The 11 best free things to do in New York State

While New York City is justifiably known as a pricey destination (though it has its own bounty of free things to do if you know where to look...), things change as you venture outside the five boroughs. From charming small towns, stunning nature trails and hikes, and heritage highlights, there's no end to the wealth of experiences on offer.

And the best part? These budget-friendly adventures often don't cost a dime. Step outside the city and leave your wallet in your pocket – these are the best free things to do in New York State.

1. Get unparalleled views at the Walkway Over the Hudson 

This may be as close as it comes to walking on water. Spanning the Hudson River from Highland on the west to Poughkeepsie on the east, the 1.28-mile Walkway Over the Hudson is the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. 

Towering 212ft above the river with entrances on either side, the walk across provides an unparalleled vantage point of the Hudson Valley, with views stretching from the Hudson Highlands to the Catskills. 

Originally built as a railroad bridge to transport freight and passenger trains, the walkway was the world’s longest bridge when it first opened in 1889. It was a popular route – carrying as many as 3500 rail cars each day – until a fire destroyed the tracks in 1974. 

In 2009, the bridge reopened and found a second life as a pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.   

Though special events like the Walkway Marathon, Starry Starry Night Gala and July 4th Spectacular will impact hours, the ADA-compliant walkway is free to access from 7am to sunset year-round.

Detour: After your walk, visit Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie. The historic mansion is just a short drive from the bridge and it’s free to explore the grounds.

2. Enjoy art and manicured gardens in Roslyn Harbor 

The 145 acres of the William Cullen Bryant Preserve surrounding the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn Harbor, Long Island offers three distinct experiences.  

Start your visit by exploring the 40 sculptures dating from 1913 to 2018 in the Sculpture Garden. Some favorites include Marco Remec’s spherical wonders or Tom Otterness’s whimsical chapters.

Then, get transported to the high life of the Roaring ‘20s with a stroll along the brick path through the immaculately manicured Formal Garden. This was a popular entertainment spot for Frances and Childs Frick (owners of the estate) during the 1920s and ‘30s. 

Round out your visit with a stop at the Arboretum and Trails. The six miles of trails showcase the beautiful diversity of the region. Keep an eye out for horned owls, fox, deer, hawks and other wildlife that call the preserve home. 

Planning tip: The outdoor activities are free, but visits inside the mansion to see the museum cost $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12 (kids under four go free).

3. Hike the Empire State Trail 

With so many hidden sights to explore throughout New York State, there's no better way to stumble upon them than by exploring on foot. 

In 2017, New York State launched the Empire State Trail, a 750-mile cohesive network that creates a perpendicular pathway and is made up of three sections – the Hudson Valley Greenway (New York City to Albany), the Erie Canalway Trail (Buffalo to Watervliet) and the Champlain Valley Trail (Albany to Rouses Point) – the Hudson Valley Greenway section is the most popular and accessible.

Along this section, hikers can explore historic sites like the vibrant Lockport New York Mural, 18th-century Fort Herkimer Church, and Fort Stanwix National Monument.

Detour: If you’re hiking the Hudson Valley Greenway portion, plan a detour to Olana State Historic Site. The grounds of the 250-acre estate of painter Frederic Edwin Church are free.

4. Dive into the spooky lore of Sleepy Hollow

The spooky reputation of Sleepy Hollow is anchored in the Washington Irving short story from 1820, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Irving himself is one of the town’s most famous legends and is buried at the 90-acre Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

The cemetery offers free maps near the 540 North Broadway entrance to guide visitors to the final resting spots of famous names like cosmetics entrepreneur Elizabeth Arden, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and Standard Oil Company co-founder William Rockefeller. Visits to the operating cemetery are free, though be respectful of those mourning. 

Irving’s work has turned Halloween into a year-round business in Sleepy Hollow. Among the other odes to the tale that are free to visit are the Headless Horseman Bridge, the Headless Horseman Sculpture and the Old Dutch Church – better known as the stomping grounds of the fictional horseman. 

Planning tip: Visit during the fall, especially in October, when the town celebrates Halloween with special events and festivals.

5. Tour the New York State Capitol building  

Albany might be right when it proclaims its New York State Capitol building one of the nation’s most beautiful. The 19th-century structure sits at the top of a hill on State Street and is the work of five architects spanning 32 years. It's a symbol of grandeur – especially the 444-step Million Dollar Staircase with 77 famous faces such as Susan B Anthony and George Washington carved into it.

The state offers free 50-minute tours on weekdays at 10am, noon and 2pm. If you're traveling with a group of 10 or more, book a group tour in advance.

Detour: A few blocks away is the New York State Museum, which offers free admission and features exhibits on the state’s history, art and natural environment.

6. See a play in Washington Park

Playhouse Stage Co produces Broadway-style free musicals and plays every summer at Washington Park’s Park Playhouse. With the goal of making art accessible to all, the performances range from classics like Singin’ in the Rain to kids' favorites like Newsies. Free seating is on the lawn, or reserved options are available close to the stage. There is free and paid parking.

Washington Park’s beautiful 84 acres are also free to enjoy all year round. Designed by the same architects behind Central Park (Calvert Vaux and Fredrick Olmsted), the park’s beautiful lake is surrounded by benches where you can sit and take in the variety of birds that live there. There are events for all seasons, including the Tulip Festival on Mother’s Day weekend and the Holiday Lights in the Park in the winter. 

7. Reach new heights at the Adirondacks High Peaks Wilderness Complex 

At 275,460 acres, the Adirondacks High Peaks Wilderness Complex is the largest wilderness space in New York State. It’s also home to the state’s two highest peaks – Mount Marcy (5344ft) and Algonquin Peak (5114ft). Both have plenty of trails suitable for all ages and abilities.  

If you're exploring during the hot summer months, cool off at any of the area's waterfalls, natural pools or clearwater brooks (watch out for trout). The beautiful Lake Tear of the Clouds is the highest elevation water body in the Hudson River watershed at 4300ft, though it is a strenuous hike there and back.

8. Attend a free concert on the Thousand Islands 

There's no such thing as a bad seat when the stage is set at the water’s edge of Alexandria Bay’s Scenic View Park Pavilion. Overlooking the Thousand Islands’ St. Lawrence Seaway, the Fuller Street location hosts a wide range of musical acts during its Summer Concert Series in the Park. 

Before the show, visitors can stroll the Alexandria Bay Riverwalk or head over to nearby Otter Creek Preserve to enjoy two miles of trails, a suspension bridge and a wildlife observation tower.  

9. Witness the power of Niagara Falls

This just might be the state’s most powerful secret – one of the world’s most famous waterfalls is absolutely free to see every day of the year.

Founded in 1885, Niagara Falls State Park is the nation's oldest state park. The 400-acre area around the national wonder was designed by the same architect behind Manhattan's Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted. 

While the roar of 3160 tons of water flowing over the falls every second draws the crowds, the park is filled with gardens, trails and, of course, many viewpoints of the star of the show. For the best photo opportunities, the Niagara Falls Observation Tower gives an unobstructed view of all three sections of Niagara Falls — American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls.

Planning tip: If you want to get closer to the drama, the Cave of the Winds walk is a paid option but worth it. Be prepared to get wet though the complimentary poncho will provide some protection!

10. Go for a swim at Buttermilk Falls in Ithaca 

Go sunbathing and swimming at Buttermilk Falls State Park, which has a lifeguard at the natural pool. Located about 2.5 miles from downtown Ithaca, Buttermilk Falls also offers about eight miles of trails, which connect to nearby Treman State Park and Lick Brook Gorge.

Thanks to glaciers that carved out gorges millions of years ago, there are now more than 150 waterfalls within 10 miles of the Ithaca area – some suitable for swimming.

Detour: The park’s trails can get muddy so bring/wear sturdy shoes. Combine your trip with a visit to nearby state parks like Taughannock Falls for even more waterfall action.

11. Feed chickadees among the fairies at Mendon Ponds Park

Mendon Ponds Park in Honeoye Falls may seem like an unassuming 2500-acre preserve, but there's magic all around if you know where to look. The groundwork was set millions of years ago with the formation of unusual geological features known as kames, eskers and kettles. 

Visitors can also stop at Sharon’s Sensory Garden, which caters to those with physical and visual disabilities by cultivating flowers that can be smelled, torn and touched. There are raised flowerbeds, pathways for those in wheelchairs and plant signs written in braille. 

A population of about 40 fairy houses, once part of Henrietta's Tinker Nature Park, was moved to Mendon Ponds and is now along its Birdsong Fairy Trail. The elaborate miniature homes line the pathway and feature intricate bridges, swings, and colorful doors. One sign reads: “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”

Planning tip: The park is also home to a flock of chickadees that you can hand-feed during the winter months.