Manhattan for le$$???

[tracie15436]

Hey timeshare friends!
My hubby just lost his job this year so we don't have a whole lot of $$.

Luckily we had paid for plane tix last year so the trip is still on! WE wil be staying at the manhattan club at the end of June. What are some things that we can do in manhattan (a family of 4; boys ages 5&9) that are inexpensive?

I'm Looking for any tips you can give me to help my family have a great vacation although our year has started out so poorly.

Thank you!

 

[DeniseM]

I'm sorry about your husband's job, but I'm glad you still get to go on your trip. Try these website:

New York City Free Events

National Geographic - Free things in NYC

30 Free Things to do in Manhattan

If you google "free things to do in NYC," you will find a ton of links.

 

[optimist]

The Roosevelt Island tram

My vote would be to take the tram back and forth to Roosevelt Island.
It's a short ride but for the price of a token (which is now $2.00) you can't beat the views. I think your kids will enjoy it.

 

[senorak]

I've been to the MC several times w/ my kids.....last summer for a week. Some of the "freebies" and discounted places/events that my kids loved....
1. Just hanging out in Central Park (easy walk from the MC). We brought a nerf football, and the kids threw ball, climbed the rocks, and played on the playground. My daughter (now almost 14) is a huge dog lover....and enjoyed watching the people walk their dogs. Also, in the summer, there may be free concerts in many of the parks around the city. Last year, we saw several "shows" in Bryant Park----snippets of songs from some of the best on Broadway.
2. Staten Island Ferry ride ....FREE....and gives a great view of Statue of Liberty and NYC skyline. Plus, some much needed "rest time" from hustle & bustle of the city.
3. Kids (even at their "preteen" ages) loved visiting Toys R Us, FAO Schwartz and the Nintendo Store. Lots of areas where they can "test out" the various toys. Surprisingly, my kids didn't beg for any toy...they just enjoyed the experience.
4. Chinatown---my kids just loved walking through the area, bartering w/ the street vendors, (on one visit, my son was into "Pokemon cards", and found some "deals"). Also cheaper eats than in midtown.
5. We tried to use public transportation---walked or took the subways and buses all over the city. I know kids ride free (up to a certain height), and my kids loved the experience.
6. Museums---try to find discounts via AAA, or if there is a "tourist card" that would be worth your while. The new Sports Museum in lower Manhattan was a big hit last year, as was the Museum of Natural History. I did drag them to the MoMa (free evening), and tried to make a game of looking at the paintings and coming up w/ their own "titles". Of course, my youngest son just giggled through all the (semi)nude paintings & sculptures.
7. While everyone visits "Empire State Building", we actually prefer the "Top of the Rock". Lines weren't as long, views were nicer.
8. We prefered to eat in local pubs and smaller restaurants, and often picked up fresh fruit either from the local stands, or a nearby grocery store (several within walking distance of MC). Usually, we ate one meal out each day (usually lunch,since it's cheaper);then ate leftovers or sandwiches & fruit in the room. Oh....and my kids learned to drink water in restaurants....those $3-4 sodas can really add up. (I told them the money we saved would go towards their souvenirs).

My kids really just liked soaking up the sights of the city---whether it was a group of kids performing a dance on a street corner, the mounted policeman, the horse drawn carriages in Central park, or a glimpse of "The Naked Cowboy"

You will have an awesome time!

DEB

 

[pointsjunkie]

go on restaurant.com and get certificates. they are a partner on delta so go through the delta site (if you have delta miles) it is 5 miles per $ spent. there is a code that you can use for a discount( which i don't have but someone here will have it).

 

[MULTIZ321]

Get Unlimited Ride Metro Cards and for more info see the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Home Page.

Also check out http://www.hopstop.com/ - click on the link for New York.
This site will help in your planning for how to get from Point A to Point B.
You can choose subway only, subway + bus, bus only, or walking.

If you do plan on going to any museums - consider New York City Pass


Richard

 

[MULTIZ321]

Also see this previous Tug Thread - Grocery Stores near the Manhattan Club


Richard

 

[tracie15436]

Thank you for the list of grocery stores nearby - that will be very helpful to keep our costs $$ -

Also - thank you all for the suggestions!

 

[csalter2]

Hello,

I grew up in NYC and was po' so poor I couldn't afford the extra o and r.

NY can be had cheaply. The Bronx Zoo was a traditional trip. It may still be one of the best zoos. The planetarium at the Museum of Natural History may also be a hit with your kids.

Outside of Lincoln Center they sometimes have events and Central Park used to have free plays and concerts during the summer. There is also a lot of free space for kids to play around in. Get a frisbee. That's great fun.

The Staten Island Ferry is cheap but it's a quick ride and nothing to do once you get to Staten Island. The Empire State Building is either free or very inexpensive.

St Patrick's Cathedral is an interesting visit and free.

A visit to Yankee Stadium used to be a real treat, but with a new stadium I don't know if they even have the old one around anymore.

Oh, The Cloisters is a good freebie as well.

If I think of any others I will pass them on.

Have fun and eat some Mr. Softee's ice cream (You are sure to see his white truck in various places in the city) and hot dogs with mustard and onions for me.

Take the trains to where ever you go. It is cheaper.

 

[Linda74]

For some inexpensive eating out:
When in Chinatown, eat at New Green Bo on Bayard Street....they make incredible steamed dumplings and scallion pancakes.....they have changed the name to New Green (something)...not Bo and I can't remember but it is always crowded and listed in Cheap Eats NY lists.....
Get hotdogs at either Gray's Papaya or Papaya King...again Google the locations and read the reviews....
If you like Indian food there is a restaurant called Milon Bangladesh at 93 first avenue between 5th and 5th street....left side up the stairs....
They let you bring in your own wine or beer and the prices are really inexpensive and the food amazing....We have had dinners for 4 well under $40....and they will chill and serve your wine or beer.....
You can always pop in a Deli, or specialty store to buy cheese, a cannolli, Knish, or a bagel and sample what New Yorkers live on......

Second the Staten Island Ferry recommendation....
Remember that NYC is a city of neighborhoods....just walk the various neighborhoods and savor the experiences. There is a company that offers walking tours....www.bigoniontours.com....they are reasonable but by looking at the website you might just buy a guide book and do on your own....
NY can really be done inexpensively.....save some $$ for theatre tickets if you can....possibly swing it....Shrek was wonderful....but you can always check out the TKTS booth in Times Square for half price tickets....
And for sure, you will stumble upon your own finds.....
Enjoy, it is still the greatest city in the world.....

 

[Jestjoan]

from past threads

FREE

http://www.bigapplegreeter.org/

http://nycgo.com/

 

[AwayWeGo]

Big Apple Non-Walking Tourism.

I expected that The Chief Of Staff & I would be riding around in taxi cabs practically everywhere during our recent weekend in New York City.

As it happened, though, we rode buses & subways to get everywhere we wanted to go, with minimal walks between stops. (That doesn't mean no walking. We also enjoyed some strolls through the West Village near Barrow Street, where we attended an outstanding performance of Our Town Saturday evening.)

The Vamoose Bus from Arlington VA dropped us off at Penn Station. Inside the terminal, we got all-day bus-subway passes for $7.50 each from the MTA vending machine.

Our PriceLine hotel was right near the corner of Madison Avenue & W. 38th Street, just a few steps from the bus stop on Madison. We rode buses down to the West Village, had a little pre-show snack at New York Hotdog & Coffee, went to the play, & had dessert after the show at Rocco's Pastry Shop & Cafe (right next door to New York Hotdog & Coffee). After that, we boarded a bus heading uptown, got on another bus going up Madison Avenue & got off at our hotel.

Next morning, a rainy Sunday, we strolled up to Grand Central Station, got new all-day MTA passes, then rode the subway down to Battery Park. Before taking the Vamoose Bus back to Virginia, we took the subway back to Penn Station & had lunch at an outstanding bagel deli just down the block from the Vamoose bus loading area. The Chief Of Staff gave our MTA passes, still good for the rest of the day, to some people walking by as we waited in line. (Waste not, want not.)

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[IreneLF]

Museums:

When my son was young like your two, he especially enjoyed the Metropolitan
Museum of Art ( nice walk through Central Park to 80th St. and 5th Avenue) ---for the mummies and the armor/sword collections.

Met is a 'suggested ' admit but you can pay whatever you want -- even $1 for 4 people if that is what you choose.

Also, Museum of Natural History especially for the dinosaurs - it's on the west side of Manhattan opposite the park at 79th St. Again, suggested admission charge for this one, but you can pay what you wish. (charge of IMAX and planetarium are fixed as far as i remember)
My kids liked the dioramas and exhibits of the stuffed animals too.

 

[ecwinch]

Museums:

When my son was young like your two, he especially enjoyed the Metropolitan
Museum of Art ( nice walk through Central Park to 80th St. and 5th Avenue) ---for the mummies and the armor/sword collections.

Met is a 'suggested ' admit but you can pay whatever you want -- even $1 for 4 people if that is what you choose.

Also, Museum of Natural History especially for the dinosaurs - it's on the west side of Manhattan opposite the park at 79th St. Again, suggested admission charge for this one, but you can pay what you wish. (charge of IMAX and planetarium are fixed as far as i remember)
My kids liked the dioramas and exhibits of the stuffed animals too.

Irene highlights at often missed fact at the major NY museums - that you only need make a donation to get in. The advertised price is just a suggestion. Given your economic circumstances, I think the program might be intended for your situation.

Here is the link on those museums with suggested admission - Link.
Here is one account of testing the policy - LINK..

Also Bank Of America has a free pass program on the first weekend of the month to BOA cardholders - LINK.

 

[GrayFal]

Here is a LINK to a lot of information I compiled.

 

[AwayWeGo]

Bus & Subway Fares Going Up Next Month.

The all-day Fun Pass that's $7.50 now is going up to $9.50.

Click here for a table showing the old & new prices.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[brother coony]

The MC has the Concierge desk in the labby,that can tell you about special trips FREE to the museums or special discount,
Best site to go to is: www.tmcny.com click on the newsletter. or things to do this week in NYC, the street fairs on saturdays and sundays are not to be miss, street are close off and you can just walk and browse and eat good inexpensive food prepared right befor you
Madison Square tours, Chelsea Piers sport pavallion,
check out TMC site it will give you all the address and web-site to most
its updated monthly
Central park has paddle boats you can rent for a trip on the lake that your boys will like and so will you,(Romantic with all the sites in background )there is also carosal in the park, on an on an on , You Just Have to come back to NYC a few more times to see all the inexpensive thing to see and do:whoopie: :whoopie:

 

[wauhob3]

Definitely do the pay as you wish at the Met and Natural History museum. I paid $5 a person when we ran in for a couple of hours neither museum gave any indication there was a problem with this. With the ages of your children I would think it would be expected since their attention spans are short.

You may want to check out Restaurant.com for savings there. Seppis is very good French bistro but they serve burgers too just down the block. With the ages of your children they'd probably love Mars 2112 which is withon walking distance too. A total tourist trap but they'd love it. If you wait until they have a 80% sale you can get a $25 certificate for $2. www.mars2112.com

We bought the $25 weekly metro pass that's good on buses and the subway.
There's all kinds of pizza places where you can by a slice ora bowl of soup especially on 8th. For a sit down pizza place there's Johns pizza in Time Square that's good and reasonable with a nice atmosphere. Seeing the bill boards and visiting Toys R US, The M&M store etc. would be an exciting evening for them. A hotdog from a vendor in Central Park woud be a cheap meal too.

 

[AKE]

Go to a baseball game - there are cheap seats in the nosebleed section and the game still looks great from up there...

 

[silverfox82]

Governers island is scheduled to reopen on may 30th, not sure what will be there but the ferry is close to the staten island ferry and with a visit to close by south street seaport you could pretty much make a whole day out of it on the cheap. Also down at the battery is pier A which is home to the NYC fire dept marine div. You might be able to get a tour of the fireboat if she is in, worth a try. On the west side is Chelsea piers and the Intreped museum. Get a bus/subway map online and try to get a feel for getting around, its confusing to even us locals, I walk most places rather than cab or train, the people watching is, well, different in NY. Hope you have a great visit to the apple.

 

[ScoopKona]

Irene highlights at often missed fact at the major NY museums - that you only need make a donation to get in. The advertised price is just a suggestion. Given your economic circumstances, I think the program might be intended for your situation.

1) When I was a student, I would hang out in front of the met. People would exit, and throw the lapel pin that they give you to prove admission on the street. Never took more than a minute before I had my badge. Then I didn't even have to wait in line.

I can't recommend the met highly enough. They have a complete egyptian temple in there. I love the Frank Lloyd Wright rooms as well. Probably the best-designed museum for kids in the world.

2) Don't worry about the subways. I've ridden them for years, and never had a problem (the occasional stinky neighbor aside). I avoid the buses, because the whole point is to avoid the traffic.

3) Your best bet for "quintessential New York" and "budget" is the Bowery area -- Just get to Mulberry Street and walk south. You'll pass through Little Italy (although there's a bigger and better Little Italy on Arthur Ave. in the Bronx). Have some $3 slices of pizza so you can see what all the fuss is about.

Continuing south, you'll hit Chinatown. You'll want to have dim sum at this place:

Grand Harmony Palace, 98 Mott St, 212-226-6603

My wife and inlaws were just there about two months ago. Delicious dumplings. They wheel carts around the restaurant. You indicate what you want, and they punch your ticket - dishes range from a buck to a few bucks. Just ask how much before you motion it over. Total price for a three-hour feast for four was $42 including tip. You can easily spend that at Gray's Papaya for just hotdogs and juice. (Warning, dishes can get weird at a good Dim Sum place. Think "braised duck feet" But they are ALWAYS good. ALWAYS.)

4) The area around Rockefeller Center always has interesting shops. And in the mornings, you can catch some TV shows being filmed.

5) Katz Deli - 205 East Houston St. You probably saw this place in the movie "When Harry Met Sally." Expect to pay $15 for a sandwich, but the kids can split a sandwich. You and your husband probably can, too. The pastrami sandwiches are 4 inches thick, no exaggeration. Going to New York and missing Katz is like going to London and skipping the Tower.

6) At least twice, go to Times Square and put your husband in line at the TKTS booth. You can get Broadway shows cheap -- and there's always a "Sesame Street Live" or a "Waldo on Ice" that's showing for next to nothing. Those tickets are usually easy to get because everyone wants The Lion King.



AND FINALLY....

Take the kids to FAO Schwartz - 767 5th Avenue @ 58th st. You can easily blow a few hours there. Best. Toy. Store. Ever.

 

[Hoc]

Given your economic circumstances, I think the program might be intended for your situation.

The program exists because, many years ago, a public trust was established to promote the arts in New York City. However, in order for an organization to get funding from the trust, it must offer free admission, and the entry fee must be a "suggested" donation only.

So, no need to hang out in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, waiting for someone to throw down a badge. You can get in by paying a penny, if you want.

Many other museums and arts organizations also take advantage of this program.

Cheap places to eat include many places in Chinatown, as well as Gray's Papaya and some of the street carts. Katz's sandwiches are expensive, but one sandwich will feed 2-3 people easily, so that's not that expensive.

Edit: Shows are pretty expensive, even at half price, but they are a quintessential New York City experience, so you might consider doing one. You can't pay with your credit card at TKTS, but many of the same shows you get for half price there can be gotten for half price at www.broadwaybox.com . Also, if you do go to TKTS, consider the one at the South Street Seaport, rather than Times Square, as they have the same stuff and it's less crowded (no 1-hour line).

 

[mamiecarter]

China Town for Cheap good food

China town has endless good restaurants where 4 people can eat for $25. Plan on sharing and order the less expensive items. Look for places where most of the customers are Chinese and you are sure to do well.

Go to the Metropolitan Museum and the Museum of Natural History. Both have a pay what you want policy so you can pay $1 each if you like. Even better go to the Cloisters, the Metropolitans medieval museum situated in a huge park at the north end of Manhattan.
Same pay what you want policy.

Take food and pick nick in central park. Central park has a free zoo. Small but pleasant.

Go on line and find out what days are free at the Bronx Zoo, The Transit Museum and any other place you want to go. Search the web. Let the kids search the web.

Eat lunch at the lunch carts you will find all over the city. The food is often first rate. Don't be afraid to try the ethnic ones. Middle Eastern, Mexican and Indian food carts are some of my favourites.

Get the MTA all day tickets and explore the city.:hysterical: :rofl:

 

[ownsmany]

didn't know about the "suggested price". I am definetly going to use that. Everything is just so expensive anymore.

 

[Liliana]

I saw travelzoo had baseball game tix's for cheaper than normal, this week it's the METS last week it was the Yankees. You may want to look at the site, they offer some NYC events (including broadway shows) at discounts. www.travelzoo.com.