Quick Summary:

  • Queens is the largest borough in New York City by area size, spanning 178 square miles throughout the northern portion of Long Island.
  • For visitors looking to explore New York City on a budget, the borough is a veritable gold mine of free visitor attractions.
  • For lower-cost transportation, visitors can ride throughout the borough on New York's iconic subway system, the largest subway system in the world.
  • Some attractions in Queens are free only on certain days – please check before you go.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Learn through interactive exhibits at the New York Hall of Science ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Kids & Family
Learn through interactive exhibits at the New York Hall of Science | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© New York Hall of Science

2. Step back in time at Queens County Farm Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Step back in time at Queens County Farm Museum | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Queens County Farm Museum

3. Admire beautiful flowers at Queens Botanical Garden

Category: Activities
Admire beautiful flowers at Queens Botanical Garden | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Courtesy of ROSS - Fotolia.com

4. Explore the world of filmmaking at The Museum of the Moving Image

Category: Museums & Culture
Explore the world of filmmaking at The Museum of the Moving Image | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© The Museum of the Moving Image

5. Take photos of unique outdoor sculptures at the Socrates Sculpture Park

Category: Activities
Take photos of unique outdoor sculptures at the Socrates Sculpture Park | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Socrates Sculpture Park

6. Learn about local art and history at The Queens Museum

Category: Attractions
Learn about local art and history at The Queens Museum | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© The Queens Museum

7. Visit The Queens Library on a rainy day

Category: Kids & Family
Visit The Queens Library on a rainy day | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© The Queens Library

8. Enjoy special events and shop for amazing books at Astoria Bookshop

Category: Shopping
Enjoy special events and shop for amazing books at Astoria Bookshop | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Astoria Bookshop

9. Visit the iconic Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

Category: Activities
Visit the iconic Flushing Meadows-Corona Park | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Courtesy of Stuart Monk - Fotolia.com

10. Have picnic at Forest Park

Category: Activities
Have picnic at Forest Park | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Courtesy of Stefan Ekernas - Fotolia.com

11. Admire sculptures at The Noguchi Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Admire sculptures at The Noguchi Museum | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© The Noguchi Museum

12. Enjoy waterfront views at Astoria Park

Category: Activities
Enjoy waterfront views at Astoria Park | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Courtesy of Spinel - Fotolia.com

13. Explore the natural wonders at Gateway National Recreation Area

Category: Activities
Explore the natural wonders at Gateway National Recreation Area | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Courtesy of wjbruzek - Fotolia.com

14. Admire breathtaking views of Manhattan from Gantry Plaza State Park

Category: Activities
Admire breathtaking views of Manhattan from Gantry Plaza State Park | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Courtesy of demerzel21 - Fotolia.com

15. Have a date at Transmitter Brewery

Category: Food & Drink
Have a date at Transmitter Brewery | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Courtesy of David Prahl - Fotolia.com

16. Shop for local and fresh food at Queens Farmers' Markets

Category: Shopping
Shop for local and fresh food at Queens Farmers' Markets | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Courtesy of EwaStudio - Fotolia.com

17. Stroll along Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk

Category: Beaches
Stroll along Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Courtesy of paulbriden - Fotolia.com

18. Visit Calvary Cemetery

Category: Attractions
Visit Calvary Cemetery | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Courtesy of Oleksandr Dibrova - Fotolia.com

19. Discover beautiful street art with The Welling Court Mural Project

Category: Museums & Culture
Discover beautiful street art with The Welling Court Mural Project | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Courtesy of blende11.photo - Fotolia.com

20. Explore the farms of Brooklyn Grange

Explore the farms of Brooklyn Grange | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Courtesy of Charlotte - Fotolia.com

21. Visit the Lewis Howard Latimer House Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Visit the Lewis Howard Latimer House Museum | Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY
© Historic House Trust of New York City

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