25 Free Things to Do in NYC This April

This April, get ready to experience the best of New York City without breaking the bank! You’ll find plenty of free activities to enjoy, from walking the iconic Brooklyn Bridge for stunning skyline views to attending cultural events like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Cherry Blossom Festival. Want to explore the city’s vibrant art scene? You can visit the Museum of Modern Art on a free admission day or discover the best of NYC’s street art in the Bushwick Collective. But that’s just the beginning – there’s so much more to explore!

TV Show Tapings Galore

As you plan your April itinerary in the city that never sleeps, consider snagging free tickets to TV show tapings, a quintessential New York City experience.

Be mindful of audience etiquette – arrive early, turn off your phone, and laugh loudly!

Ticket availability varies, but popular shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon often offer standby tickets.

Explore the High Line

Stroll along the elevated park built on an old rail line and experience the vibrant city from a new perspective.

You’ll discover the High Line’s rich history, from its origins as a freight rail line to its transformation into a thriving urban greenery.

Some highlights include:

• Public art installations along the way
• Panoramic views of the Hudson River
• Gardens and green spaces to relax in
• Food vendors offering snacks and drinks
• Access to some of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods

Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Cherry Blossom Festival

Celebrate the arrival of spring at Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s iconic Cherry Blossom Festival, where over 200 cherry blossom trees bloom into vibrant pink and white flowers.

Take stunning cherry blossom photography, or spread a blanket for a peaceful garden picnic.

Enjoy the festive atmosphere, cultural performances, and food vendors amidst the breathtaking blooms – all for free!

Central Park’s Spring Fling

Central Park’s lush landscape transforms into a vibrant playground during Spring Fling, where you can shake off winter’s chill and indulge in outdoor fun.

Take advantage of the season’s best spring activities:

• Rent a bike and ride through the park’s scenic paths
• Spread out a blanket for a relaxing park picnic
• Visit the Central Park Zoo and Conservatory Garden
• Join a free fitness class on the Great Lawn
• Explore the park’s many walking trails and scenic spots

Visit the Museum of Modern Art’s Free Fridays

You’re in for a treat on Fridays at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where the doors swing open, and admission fees disappear!

Spend the evening exploring MoMA’s incredible collection of Modern art, featuring iconic works and rotating exhibits.

Be sure to check out the MoMA highlights, including Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies.”

Take a Stroll Through Times Square

After immersing yourself in MoMA’s modern masterpieces, head to the heart of Manhattan, where bright lights, giant billboards, and endless energy await.

Take a stroll through Times Square, where you’ll encounter:

• Street performers showcasing their talents
• Iconic landmarks like the TKTS booth and the Hard Rock Cafe
• Giant digital billboards and LED displays
• Costumed characters and live music
• A vibrant, 24/7 atmosphere that’s quintessentially New York City

Attend a TV Show Taping at NBC Studios

As the bright lights of Times Square fade into the background, get ready to go behind the scenes of your favorite TV shows at NBC Studios.

You’ll experience the inner workings of television production firsthand, and even participate as a live studio audience member.

Reserve free tickets in advance to attend a taping, and be a part of the action!

Discover New Art at the Whitney Museum’s Pay-What-You-Wish Fridays

If Friday nights are usually reserved for hitting the town, consider swapping your happy hour plans for a dose of culture instead.

Head to the Whitney Museum, where Fridays are pay-what-you-wish from 7 pm to 10 pm.

Explore the latest exhibits featuring:

• Emerging artists
• Experimental works
• Interactive installations
• Thought-provoking pieces
• Innovative mediums

Bryant Park’s Free Outdoor Movie Screenings

Get ready to cozy up under the stars at Bryant Park, where free outdoor movie screenings are back this April.

Grab a blanket and snacks, and enjoy a night out at the park’s outdoor cinema.

Catch a classic film on select Mondays, starting at 7pm.

It’s the perfect way to spend a spring evening in NYC.

Wander Through the New York Public Library

The iconic New York Public Library, a Beaux-Arts beauty on 42nd Street and 5th Avenue, beckons you to explore its stunning architecture, fascinating exhibitions, and vast collections.

You can:

• Admire the grand Rose Main Reading Room
• Discover rare books and manuscripts
• Attend literary events and author talks
• Uncover the library’s hidden gems on a guided tour
• Relax in the peaceful atmosphere of the reading rooms

Enjoy Live Music at the Brooklyn Museum’s First Saturdays

While you’re exploring the city, why not sync your calendar with the Brooklyn Museum’s First Saturdays, a monthly event that brings free live music, performances, and festivities to the museum’s grand Beaux-Arts Court?

Immerse yourself in Brooklyn Culture, enjoying eclectic music genres and lively performances that’ll get you moving. It’s a mini music festival within the museum’s walls!

Tour the New York Hall of Science’s Permanent Exhibitions

By embracing the wonders of science, you’ll access a world of curiosity and discovery at the New York Hall of Science’s permanent exhibitions, featuring over 450 exhibits that will fascinate visitors of all ages.

Some highlights include:

• Exploring interactive exhibits like the Giant Model of the New York City Water System
• Witnessing live science demonstrations that’ll leave you amazed
• Uncovering the secrets of the universe at the Hall of the Universe
• Discovering the wonders of light and sound at the Seeing the Invisible exhibit
• Releasing your inner scientist at the Design Lab

Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s Free Admission Tuesdays

Every Tuesday, you can pay your respects without paying a fee at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which offers free admission on this day of the week.

Take a moment to reflect on the significance of this poignant museum, dedicated to the victims of the 2001 attacks.

Explore the memorial pools, exhibits, and artifacts that honor their memory.

Explore the Staten Island Ferry’s Free Rides

After reflecting on the significance of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, you can shift your attention to a more uplifting experience – taking a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry.

This 25-minute ride offers:

• Stunning ferry views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island
• Insight into island history, from its Native American roots to its modern-day attractions
• A chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city
• Beautiful sunsets or city lights, depending on your timing
• A unique perspective on NYC’s iconic landmarks

Relax in Prospect Park’s Picnic Areas

As you step away from the ferry’s bustling terminals, you’ll find a serene oasis waiting for you in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.

Spread a blanket and unpack your picnic essentials in one of the many picnic areas.

After lunch, challenge your friends to a game of frisbee or soccer – the park has plenty of space for park games.

Uncover Hidden Gems at the American Museum of Natural History’s Free Admission Days

While exploring the city, you’re likely to stumble upon iconic landmarks and popular attractions, but have you ever wondered what secrets lie beyond the exhibit halls of one of NYC’s most beloved institutions?

Take advantage of the American Museum of Natural History’s free admission days to uncover hidden gems.

• Explore the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life’s giant blue whale model
• Discover dinosaur fossils in the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs
• Catch a free Planetarium show
• Wander through the Rose Center for Earth and Space
• Get up close and personal with a giant squid in the Hall of Biodiversity

Take a Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

You’ve uncovered the secrets of the American Museum of Natural History, now it’s time to take in the city’s iconic sights from a different perspective.

Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for spectacular Brooklyn views and a close-up look at its historic architecture.

The Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the bridge’s Gothic-inspired towers await you on this unforgettable stroll.

Visit the Guggenheim Museum’s Pay-What-You-Wish Saturdays

On Saturdays, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum offers a pay-what-you-wish admission policy, making it an affordable and exciting way to spend your day.

You’ll have access to the museum’s renowned collection, including works by Kandinsky, Klee, and Miró, as well as temporary exhibitions.

Some highlights of your visit will include:

• Admiring the Guggenheim’s iconic spiral architecture
• Exploring the museum’s diverse art education programs
• Discovering new artists and styles
• Enjoying the museum’s peaceful atmosphere
• Taking in the stunning city views from the upper levels

Attend a Free Outdoor Yoga Class in Bryant Park

After spending the morning surrounded by iconic art and architecture, get ready to stretch your body and clear your mind with a free outdoor yoga class in Bryant Park.

As you breathe in the fresh air and soak up the sun, you’ll reap the yoga benefits of increased flexibility and reduced stress.

Embrace park mindfulness and connect with nature in the heart of Manhattan.

Explore the New York Botanical Garden’s Free Admission Days

While the city’s concrete jungle can be overwhelming, the New York Botanical Garden offers a tranquil oasis, and the best part? You can explore it for free on certain days!

Take advantage of the garden’s free admission days this April to witness the stunning spring blooms.

Some of the exciting garden events you can experience include:

• Orchid Show exhibitions
• Garden tours
• Live music performances
• Seasonal flower displays
• Family-friendly activities

Visit the Museum of the Moving Image’s Free Admission Fridays

Get ready to roll out the red carpet and experience the magic of movies and television at the Museum of the Moving Image, where Fridays just got a whole lot more exciting – admission is free!

You’ll explore film history, examining iconic artifacts and interactive exhibits that bring the world of cinema to life.

Discover the Best of NYC’s Street Art in the Bushwick Collective

Street art enthusiasts, rejoice! This April, explore the vibrant Bushwick Collective, a haven for street art lovers.

Wander through the outdoor galleries and discover:

• Massive murals that cover entire buildings
• Intricate stencil work and 3D installations
• Graffiti that pops with color and energy
• Quirky characters and abstract designs
• Ever-changing art that reflects the community’s spirit

Enjoy Free Comedy Shows at the Village Underground

You’ve had your fill of vibrant street art, now it’s time to tickle your funny bone!

Head to the Village Underground, where you can catch free comedy shows every week. Enjoy improv comedy nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or check out the Stand Up Showcase on Fridays, featuring up-and-coming comedians.

Laugh out loud without breaking the bank!

Take a Self-Guided Tour of the United Nations Headquarters

The United Nations Headquarters, a symbol of global cooperation and diplomacy, opens its doors to visitors for a free self-guided tour.

You’ll get to explore the General Assembly Hall, the Security Council Chamber, and other historic rooms.

As you wander, keep an eye out for:

• The UN’s iconic peace symbol, the Broken Chair sculpture
• The Meditation Room’s stunning stained-glass window
• The General Assembly Hall’s impressive delegates’ seating area
• The Security Council Chamber’s historic meeting table
• The UN’s fascinating history, from its founding to present-day efforts in global diplomacy

Visit the El Museo Del Barrio’s Free Admission Days

Every third Saturday of the month, El Museo Del Barrio opens its doors to the public for free, offering a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of Latin America and the Caribbean.

You’ll get to discover new art exhibitions, attend cultural events, and experience the vibrant spirit of the community – all without spending a dime!

Conclusion

You’ve got a month of free NYC adventures ahead! From TV show tapings to museum visits, and from strolling the High Line to laughing at comedy shows, April’s got you covered. Take in the city’s vibrant energy by exploring street art, attending cultural festivals, and enjoying the great outdoors. With 25 free activities to choose from, you’ll experience the best of NYC without breaking the bank. Get ready to soak up the city’s charm and make unforgettable memories!