYPL, and use your library card to gain full access. No library card? No problem: Any person who lives, works, attends school or pays property taxes in New York State can get a card online for free in just a couple of minutes.

Take in a sweeping view of the Great Lawn, the Ramble and Turtle Pond from Belvedere Castle, a folly built on one of the highest points in the park. Inside they'll find the Henry Luce Nature Observatory, where they can peer into microscopes and telescopes, look at skeletons and papier mâché birds, or borrow a free discovery kit from inside the castle, which includes binoculars, a map, sketch paper and a field guide for exploring the Ramble's woods.

Few things are more iconic than New York's Grand Central Terminal. The 1913 Beaux-Arts train station is the city’s most spectacular point of arrival. The attraction played an important role in the nation’s historic preservation movement, after a series of legal battles that culminated in the 1978 Supreme Court decision affirming NYC’s landmark laws. One notable oddity: The constellations on the Main Concourse ceiling are drawn in reverse, as if seen from heaven.

Like a well-stocked shelf, NYC's best book clubs for kids offer plenty of options for little bibliophiles. Yes, Mom and Dad, this activity just might cause the kiddos to stay up past their bedtime (we apologize in advance). New genres, authors and series are at the ready for young readers, so stop by your local indie to see what options are available for your tiny Rory Gilmore. Happy reading!

When kids eat free, moms and dads everywhere are totally satisfied—and so are their wallets. NYC does boast some hefty price tags, particularly within the dining scene, but all you need to do is a little research to uncover perks at fun restaurants and family restaurants. Fortunately for busy parents, we've rounded up those sweet deals for you!

Storytime for kids will allow your child's love for literature blossom one picture book at a time. Make your way to the best bookstores, most engaging libraries for kids and charming toy stores in NYC for fun read-alouds and interactive activities. Children will meet new friends and explore a wide variety of tales, from the latest bestseller to classic stories.  

The Midtown green space is home to our favorite outdoor activities for kids, even better that they're free! From puppet shows and magic shows to story time and more, Bryant Park has a packed schedule each summer with lots of fun, free things to keep the kids entertained.

This legendary house of worship counts presidents and movie stars among past and present attendees. While its intricate marble towers are a marvel of Gothic Revival architecture, St. Pat’s interior—including the Louis Tiffany–designed altar and spectacular rose window—is tremendous as both a feat of master craftsmanship and a source of spiritual inspiration.

Long considered one of the best free things to do in the Big Apple, a ride across the New York Harbor on the Staten Island Ferry is still a great, family-friendly way to take in some stunning views. The hour–long round–trip offers glimpses of Lady Liberty, Governor’s Island, the lower Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge; move from one side of the boat to the other after the first leg of the journey to get the full tour. Making things even easier, the ferry runs frequently enough to pretty much eliminate the need for careful planning. Just show up and hop aboard!

The historic district is home to gorgeous scenery, a taste of NYC’s past and fun things to do. Walk through the cobblestone streets to admire the old ships that are docked at Pier 17 and the gorgeous NYC skyline. Make sure you peruse the Seaport’s website to keep up-to-date on free happenings, such as classes and performances.

Located within Park Slope's Washington Park, this small farmhouse has a storied history. Built in the 17th century, it played an important role in the Battle of Brooklyn, the first Revolutionary War battle fought after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Now it hosts art exhibits and can be toured on the weekends.