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New York City is not often considered a cheap place to travel; however, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to visit on a budget.

Whether it’s choosing self-catering apartments to save money on meals or a centrally located hotel to save on travel costs – there are plenty of ways to stick to your vacation budget. But what about when it comes to entertainment and keeping your family busy?

In the summer months, when you can take advantage of Manhattan’s beautiful parks and the better weather, it’s a lot easier to make your dollar go a little further. But when the winter rolls around, what can you do in New York to keep the whole family entertained, without spending a single cent?

Lego 5th Avenue

Who doesn’t love Lego? It’s hard to find an adult or child anywhere who hasn’t played with Lego at least once in their life. Lego stores around the world are giant playgrounds and they are completely free with no time constraints or minimum purchases. The Lego Store on 5th Avenue is one of the best on the planet, showcasing a collection of impressive builds – including a life-size New York Taxi and a model of the Statue of Liberty. Queues can get long, quickly – so get there early to avoid disappointment.

Nintendo NYC

Another option for the big kids in the family is Manhattan’s Nintendo Store. Located in Rockefeller Center, Nintendo NYC features over 10,000 square feet of Nintendo madness. Try new and future games, find exclusive memorabilia, and meet the whole Nintendo family. Since COVID-19, Nintendo limits experiences to 20 minutes but it’s still an unmissable family attraction in the Big Apple.

Bronx Zoo

Did you know the Bronx Zoo is free on Wednesdays? The Zoo does request a “suggested donation” but there are no lower limits on what you can donate. To grab tickets, you’ll need to go ahead and book them in advance – but remember the tickets are only for general admission and you’ll need to pay extra for premium exhibits and rides (a total experience ticket is discounted to $17.95 on Wednesdays too).

Queen’s Botanical Garden

The Queen’s Botanical Garden won’t get you out of the cold; however, if you do get a dry fall or winter day, the gardens are beautiful. Entrance to the gardens is free all winter long (from November to March) although a donation of $5 per person is suggested.

New York Aquarium

Every Wednesday after 3 pm it’s completely free to visit the New York Aquarium. To get tickets, you will need to book in advance - booking opens on Monday at 3 pm for that week’s Wednesday tickets. There is plenty to see for both children and adults, with the Playquarium giving kids a chance to transform themselves into their favorite marine animal or get hands-on at the marine touch pool.

Are you visiting New York with your family in tow? Choosing a centrally located hotel with self-catering options can help you save money where it matters! Find out more about The Hotel Beacon’s apartment-style suites, located just off Broadway.