Plans for your Summer 2025? Explore your ultimate guide to New York’s free museums
Looking for ways to enjoy summer in New York without breaking the bank? Free museums, outdoor movies, and family camping offer fun, budget-friendly activities for all.
Summer in New York City is the place to be, and there are so many things to do that it's all free. From iconic museums to outdoor movie screenings and nature activities, the Big Apple has a variety of activities and things to do without having to pay much.
As summer 2025 begins, enjoy the vibrant cultural backdrop of New York while on a budget. Whether you are a New Yorker or a visitor, there are always cultural things to do in NYC's cultural space or outdoor event space to suit everyone in the family.
Which museums are free to visit in New York?
The Big Apple offers an unparalleled culture through its streets and buildings. According to the Gothamist, there are many museums offering free admissions depending on the hours.
Whitney Museum of American Art
The only Museum for American art also allows for free entry for people under 25. For tourists who do not fit this group, there are free offers every Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and on the second Sunday of each month.
The Whitney is situated in the Meatpacking District next to the Hudson River Greenway. This area can be accessed by bike, car or public transportation.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET)
Another iconic space in New York's cultural scene also offers free access for visitors in Summer 2025.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) will hold free tours from June 20 until September 22 of some exhibitions that include:
- Impressionism and Post-Impressionism- This exhibition looks at Impressionist art from Egypt, France, and Islamic culture. Tours are available on Wednesdays from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. and weekends, at 11 a.m.
- Medieval Art-Available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m., or Saturdays starting at 11:45 a.m.
- Greek and Roman Art-Available on Wednesdays from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Other free activities to enjoy a Summer in New York
When visiting the Big Apple, museums are not the only form of entertainment. Parks and outdoor tourism activities are part of the cultural lifestyle in New York City.
Families have a great time going to see movies and TV shows in front of the Brooklyn Bridge with Movies With A View. This project began in 2000 and was created to support the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.
“There’s no better place for a summer night than watching an outdoor movie with the panoramic Manhattan skyline,” highlights the slogan from the Department of Culture in New York.
"Movies With A View" is a completely free program for tourists, with no age restrictions. However, plastic chairs and smoking are not allowed in public areas.
Another alternative to enjoy summer is through direct contact with nature. For this, New York offers certain outdoor spaces to camp with the whole family. Camping is available in parks in Brooklyn, such as the Salt Marsh Nature Center, where tents are provided. However, this plan requires permits obtained through city-run lotteries. These will take place on June 4 and 11, respectively.
