The 15 Best Free Things To Do In NYC — Museum Visits, Ice Skating Sessions, Watch Parties & More

Danielle Valente – Editor, Secret NYC · January 8, 2026 The place we call home is nothing if not expensive, but there are plenty of free things to do in NYC , despite those daunting price tags floating about. (We promise!) Whether it’s a walk through the new exhibit at your favorite museum or a meet-and-greet with some of your favorite Knicks players, complimentary events in the city are unmatched, you just need to know where to look. (Fear not — we’ve done the heavy lifting.) Without further ado, we present to you some of the best happenings in the city, sans credit swipe or Apple Pay. Enjoy free museum days... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Multiple locations Whether you’re keen on a deep dive into impressionism or have a little one who loves wild animals, you’ll need to bookmark all of the promos [NYC museums](https://secretnyc.co/best-free-museums-nyc-guide/) have on tap. Fortunately, our handy, dandy guide to [free museum days](https://secretnyc.co/best-free-museums-nyc-guide/) highlights offers throughout the week, including complimentary admission, pay-what-you-wish hours, and more. What are a few of the offers, you ask? Pay-what-you-wish entry to the Guggenheim on Mondays and Saturdays from 4-5:30pm, free Wednesday admission to the Bronx Zoo with online reservations, and free strolls through the Wave Hill grounds on Thursdays, to name just a few. ...especially at the newly-free MoMA PS1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22-25 Jackson Ave, Queens The new year kicked off on a positive note in [Long Island City](https://secretnyc.co/best-things-to-do-in-long-island-city-queens/) : as of January 1st, MoMA PS1 became entirely free for *all* attendees Thanks to a sizable gift from creative entrepreneur Sonya Yu , the world of modern art has become much more accessible. Her generosity allows us to explore the ways of the world through creativity upon each visit. In addition to a slew of timed and ongoing exhibits — Inuuteq Storch *Soon Will Summer Be Over* closes February 23rd — the attraction offers artist interventions and music programing. Have a look at all of the [MoMA PS1 programs](https://www.momaps1.org/en/programs) and plan your visit accordingly. Go ice skating — for free — at Roebling Rink (and stay for the free concerts) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take in gorgeous NYC skyline views as you glide beneath the Brooklyn Bridge at Roebling Rink . Though one of [NYC’s most popular ice rinks](https://secretnyc.co/ice-skating-rinks-nyc/) offers ticketed admission, there is an opportunity for a freebie for Brooklyn residents. The rink gives away limited, free tickets during select sessions — 10 tickets for all three sessions Monday – Thursday (2-4pm, 4:30-6:30pm, 7-9pm), and sessions two to four on Friday (3-5pm, 5:30-7:30pm, 8-10pm). Keep in mind, this is on a first-come, first-serve basis! PLUS! A slew of free month-long concert pop-ups are headed to Roebling Rink, and we have all the intel on the [lineup](https://secretnyc.co/free-concerts-roebling-ice-rink-brooklyn-bridge-park/) . Challenge your friends to curling at Bryant Park -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bryant Park: W 40th-42nd Streets between 5th and 6th Avenues February 6, 2026 – February 26, 2026 While the holiday shops might be closed, Winter Village at Bryant Park is still bustling with activity. Next up? Iceless curling. Bring a group of friends and challenge them to a round or two of the wintertime game. Lanes will be set up east of the rink and available on a first-come, first-served basis daily from 11am to 7pm from February 6th to 26th . Though it might go without saying, but you’ll need to refuel with snacks from The Lodge. Grab a NYPL card ---------------- You thought your New York Public Library card was reserved for books? Oh contraire. Of course, you’re more than welcome to take out bestsellers and reference books, but your NYPL card also offers plenty of complimentary access to exciting features: free admission to local attractions , free equipment rentals , [free artwork rentals](https://secretnyc.co/brooklyn-library-borrow-art-lending-program-free-nyc-card/) (yes, really), free studio time, and more. To break it all down, check out these guides: * 10+ Free Things You Can Do With A New York Public Library Card * 10 Free Things You Can Do With A Brooklyn Public Library Card * 6 Free Things You Can Do With A Queens Public Library Card Don’t forget: [Culture Pass](https://secretnyc.co/culture-pass-nyc/) can get you into hundreds of local museums and attractions for free! Plan a visit to NYC parks... -------------------------- Multiple locations From the gorgeous greenery at Bethesda Fountain in Central Park to the waterfront skyline views at Brooklyn Bridge Park , NYC’s green spaces are truly unmatched. Plan a picnic, a run, or a simple afternoon stroll at one of your favorite local parks — and bring a friend. (Hit our go-to [playgrounds](https://secretnyc.co/best-playgrounds-in-nyc/) if you have a tot in tow!) ...and check out their events lineup ---------------------------------- Multiple locations From open hours at [Brooklyn Bridge Park’s](https://brooklynbridgepark.org/events/) environmental nature center to [Vinyl Nights at Bryant Park](https://bryantpark.org/calendar/event/vinyl-nights/2026-01-13) , or the 21,500 square-foot skate park at [Astoria Park](https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/astoria-park/facilities/skateparks) , each venue’s events calendars and features offer plenty to keep New Yorkers busy during their downtime. Visit the [NYC Parks website](https://www.nycgovparks.org/) to explore events, programs, volunteer opportunities, and beyond. Additionally, rec centers are free to those 25 and under! Rent a free movie at Kim’s Video -------------------------------- 28 Liberty Street Suite SC301, New York Hidden in the Alamo Drafthouse basement , Kim’s Video is a throwback experience a la Blockbuster that allows patrons to peruse over 15,000 VHS and DVD titles to rent for free. It’s nostalgia at its finest. Cheer on team USA at Bryant Park during the Olympics -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bryant Park: W 40th-42nd Streets between 5th and 6th Avenues Why stay home to watch the Olympics when you can head to the Lodge at Bryant Park? The Midtown hotspot is transforming into a cheer station come February with the following happenings, per Secret NYC junior writer, [Sydney Hargrove](https://secretnyc.co/author/sydney-hargrove/) : 🏔 Winter Games at The Lodge (Feb): Cheer on the Olympics with live broadcasts, festive drinks, photo ops, and a giant medal board. 🎶Winter Games at the Rink (Feb, select evenings): Enjoy international music nights, skating lessons, and Olympic-themed festivities. 🛷Bobsled Photo Op (Feb): Take a photo inside a real Team USA bobsled from Lake Placid. Celebrate holidays with NYC’s annual parades -------------------------------------------- No one does a celebration like NYC. From the [Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade](https://secretnyc.co/tompkins-square-halloween-dog-parade-2025/) — a favorite! — to the [Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade](https://secretnyc.co/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-2025/) , these gatherings are free. Check out the 2026 parade dates: * Three Kings Day Parade: January 6th * Lunar New Year Parade: March 1st * St. Patrick’s Day Parade: March 17th * Tartan Day Parade: April 11th * Puerto Rican Day Parade: TBA (June) * Pride March: June 28th * West Indian Day Parade: September 7th * Columbus Day Parade: October 12th * Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade: TBA * Village Halloween Parade: October 31st * Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: November 26th Admire Manhattanhenge and Reverse Manhattanhenge (Jan 11th & 12th) ------------------------------------------------------------------ Manhattanhenge — when the sun rests on the Manhattan grid’s horizon and the rays shine through major cross streets from west to east — and Reverse Manhattanhenge are free sights courtesy of Mother Nature. Per *Farmers Almanac*, here’s when to expect the Instagram-worthy moment in 2026: * January 11, 2026 Reverse Manhattanhenge (sunrise) * January 12, 2026 Reverse Manhattanhenge (sunrise) * May 28, 2026 Manhattanhenge (sunset) * May 29, 2026 Manhattanhenge (sunset) * July 12, 2026 Manhattanhenge (sunset) * July 13, 2026 Manhattanhenge (sunset) Check out the latest pop-up & watch parties ------------------------------------------- One thing is for sure: there’s never a shortage of entertainment options in NYC. Throughout the year, free pop-ups and watch parties (oh hey, *Love Island*!) take place depending on what’s happening in the pop culture zeitgeist. A few to keep in mind this January: * MoMA Mart at the MoMA Design Store through March 1st Knicks Alumni Fest on January 17th (Registration required) * Pac-Man 45th Anniversary Macy’s Pop-Up through January 18th * Dogfish Head 30 Minute Time Bank Pop-Up (21+, registration required) See what’s happening at your local street fair or flea market ------------------------------------------------------------- Though yes, a bite to eat at a local vendor or a trinket from a seller might cost you, walking through a street fair or food fest is one way to get out and see what’s buzzing in your neighborhood. Keep an eye for an updated 2026 schedule when the weather warms up! Get tickets to Shakespeare in the Park ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 81 Central Park West, New York The complimentary, star-studded theater experience is the talk of the town come summertime. Nestled in Central Park in the newly renovated [Delacorte Theater](https://secretnyc.co/the-delacorte-theater-renovation-first-look-shakespeare-in-the-park/) , Shakespeare in the Park tackles one of the writer’s extraordinary works each year and hosts a number of fabulous outdoor performances. After a nearly two-decade hiatus, *[Romeo and Juliet](https://secretnyc.co/shakespeare-for-the-city-announces-2026-season/) * will return for 2026. Our guide to getting free Shakespeare in the Park tickets will be a lifesaver once the season hits. Catch free summer movies and outdoor performances --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Although it’s a bit too soon for the summer 2026 free movie lineup , you best believe we’re ready to rock ‘n roll. Every year, parks across NYC host free outdoor screenings of some classic and popular flicks — think *Mean Girls, Moonstruck, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off , Zootopia *, and beyond. Plus, attractions like Lincoln Center and Bryant Park also offer free outdoor performances, dances, and other fun happenings. As soon as this summer’s schedule drops, you’ll be the first to know. Source: https://secretnyc.co/the-15-best-free-things-to-do-in-nyc-museum-visits-ice-skating-sessions-watch-parties-more/