New York on a Budget with Kids: a 2-Day Plan and Money Tips
New York is expensive, but many of its best moments cost nothing: a ferry past the Statue of Liberty, the parks, the bridges, the lights of Times Square. Build the trip around those, then choose one or two paid highlights.
Day 1 · Ferry, bridge and park
A free ferry ride past Lady Liberty, a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, and an afternoon by the river.
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Morning
Staten Island Ferry (opens Google Maps)
Free, every 15 to 30 minutes, and it passes the Statue of Liberty. Stand on the right side going out. You have to get off at St. George and board again to come back.
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Late morning
Charging Bull and Fearless Girl (opens Google Maps)
Two famous statues a short walk from the ferry.
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Lunch
Picnic in Battery Park (opens Google Maps)
Pick up food from a deli or supermarket and eat by the water: much cheaper than sitting down in Midtown.
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Afternoon
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge (opens Google Maps)
Free and one of the best views in the city.
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Late afternoon
Brooklyn Bridge Park playgrounds (opens Google Maps)
Big free playgrounds on the river with the skyline across the water. Stay until the lights come on.
Day 2 · Parks, a railway in the sky and the lights
Central Park in the morning, the High Line in the afternoon, Times Square at night.
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Morning
Central Park (opens Google Maps)
Bethesda Fountain, the boat pond, Belvedere Castle and playgrounds everywhere: a whole morning for free.
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Lunch
Slices and a bench
A slice of pizza is one of the cheapest meals in the city. Eat it in the park.
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Afternoon
The High Line (opens Google Maps)
A park built on an old railway, above the streets. Free; start at Gansevoort Street and walk north.
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Late afternoon
Grand Central Terminal (opens Google Maps)
Look up at the starry ceiling, and try the Whispering Gallery near the Oyster Bar.
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Evening
Times Square at night (opens Google Maps)
Free, loud and bright. Best right after dark.
Getting around for less
- Children under 44 inches tall ride free on subways and local buses with a paying adult.
- Tap and ride: tap the same card or phone each time with OMNY; after $35 in seven days on the same card or phone, the rest of that week's rides are free. Use one card per adult.
- Walk: Manhattan is compact, and walking is how kids see the city best.
Where to save the most
- Where you stay: hotels in Long Island City (Queens) or Jersey City are often much cheaper than Midtown and a short train ride away.
- Food: breakfast in the room, picnics at lunch, and one sit-down meal a day.
- Shows: the TKTS booth in Times Square sells same-day Broadway tickets at a discount.
- Museums: some have pay-what-you-wish or free hours for some visitors. Check each museum's official site before you go, since the rules change.
- Passes: only worth it if you'll see several paid sights; see our attraction pass guide.
Questions
Is the Staten Island Ferry really free?
Yes, it's free for everyone, around the clock. It doesn't stop at the Statue of Liberty, but it passes close to it.
Do kids pay on the subway?
Children under 44 inches tall ride free with a paying adult. Older children pay the regular fare.