Taking the Kids: Plenty free (and a deal) in the Big Apple

Strawberry Fields, in the middle of the park at West 72nd Street, is one of the park’s most visited spots and was named to honor John Lennon, who lived nearby. It’s an international peace garden with plants from every country in the world and the iconic Imagine Mosaic.

Don’t miss the latest addition — the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument of Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, which connects Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights. When it was finished in 1883, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a great place whether you want to fish, play ping-pong, basketball or pickleball, kayak or hit a playground — there are 10 to choose from, including Sandbox Village with little wooden houses in the sand and Slide Mountain.

Explore the High Line on the West Side of Manhattan. It’s built on a historic elevated rail line where today you can walk through gardens (there are 110,000 plants), view public art, enjoy a performance, have a snack or join a free program. (Check to see if there is one for families.)

Take a free (or pay what you like) tour from Free Tours by Foot offered in different neighborhoods. Locals offer free tours to visitors in different areas of the city through Big Apple Greeter. Just book several weeks in advance.

Visit the 9/11 Memorial (Free Admission Monday tickets are available for the 9/11 museum on the website each Monday beginning at 7 a.m. on a first come, first served basis.)

Score free admission to other museums on certain days. For example, young fashionistas will enjoy the always free Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology; The Bronx Zoo has free Wednesdays while the popular Brooklyn Children’s Museum is free Thursday afternoons. The Museum of Modern Art is free Friday evenings and the Jewish Museum on Saturdays.

Stop in at Grand Central Terminal while you’re nearby (42nd Street at Park Avenue). It’s been a landmark since 1913. Check out the blue ceiling. It’s a painting of over 2,500 stars. How many constellations can you find? Tip: little lights pinpoint them.

Head to Chinatown’s Columbus Park to watch scores of locals playing Chinese chess. Come early and join tai chi or get your fortune told.

Enjoy free music in the subway or places like Washington Square Park where a lot of local musicians come and play. The NYC orchestras, operas and dance companies often offer public rehearsals and special programs for families. Check their websites to see what will be offered when you visit.

Get bragging rights to Kayaking in NYC. The Downtown Boathouse offers free kayaking trips and instruction on the Hudson River from Pier 26 and Pier 64.

Who says you can’t enjoy The Big Apple on a budget?

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The Kid’s Guide to Philadelphia and The Kid’s Guide to Camping are the latest in a series of 14 books for kid travelers published by Eileen.)