Free Things to Do in New York City: Parks

Even though New York City is notorious for being expensive, there are many free or low-fee activities for the budget wary traveler. Most of your money will go towards accommodation, food, and beverages.

However, several of the green sanctuaries housed amidst towering sky scrapers offer a wide variety of fun, FREE things to do.

Bryant Park: Bryant Park is located south of Central Park, and it is tucked away between concrete giants. Every morning, some kind of class is offered, such as Tai Chi, barre fitness, dance classes, yoga, etc. The best part is they are all completely free!

My first Tai Chi class, and it was free!

Come back later in the day and catch a few songs from a broadway show, hear a pianist sing, play a game, learn a new language, or watch Shakespeare in Bryant Park. Check out the calendar here.

Shakespeare in Bryant Park: Romeo and Juliet

Romeo hiding amonsgt the crowd!

Prospect Park: Take a free cardio or yoga class, go on a nature walk, play games, take a walk, or just relax in this Brooklyn green space. Click here to visit the website.

Central Park: Being NYC's most famous and largest park, there are plenty of activities to satiate one's thirst for experiencing nature. Fantastic running and walking paths wind through the park. Check out Shakespeare in the Park, however, be prepared to stand in line early in the morning to get tickets. See the Met Symphony play or watch performers dance. Listen to a free concert or two, play frisbee, soak up the sun, or row a boat on "The Lake." Don't forget to visit the animals in the Central Park Zoo! For more information, visit their website. Several activities do cost money, but there are plenty that don't!

My run flew thanks to the awesome scenery!

Free Nicki Minaj concert during my run? Yes, please!

The Highline: The Highline is an abandoned elevated rail line turned park. Inspired by a similar French civic project, NYC repurposed these rails to create an oasis in the sky! This is a must do in NYC (the views are breathtaking!).

The flora is native to the area.

Beautiful escape

The parks in NYC bring nature and relief from the hectic, busy lives and buildings that surround them. Make sure to add a visit to any or all of these oases into your itinerary!

"But I Don't Wanna!"

When I was in sixth grade, I overheard my mom tell my teacher I was very hard-headed (What on Earth did I do, Mom?!). Today, my husband comments that I am "so hard-headed." Okay fine. I'll admit it. I'm hardheaded ok? (See Trevor, I admitted it!)

During the whole process of planning the Alaska trip, I have come up with some AWESOME, rational excuses (eye rolls from Trevor) for me NOT to go.

"I've never been backcountry backpacking or camping. I've never been camping, for that matter, only "glamping" (glamorous camping). I'll hold you back. I can't go to high elevations because I'll get altitude sickness from my asthma. I travel to meet new people, not stay with the same people. I would rather be in Brazil for the FIFA World Cup Final (so much partying by so many cultures!) I'll be on my period (ok I was getting desperate people!)." And my mouth kept runnin' runnin' and runnin' runnin' (sing to tune of Black Eyed Peas song).

The whole past week I have woken up, gasping with beads of sweat on my forehead from the same "bear attack" dreams. I have very little background knowledge of the great outdoors (unless it has to do with the beach, but I mean mountainous landscaping). It is a foreign world, unbeknownst to me. I'm scared, nervous, anxious, and apprehensive about this camping trip in Alaska. 

I've been pretty stubborn about not getting excited about the trip. I've avoided the long Facebook message chain. I've refused to research the places we are going. I DO NOT WANT TO GO!!

But now that I'm sitting on the plane, looking out over majestic snow-capped mountains, my wall of stubbornness is starting to crack! The corners of my mouth are starting to curl upwards, my eyes are widening in awe, and my brow is beginning to unfurl. Shall I admit I'm starting to get excited?

At our parting, my father-in-law reflected, "Make this trip unforgettable because in the future your children may never see or experience such a vast wilderness." GULP. Ok fine. I AM EXCITED!