• New York City is packed with fun activities for families on a budget.new york image by Gerhard F??hring from Fotolia.com
  
  New York City stands as one of America's commercial, cultural, and historical hubs; in fact, there are so many attractions in New York City, an unplanned visit can feel overwhelming and become expensive. If you plan your trip effectively, you will not have to break the bank to have a fun with the family in the Big Apple.
  
  

Museums

• Some museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Archives of American Art in the Smithsonian, the American Institute of Graphic Art, and the American Folk Art Museum allow patrons to pay what they wish, which means tickets can be free of charge. Other museums offer free admission during specific days and times. For example, the Guggenheim allows patrons to pay what they wish from 5:45 to 7:45 pm. The Brooklyn Museum offers free admission on Saturdays and is home to rotating historical and artistic exhibits.
  
  

Central Park

• Millions of people visit Central Park every year.central park sunbathers image by pelvee from Fotolia.com
  
  Central Park has more to offer than a few swing sets and slides. Roam through 843 acres of property which includes 26 baseball fields, 12 handball courts, 6.1 miles of biking paths, and 21 playgrounds. Stop by the Belvedere Castle for a breathtaking view of the city, amble through the Conservatory Garden, or play board games with family or new friends at the Chess and Checkers House. The park also offers free seasonal activities, such as bird watching, drawing lessons and exercise classes.
  
  Central Park
  
  110th Street to 59th Street and Fifth Avenue to Central Park West
  
  centralparknyc.org
  
  

Sony Wonder Technology Lab

• Adults and children enjoy the magic of the Sony Wonder Technology Lab, which pairs learning with entertainment and science with creativity. Visitors walk through a variety of exhibits, such as a nanotechnology room, virtual surgery center, a robot zone, and an animation studio. Walk-ins are welcome, but tickets are free and popular with tourists and locals, so the SWTL recommends making reservations ahead of time.
  
  Sony Wonder Technology Lab
  
  550 Madison Avenue at 56th Street
  
  New York, NY
  
  212-833-8100
  
  wondertechlab.sony.com
  
  

Times Square

• Times Square is one of the reasons New York City has earned its title as "the city that never sleeps." The building and billboard lights beam constantly, making visitors feel as though they are standing in broad daylight even at the dead of night. Chairs and stadium seating are set up in the middle of Times Square for scheduled concerts and events. This tourist-friendly seating arrangement also makes the iconic Times Square an ideal location for a family photo. Many Times Square kid-friendly stores, such as M&M's World, the Hershey's Store and Toys"R"Us, feature interactive activities that do not require a purchase.