Give us feedback

Choose your city

Not in NYC? Change city

GUIDE

Free & Cheap Date Ideas in NYC

Date ideas that cost little or nothing

🗺️ Plan it
🎯 Filters 2 50 listings

Find your thing

50listings
1

Whenpick one

Open / on now4Today4Tomorrow7This weekend7📅 Pick dates
2

Whereall areas · up to 3

New York City357Manhattan122Brooklyn114Queens54📍 BronxStaten Island32Lower New York43📍 Long IslandWestchester & Rockland25Lower Connecticut3New Jersey20
3

Whatpick as many as you like

🎨 Arts & culture19🎶 Music & nightlife2🌳 Outdoors14🚶 Tours & walks9🖌️ Painting & crafts6
4

Costpick any

FreePaid
＋ More: who's going · indoor / outdoor ▾

Who's goingpick one

👨‍👩‍👧 Family (all ages)42💞 Date27

Indoor / outdoor

🌤️ Outdoor20
Clear all
FreePaid
Bronx ×Long Island ×Clear all

Free and cheap date ideas in NYC: gallery nights, free concerts, walking tours, tastings and markets worth wandering. Pair any of these with a walk and you’ve got a night out. For paid ideas, see Date night.

420 verified listings right now. Updated automatically.

Happening now
Every Sun, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat · 11 AM–6 PM
47°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · repeats, so you can go another time · at Bronx Museum of the Arts, Bronx · official listing on bronxmuseum.org · checked Oct 31
Arts & culture

Bronx Museum of the Arts (Always Free)

📍 Bronx Museum of the Arts · Bronx
Free
Happening now
Every Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun · 12 PM–5 PM
48°F · Mostly Cloudy
✓ Verified Nov 11, 2026
Why this place: Free · repeats, so you can go another time · at The Heckscher Museum of Art, Long Island · official listing on heckscher.org · checked Nov 11
Arts & culture

Heckscher Museum of Art (free admission)

📍 The Heckscher Museum of Art · Huntington, Long Island
Free
Happening now
Every Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun · 12 PM–5 PM
48°F · Mostly Cloudy
✓ Verified Nov 11, 2026
Why this place: Free · repeats, so you can go another time · at Guild Hall, Long Island · official listing on guildhall.org · checked Nov 11
Arts & culture

Guild Hall Museum Free Admission in East Hampton

📍 Guild Hall · East Hampton, Long Island
Free
Happening now
Every Sun, Sat · 1 PM–4 PM
47°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 11, 2026
Why this place: Free · pay what you wish · repeats, so you can go another time · at Museum of Bronx History, Bronx · official listing on bronxhistoricalsociety.org · checked Nov 11
Arts & culture

Museum of Bronx History

📍 Museum of Bronx History · Norwood, Bronx
Suggested donation; pay what you wish; members free. No one is turned away.
Starts in 19h 41m
SUN, NOV 15 · 11 AM–12 PM
49°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Pelham Bay Park, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 25
Tours & walks

Ranger walk on Hunter Island

📍 Pelham Bay Park · Pelham Bay, Bronx
Free
Starts in 19h 41m
SUN, NOV 15 · 11 AM–12 PM
49°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · at North Picnic Area, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 2
Outdoors

Hiking Club: Hidden Hunter Island in Pelham Bay Park

📍 North Picnic Area, Pelham Bay Park · Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
Free
Starts in 21h 41m
SUN, NOV 15 · 1 PM–2 PM
51°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Crotona Nature Center, Crotona Park, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 31
Outdoors

Fireside Meditation at Crotona Nature Center

📍 Crotona Nature Center, Crotona Park · Crotona Park, Bronx
Free
Starts in 1d 21h
MON, NOV 16 · 12:30 PM–2 PM
51°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 3, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Belmont Library and Enrico Fermi Cultural Center, Bronx · official listing on nypl.org · checked Nov 3
Painting & crafts

Creative Aging: Paper Doll Making at Belmont Library

📍 Belmont Library and Enrico Fermi Cultural Center · Belmont, Bronx
Free · registration required · Free for adults 50+; registration encouraged
Sold out
TUE, NOV 17 · 2 PM–5 PM
56°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 10, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at The Bronx Museum, Bronx · official listing on bronxmuseum.org · checked Nov 10
Arts & culture

Lifelong Studio Printmaking: First Session for Adults 55+

📍 The Bronx Museum · Concourse, Bronx
Free for adults 55+. Registration is full. Email education@bronxmuseum.org to request a waitlist spot.
Starts in 4d 0h
WED, NOV 18 · 4 PM–5 PM
60°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 3, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Mosholu Library, Bronx · official listing on nypl.org · checked Nov 3
Painting & crafts

Informal Creative Writing for Adults at Mosholu Library

📍 Mosholu Library · Norwood, Bronx
Free
Starts in 4d 3h
WED, NOV 18 · 7 PM–8:30 PM
53°F · Clear
✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Online via Zoom, Long Island · official listing on longislandmuseum.org · checked Oct 29
Arts & culture

Stealing America: Free Virtual Lecture with Linford D. Fisher

📍 Online via Zoom · Online — Stony Brook organizer, Long Island
Free for all; advance registration required.
Starts in 4d 18h
Every Thu · 10 AM–4:30 PM
54°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 3, 2026
Why this place: Free · repeats, so you can go another time · at Wave Hill, Bronx · official listing on wavehill.org · checked Nov 3
Tours & walks

Wave Hill Free Thursdays (Hudson River gardens)

📍 Wave Hill · Bronx
Free at the listed days and hours · Free all day Thursdays.
Starts in 5d 1h
Every Thu · 5 PM–7 PM
58°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 11, 2026
Why this place: Free · repeats, so you can go another time · at The Long Island Museum, Long Island · official listing on longislandmuseum.org · checked Nov 11
Arts & culture

Long Island Museum Free Thursday Evenings

📍 The Long Island Museum · Stony Brook, Long Island
Free at the listed days and hours · Official hours page: museum admission is free after 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays.
Starts in 6d 2h
FRI, NOV 20 · 6 PM–8 PM
58°F · Mostly Clear
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Levittown Public Library, Long Island · official listing on levittown.librarycalendar.com · checked Nov 7
Music & nightlife

Party Through the Decades

📍 Levittown Public Library · Levittown, Long Island
Free
Starts in 6d 4h
FRI, NOV 20 · 8 PM–11 PM
54°F · Mostly Clear
✓ Verified Nov 6, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Parkchester Eastern Park, Bronx · official listing on aaa.org · checked Nov 6
Outdoors

Free Stargazing in Parkchester

📍 Parkchester Eastern Park · Parkchester, Bronx
Free (Amateur Astronomers Association public event)
Starts in 6d 19h
SAT, NOV 21 · 11 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Orchard Beach Pavilion, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 31
Outdoors

Birding: Owls at Pelham Bay Park's Orchard Beach

📍 Orchard Beach Pavilion, Pelham Bay Park · Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
Free
Starts in 6d 19h
SAT, NOV 21 · 11 AM–1 PM
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Burke Bridge, Bronx Park, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 2
Outdoors

Outdoor Skills Workshop: Hiking Basics in Bronx Park

📍 Burke Bridge, Bronx Park · Bronx Park
Free · registration required · Free; register by email with the organizer
Starts in 6d 19h
SAT, NOV 21 · 11 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · accessible · at Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Bronx · official listing on nycbirdalliance.app.neoncrm.com · checked Nov 7
Tours & walks

Accessible Birding in Van Cortlandt Park

📍 Van Cortlandt Nature Center · Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx
Free
Starts in 6d 21h
SAT, NOV 21 · 1 PM–2 PM
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Claremont Park (Mt. Eden Pkwy & Morris Ave), Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 2
Outdoors

Living With Urban Coyotes in Claremont Park

📍 Claremont Park (Mt. Eden Pkwy & Morris Ave) · Mount Eden, Bronx
Free
Starts in 1w 0d
SUN, NOV 22 · 11 AM–12:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 31
Outdoors

Autumn Mushroom ID Hike in Van Cortlandt Park

📍 Van Cortlandt Nature Center · Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx
Free
Starts in 1w 0d
SUN, NOV 22 · 2:30 PM–3:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Orchard Beach Nature Center, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 31
Outdoors

Seal Exploration at Orchard Beach

📍 Orchard Beach Nature Center, Pelham Bay Park · Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
Free
Starts in 1w 1d
MON, NOV 23 · 12:30 PM–2 PM
✓ Verified Nov 3, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Belmont Library and Enrico Fermi Cultural Center, Bronx · official listing on nypl.org · checked Nov 3
Painting & crafts

Creative Aging: Paper Doll Making at Belmont Library (session 2)

📍 Belmont Library and Enrico Fermi Cultural Center · Belmont, Bronx
Free · registration required · Free for adults 50+; registration encouraged
Starts in 1w 5d
FRI, NOV 27 · 10 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Nov 3, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 3
Outdoors

Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike in Van Cortlandt Park

📍 Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Van Cortlandt Park · Bronx
Free (per NYC Parks listing).
Starts in 1w 6d
SAT, NOV 28 · 10 AM–11 AM
✓ Verified Nov 3, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Pelham Bay Nature Center, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 3
Outdoors

Hibernation Hike at Pelham Bay Park

📍 Pelham Bay Nature Center · Pelham Bay, Bronx
Free
Starts in 2w 0d
SUN, NOV 29 · 11 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Pelham Bay Park, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 25
Tours & walks

Ranger walk near Split Rock

📍 Pelham Bay Park · Pelham Bay, Bronx
Free
Starts in 2w 0d
SUN, NOV 29 · 11 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Pelham Split Rock Golf Course, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 2
Outdoors

Hiking Club: Split Rock in Pelham Bay Park

📍 Pelham Split Rock Golf Course · Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
Free
Starts in 2w 1d
SUN, NOV 29 · 7 PM–8:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 9, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Guild Hall, Long Island · official listing on guildhall.org · checked Nov 9
Arts & culture

Feel Good Films: Planes, Trains and Automobiles

📍 Guild Hall · East Hampton, Long Island
Free community screening; organizer offers advance reservations
Starts in 2w 3d
WED, DEC 2 · 11 AM–12:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 8, 2026
Why this place: Free · at The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Long Island · official listing on longislandmuseum.org · checked Nov 8
Arts & culture

Memory Disco: Home for the Holidays at the Long Island Museum

📍 The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A · Stony Brook, Long Island
Free; registration required; for people living with dementia and their care partners
Starts in 2w 6d
FRI, DEC 4 · 6 PM–9 PM
✓ Verified Nov 8, 2026
Why this place: Free · at The Bronx Museum, Bronx · official listing on bronxmuseum.org · checked Nov 8
Music & nightlife

Bronx Museum First Friday: Winter Holiday Market

📍 The Bronx Museum · Concourse, Bronx
Free admission; optional RSVP; vendor purchases cost extra
Starts in 2w 6d
SAT, DEC 5 · 11 AM–5 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Village of Port Jefferson, Long Island · official listing on portjeffarts.org · checked Oct 26
Arts & culture

Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival

📍 Village of Port Jefferson · Port Jefferson, Long Island
Free
Starts in 2w 6d
SAT, DEC 5 · 11 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Crotona Nature Center, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 5
Tours & walks

Birding: All About Crows at Crotona Park

📍 Crotona Nature Center · Crotona, Bronx
Free
Starts in 2w 6d
SAT, DEC 5 · 11 AM–5 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Parrish Art Museum, Long Island · official listing on parrishart.org · checked Nov 7
Arts & culture

Winter Welcome Day - Free Admission

📍 Parrish Art Museum · Water Mill, Long Island
Free
Starts in 3w 0d
SUN, DEC 6 · 12 PM–5 PM
✓ Verified Nov 4, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Long Island · official listing on longislandmuseum.org · checked Nov 4
Arts & culture

Long Island Museum Winter Open House

📍 Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A · Stony Brook, Long Island
Free for everyone; no registration required.
Starts in 3w 0d
SUN, DEC 6 · 2 PM–4 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Port Jefferson Free Library, Long Island · official listing on portjeff.librarycalendar.com · checked Oct 26
Painting & crafts

Dickens Festival Carols & Crafts

📍 Port Jefferson Free Library · Port Jefferson, Long Island
Free
Starts in 4w 0d
SUN, DEC 13 · 1 PM–2 PM
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Riverdale Park, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 5
Tours & walks

Birding: Owls at Riverdale Park

📍 Riverdale Park · Riverdale, Bronx
Free
Starts in 4w 1d
SUN, DEC 13 · 6 PM–7 PM
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 2
Outdoors

Astronomy: Geminids Meteor Shower at Van Cortlandt Park

📍 Van Cortlandt Nature Center · Riverdale, Bronx
Free
Starts in 4w 2d
TUE, DEC 15 · 10 AM–12:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Hart Island, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 7
Tours & walks

Hart Island Tour (North Island)

📍 Hart Island, Bronx
Free
Starts in 4w 4d
THU, DEC 17 · 2 PM–3 PM
✓ Verified Nov 9, 2026
Why this place: Free · at The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Long Island · official listing on longislandmuseum.org · checked Nov 9
Arts & culture

In the Moment Art-Making Workshop at the Long Island Museum

📍 The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A · Stony Brook, Long Island
Free; preregistration required; for people living with memory loss and their care partners
Starts in 4w 5d
THU, DEC 17 · 4 PM–6:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 26, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Wave Hill, Bronx · official listing on wavehill.org · checked Oct 26
Arts & culture

Wave Hill Winter Solstice Wishes

📍 Wave Hill · Riverdale, Bronx
Free
Starts in 4w 5d
FRI, DEC 18 · 2 PM–3:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at The Long Island Museum Studio, 1200 Route 25A, Long Island · official listing on longislandmuseum.org · checked Nov 7
Arts & culture

Stitch & Chit-Ch(at) at the Long Island Museum

📍 The Long Island Museum Studio, 1200 Route 25A · Stony Brook, Long Island
Free program; no registration required; ages 12 and up
Starts in 4w 6d
SAT, DEC 19 · 10 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 5
Tours & walks

Hiking Club: John Muir Trail in Van Cortlandt Park

📍 Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Van Cortlandt Park · Riverdale, Bronx
Free
Starts in 5w 0d
SUN, DEC 20 · 1 PM–2 PM
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Crotona Nature Center, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 25
Painting & crafts

Handmade nature ornaments workshop

📍 Crotona Nature Center · Crotona, Bronx
Free
Starts in 5w 6d
SAT, DEC 26 · 11 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Crotona Nature Center, Crotona Park, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 7
Painting & crafts

Nature's Workshop: Winter Landscape Watercolor at Crotona Nature Center

📍 Crotona Nature Center, Crotona Park · Crotona Park, Bronx
Free
Starts in 5w 6d
SAT, DEC 26 · 1 PM–2 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 7
Outdoors

Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Van Cortlandt Park

📍 Van Cortlandt Nature Center · Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx
Free
Starts in 6w 0d
SUN, DEC 27 · 1 PM–2 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Orchard Beach Section 2, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 7
Outdoors

Birding: Owls at Orchard Beach, Pelham Bay Park

📍 Orchard Beach Section 2, Pelham Bay Park · Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
Free
Starts in 8w 6d
SAT, JAN 16 · 10 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Sachem Public Library, Long Island · official listing on sachem.librarycalendar.com · checked Nov 7
Arts & culture

Ukulele Jam Session

📍 Sachem Public Library · Holbrook, Long Island
Free

Questions

How many listings are in this guide?

420 verified listings right now. Updated automatically.

How are these listings checked?

Every listing links to the organizer's own page: the venue, the city agency or park, or the official ticket or RSVP page. We don't copy listings from other event sites.

Related guides