New York City’s Free and Cheap Park’s Department Events

New York City’s Parks Department has a variety of events for people of all ages. Best of all, many of them are free or cheap!

Photo of The Highline, New York City © rachel in wonderland

New York City has a surprising amount of nature to explore. The NYC Parks Departmentt encourages residents and visitors alike to get out and explore the City’s green space by offering cheap and free events. There are a variety of events covering a variety of topics and held around the City.

Some of these events include:

Star Gazing on the Highline

Photo of The Highline, New York City © David Berkowitz

Star gazing in New York City can be difficult due to all the lights. However, every Tuesday at dusk, you can look at the moon and stars through a high powered telescope from the Highline. The Highline is an amazing park built above the city on what was once an old train track. FREE

Tavern on the Green Tour

Tavern on the Green was a New York City landmark. It was an independently owned restaurant that open in 1934 and closed in 2009. It was quite pricy when it was open, but visitors can now get a free tour of this historic site through the Parks Department. FREE

Belvedere Castle

Photo of Belvedere Castle, Central Park, New York City © Stig Nygaard

Did you know Central Park has its very own castle? Belvedere Castle was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park, in the late 1800’s. Take a guided tour of this historic landmark and the surround area with the Park’s Department. Free

Spoken Word Poetry Salon

The Spoken Word Poetry Salon is held in Lewis H. Latimer’s historical home and visitors can enjoy poetry readings by noted poets. $10

Nature Hike

Photo of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, New York City © JosephLeonardo

A nature hike in New York City!? It’s true! You can take a guided two hour hike through Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Best of all – it’s FREE

For more information about these and other events hosted by New York City’s Parks Department, visit their website.