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GUIDE

Free & Cheap Date Ideas in NYC

Date ideas that cost little or nothing

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.

396 verified listings right now. Updated automatically.

Starts in 4h 15m
Every Tue · 12 PM–3 PM
58°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · repeats, so you can go another time · at Secaucus Public Library, New Jersey · official listing on bccls.libcal.com · checked Nov 7
Arts & culture

Senior Movie at Secaucus Public Library

📍 Secaucus Public Library · Panasonic Room - Secaucus, New Jersey
Free
Starts in 7h 45m
Daily · 3:30 PM–6 PM
61°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · repeats, so you can go another time · at Hunter's Point South Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 7
Outdoors

Hunter's Point South Park skyline sunset walk (free, Long Island City)

📍 Hunter's Point South Park · Long Island City, Queens
Free
Starts in 1d 2h
WED, NOV 11 · 10 AM–12 PM
56°F · Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 29, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Entrance - Springfield Lane and 149th Avenue (in Idlewild Pa, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 29
Outdoors

Idlewild Park Forest Restoration

📍 Entrance - Springfield Lane and 149th Avenue (in Idlewild Park) · Idlewild Park, Queens
Free (NYC Parks event) · registration may be required
Starts in 2d 4h
Every Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat · 12 PM–6 PM
59°F · Chance Light Rain
✓ Verified Nov 6, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · repeats, so you can go another time · at MoMA PS1, Queens · official listing on momaps1.org · checked Nov 6
Arts & culture

MoMA PS1 (Free Admission)

📍 MoMA PS1 · Long Island City, Queens
Free · registration required · Free admission for all; reserve tickets on the official visit page. Closed Tue, Wed, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day. Saturday opens 10 AM.
Starts in 3d 6h
FRI, NOV 13 · 2 PM–3:30 PM
48°F · Chance Light Rain
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Battery Harris East, Fort Tilden, Queens · official listing on nps.gov · checked Nov 7
Outdoors

Fort Tilden Hawk Watch

📍 Battery Harris East, Fort Tilden · Rockaway, Queens
Free
Starts in 4d 2h
SAT, NOV 14 · 10 AM–1 PM
45°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Queens · official listing on nycbirdalliance.app.neoncrm.com · checked Nov 7
Outdoors

Winter Waterfowl Workshop at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

📍 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center · Broad Channel, Queens
Free · registration required · Free; register in advance
Starts in 4d 3h
SAT, NOV 14 · 11 AM–12:30 PM
46°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Astoria Park (Hoyt Ave North & 19th St), Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 2
Outdoors

Behind the Smile: Animal Adaptations in Astoria Park

📍 Astoria Park (Hoyt Ave North & 19th St) · Astoria, Queens
Free
Sold out
SAT, NOV 14 · 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
46°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 27, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Queens County Farm Museum, Queens · official listing on queensfarm.org · checked Oct 27
Outdoors

Recycling Holiday Scraps at Queens Farm — sold out

📍 Queens County Farm Museum · Floral Park, Queens
Free · advance registration required · sold out
Starts in 4d 5h
SAT, NOV 14 · 1 PM–2 PM
47°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Highland Park (Vermont Place parking lot), Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 2
Outdoors

The Secret Lives of Insects in Highland Park

📍 Highland Park (Vermont Place parking lot) · Highland Park, Queens
Free
Starts in 4d 6h
SAT, NOV 14 · 2:30 PM–4 PM
47°F · Partly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Louis Armstrong Center (Jerry's Place), Queens · official listing on louisarmstronghouse.org · checked Oct 30
Arts & culture

Hot Five Centennial Listening Session, Part 3

📍 Louis Armstrong Center (Jerry's Place) · Corona, Queens
Free; reserve a free ticket through the museum's ticketing page
Starts in 5d 2h
Every Sun · 10:30 AM–11:30 AM
47°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · repeats, so you can go another time · at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Queens · official listing on nps.gov · checked Nov 7
Tours & walks

"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (Sundays)

📍 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center · Broad Channel, Queens
Free
Starts in 5d 3h
SUN, NOV 15 · 11 AM–4 PM
48°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Oct 28, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Queens Museum, New York City Building, Queens · official listing on queensmuseum.org · checked Oct 28
Arts & culture

Community Archiving Day at Queens Museum

📍 Queens Museum, New York City Building · Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
Free event; optional books and zines cost extra.
Starts in 5d 3h
SUN, NOV 15 · 11 AM–12:30 PM
48°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 2
Outdoors

Invasive Plant Removal and Native Planting at Fort Totten Park

📍 Fort Totten Park Visitors Center · Fort Totten Park, Queens
Free
Starts in 5d 3h
SUN, NOV 15 · 11:30 AM–1 PM
48°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 1, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Queens Museum, New York City Building, Queens · official listing on queensmuseum.org · checked Nov 1
Arts & culture

ArtAccess Museum Explorers for Children with Disabilities

📍 Queens Museum, New York City Building · Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
Free ArtAccess program; RSVP recommended on the dated listing. Register in advance to arrange participation.
Starts in 5d 5h
SUN, NOV 15 · 1 PM–2:30 PM
50°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Kissena Park (164th St & Lithonia Ave), Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 2
Outdoors

Nature's Workshop: Bird Friendly Windows in Kissena Park

📍 Kissena Park (164th St & Lithonia Ave) · Kissena Park, Queens
Free
Starts in 5d 6h
SUN, NOV 15 · 2 PM–4 PM
51°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 1, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Queens Museum, New York City Building, Queens · official listing on queensmuseum.org · checked Nov 1
Arts & culture

ArtAccess Open Studio for Teens and Adults with Disabilities

📍 Queens Museum, New York City Building · Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
Free ArtAccess program; RSVP recommended on the dated listing. Register in advance to arrange participation.
Starts in 5d 8h
Every Sun · 4 PM–5 PM
51°F · Mostly Sunny
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · repeats, so you can go another time · at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Queens · official listing on nps.gov · checked Nov 5
Outdoors

Jamaica Bay Sunset Walk

📍 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center · Broad Channel, Queens
Free
Starts in 5d 10h
SUN, NOV 15 · 6 PM–7:30 PM
48°F · Partly Cloudy
✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Moore Homestead Playground (Broadway & Elmhurst Ave), Queens · official listing on aaa.org · checked Oct 30
Outdoors

Free Stargazing in Elmhurst

📍 Moore Homestead Playground (Broadway & Elmhurst Ave) · Elmhurst, Queens
Free (Amateur Astronomers Association public event)
Starts in 1w 1d
WED, NOV 18 · 6 PM–8 PM
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at The Noguchi Museum, Queens · official listing on noguchi.org · checked Nov 2
Arts & culture

Noguchi Talks: Alanna Heiss and Martin Puryear

📍 The Noguchi Museum · Long Island City, Queens
Free · registration required · Free; reservation required (space is limited), RSVP by email per the museum's page
Starts in 1w 2d
THU, NOV 19 · 10 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Buddy Monument, Forest Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 2
Outdoors

Fall Foliage Walk in Forest Park

📍 Buddy Monument, Forest Park · Forest Park, Queens
Free · registration required · Free; registration requested
Starts in 1w 2d
THU, NOV 19 · 4:30 PM–6 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Zimmerli Art Museum, New Jersey · official listing on zimmerli.rutgers.edu · checked Nov 7
Arts & culture

Bodies of Flora: In Conversation

📍 Zimmerli Art Museum · New Brunswick, New Jersey
Free
Starts in 1w 4d
SAT, NOV 21 · 11 AM–1 PM
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Forest Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 25
Tours & walks

Ranger hike from Forest Park's Overlook

📍 Forest Park · Kew Gardens, Queens
Free
Starts in 1w 4d
SAT, NOV 21 · 11 AM–1 PM
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · at The Overlook, Forest Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 31
Outdoors

Forest Park Super Hike with the Urban Park Rangers

📍 The Overlook, Forest Park · Woodhaven, Queens
Free
Starts in 1w 4d
SAT, NOV 21 · 11 AM–12:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Queens · official listing on nps.gov · checked Nov 7
Tours & walks

Birding for Beginners at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

📍 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center · Broad Channel, Queens
Free
Starts in 1w 4d
SAT, NOV 21 · 1 PM–2:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · kid-friendly · at Baisley Pond Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 2
Outdoors

Beginner Fishing at Baisley Pond Park

📍 Baisley Pond Park, Queens
Free
Starts in 1w 5d
SUN, NOV 22 · 1 PM–2:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Cunningham Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 31
Outdoors

Hibernation and Brumation Hike in Cunningham Park

📍 Cunningham Park · Fresh Meadows, Queens
Free
Starts in 1w 5d
SUN, NOV 22 · 2 PM–4 PM
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Queens Museum, New York City Building, Queens · official listing on queensmuseum.org · checked Oct 31
Arts & culture

Free Adult Printmaking Workshop at Queens Museum

📍 Queens Museum, New York City Building · Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
Free adults-only class; no registration required.
Starts in 1w 5d
SUN, NOV 22 · 2 PM–3 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Queens · official listing on nps.gov · checked Nov 7
Tours & walks

Waddle Walk: Ducks at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

📍 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center · Broad Channel, Queens
Free
Starts in 1w 6d
MON, NOV 23 · 2 PM–3:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Battery Harris East, Fort Tilden, Queens · official listing on nps.gov · checked Nov 7
Outdoors

Fort Tilden Hawk Watch

📍 Battery Harris East, Fort Tilden · Rockaway, Queens
Free
Starts in 2w 0d
TUE, NOV 24 · 4:30 PM–6 PM
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Queens · official listing on nps.gov · checked Nov 5
Outdoors

Full Beaver Moon Hike at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

📍 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center · Broad Channel, Queens
Free
Starts in 2w 3d
FRI, NOV 27 · 10 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Alley Pond Adventure Course, Alley Pond Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 25
Outdoors

Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike: The Alley Giant

📍 Alley Pond Adventure Course, Alley Pond Park · Queens
Free (per NYC Parks listing).
Starts in 2w 4d
SAT, NOV 28 · 11 AM–12:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 25, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Springfield Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 25
Tours & walks

Ranger walk in Springfield Park

📍 Springfield Park · Springfield Gardens, Queens
Free
Starts in 2w 4d
SAT, NOV 28 · 11 AM–12:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Springfield Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 2
Outdoors

Hidden Gems of Queens: Springfield Park Walk

📍 Springfield Park, Queens
Free
Starts in 2w 4d
SAT, NOV 28 · 12:30 PM–3 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Queens · official listing on nps.gov · checked Nov 7
Tours & walks

Thanksgiving Walk-it-Off at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

📍 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center · Broad Channel, Queens
Free
Starts in 2w 4d
SAT, NOV 28 · 1 PM–2:30 PM
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Hunter's Point South Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 31
Outdoors

Gather Around the Campfire at Hunter's Point South Park

📍 Hunter's Point South Park · Long Island City, Queens
Free
Starts in 2w 5d
SUN, NOV 29 · 1 PM–2 PM
✓ Verified Oct 31, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Oct 31
Outdoors

Discovery Hike: Marine Mammals at Rockaway Beach

📍 Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk · Rockaway, Queens
Free
Starts in 2w 5d
SUN, NOV 29 · 2 PM–3 PM
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Queens · official listing on nps.gov · checked Nov 5
Outdoors

How To Hibernate Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

📍 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center · Broad Channel, Queens
Free
Starts in 2w 6d
MON, NOV 30 · 2 PM–3:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Battery Harris East, Fort Tilden, Queens · official listing on nps.gov · checked Nov 5
Outdoors

Fort Tilden Hawk Watch

📍 Battery Harris East, Fort Tilden · Rockaway, Queens
Free
Starts in 3w 2d
THU, DEC 3 · 5 PM–8 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Zimmerli Art Museum, New Jersey · official listing on zimmerli.rutgers.edu · checked Nov 7
Arts & culture

SparkNight: LOVERULES Art Party

📍 Zimmerli Art Museum · New Brunswick, New Jersey
Free
Starts in 3w 3d
1st Fri · 10 AM–5 PM
✓ Verified Nov 3, 2026
Why this place: Free · repeats, so you can go another time · at The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd, Queens · official listing on noguchi.org · checked Nov 3
Arts & culture

Free First Friday at the Noguchi Museum

📍 The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd · Long Island City, Queens
Free admission · advance reservations highly recommended
Starts in 3w 3d
FRI, DEC 4 · 4:30 PM–9 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Rankin Hall, Saint Peter's University, New Jersey · official listing on saintpeters.edu · checked Nov 7
Arts & culture

Rankin Arts: Tradition. Technology. Transformation - December Exhibition

📍 Rankin Hall, Saint Peter's University · Jersey City, New Jersey
Free
Starts in 3w 4d
SAT, DEC 5 · 1 PM–2 PM
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Highland Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 5
Tours & walks

Beginner Birding at Highland Park

📍 Highland Park · Cypress Hills, Queens
Free
Starts in 3w 4d
SAT, DEC 5 · 2:30 PM–5 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Zimmerli Art Museum, New Jersey · official listing on zimmerli.rutgers.edu · checked Nov 7
Arts & culture

Rediscovered Voices: Women Composers from the Soviet Republics

📍 Zimmerli Art Museum · New Brunswick, New Jersey
Free
Starts in 3w 5d
SUN, DEC 6 · 11 AM–12:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Baisley Pond Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 5
Tours & walks

Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Baisley Pond Park

📍 Baisley Pond Park · South Jamaica, Queens
Free
Starts in 3w 5d
SUN, DEC 6 · 2 PM–4 PM
✓ Verified Nov 8, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Queens Museum, New York City Building, Queens · official listing on queensmuseum.org · checked Nov 8
Arts & culture

New New Yorkers Printmaking Workshop at Queens Museum

📍 Queens Museum, New York City Building · Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
Free workshop for adults; no workshop registration
Starts in 3w 5d
SUN, DEC 6 · FROM 5:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, New Jersey · official listing on saintpeters.edu · checked Nov 7
Arts & culture

The Fourteenth Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols

📍 St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church · Jersey City, New Jersey
Free
Starts in 4w 5d
SUN, DEC 13 · 1 PM–2:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Alley Pond Adventure Course, Alley Pond Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 5
Tours & walks

Winter Tree ID Walk in Alley Pond Park

📍 Alley Pond Adventure Course, Alley Pond Park · Douglaston, Queens
Free
Starts in 4w 5d
SUN, DEC 13 · 7 PM–8 PM
✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Rockaway Beach (Beach 44th St & Boardwalk), Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 2
Outdoors

Astronomy: Geminids Meteor Shower at Rockaway Beach

📍 Rockaway Beach (Beach 44th St & Boardwalk) · Rockaway, Queens
Free
Starts in 5w 4d
SAT, DEC 19 · 11 AM–12:30 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Brookville Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 7
Outdoors

Discovery Hike: Animal Adaptations - Brookville Park

📍 Brookville Park · Brookville Boulevard and 144 Avenue - Rosedale, Queens
Free
Starts in 5w 4d
SAT, DEC 19 · 1 PM–2 PM
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · registration required · at Bowne Park (bocce courts), Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 5
Tours & walks

Birding: Winter Birds at Bowne Park

📍 Bowne Park (bocce courts) · Flushing, Queens
Free · registration required
Starts in 5w 5d
SUN, DEC 20 · 11 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Nov 5, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Forest Park, Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 5
Outdoors

Winter Solstice Evergreen Tree ID Hike at Forest Park

📍 Forest Park · Forest Hills, Queens
Free
Starts in 6w 4d
SAT, DEC 26 · 11 AM–12 PM
✓ Verified Nov 7, 2026
Why this place: Free · at Kissena Park (Rose Ave & Oak Ave), Queens · official listing on nycgovparks.org · checked Nov 7
Tours & walks

Birding: Winter Birds at Kissena Park

📍 Kissena Park (Rose Ave & Oak Ave) · Flushing, Queens
Free

Questions

How many listings are in this guide?

396 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.

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