Budget-Friendly Activities and Deals on Long Island

Free and Cheap Things to Do on Long Island, NY

Long Island features an abundance of affluent communities and was historically renowned for its sprawling Gold Coast mansions. However, beyond the luxurious attractions, there are numerous free and inexpensive activities available for anyone looking to enjoy this beautiful region. From scenic gardens to complimentary museums, Long Island offers countless options for budget-conscious visitors.

  1. Free Things to Do on Long Island
  2. Free Things To Do With Your Kids on Long Island
  3. Free on Long Island on Your Kid’s Birthday
  4. Get A FREE Entree on Your Birthday
  5. Celebrating Your Birthday on Long Island
  6. Daytime Discounts at Madras Woodlands Restaurant
  7. The American Guitar Museum
  8. Long Island Thrift Shops
  9. Cheap or Free Dates on Long Island, NY
  10. Independent Book Store in Huntington
  11. AAA Discounts on Long Island, NY
  12. The Apple Store, Manhasset
  13. Americana Manhasset Shopping Mall
  14. Tour of the Beachfront at Long Beach
  15. Long Island Beaches
  16. Outdoor Sculpture Garden at the Nassau County Museum of Art
  17. Garvies Point Museum and Preserve
  18. Grumman Memorial Park
  19. Affordable Long Island Wines
  20. Northport Coupons
  21. Dog Runs on Long Island
  22. Free Chocolate!
  23. St. Patrick’s Day on Long Island
  24. Christmas Tree & Menorah Lightings

Free Things to Do on Long Island

sunset. Photo © iStockPhoto

You don’t have to spend lots of money to enjoy Long Island. There’s a variety of free movies, concerts, and plays, alongside museums that do not charge admission fees. Here are some great places to enjoy time on Long Island without burning a hole in your wallet.

Free Things To Do With Your Kids on Long Island

Long Island Children's Museum - Bubble Gallery
Long Island Children’s Museum – Bubble Gallery.

Whether you have one child or a larger group, explore these wonderful and free places perfect for kids in both Nassau and Suffolk counties. Here’s a selection of some excellent activities for families in Long Island.

Free on Long Island on Your Kid’s Birthday

Birthday Cake
Birthday Cake. Photo: morguefile.com

Celebrate your child’s special day with a variety of free meals and surprises that are available for birthdays.

Get A FREE Entree on Your Birthday at Indian Wells Tavern

Indian Wells Tavern - Amagansett NY
Indian Wells Tavern – Amagansett NY. Photo © Eric Striffler

Enjoy a complimentary entree at Indian Wells Tavern in Amagansett on your birthday with proof. For further details, reach out at (631) 267-0400.

Celebrating Your Birthday on Long Island

California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen. Photo © Linda Tagliaferro

Discover numerous great offers for free meals, desserts, and other perks available on your birthday.

Daytime Discounts at Madras Woodlands Restaurant

Madras Woodlands restaurant
Madras Woodlands restaurant. Photo © Linda Tagliaferro

From noon to 3 p.m. on weekdays, take advantage of lunch specials at Madras Woodlands, featuring a wide array of dishes for just $5.25 (plus tax).

Weekend options include an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet priced at $9.95 (plus tax) from noon to 3 p.m. Please note that meals at Madras Woodlands are kosher.

The American Guitar Museum

The American Guitar Museum
Photo © The American Guitar Museum

Uncover one of Long Island’s hidden gems, The American Guitar Museum. While it’s small, the museum showcases significant musical instruments and, importantly, there is no admission cost.

Long Island Thrift Shops

Twin Pines Food Coop and Thrift Shop, Port Washington, NY.
Twin Pines Food Coop and Thrift Shop, Port Washington, NY.

Explore Long Island’s numerous thrift shops where you can score amazing bargains and unique finds.

Cheap or Free Dates on Long Island, NY

Rows of wine grapes grow at Harmony Vineyards, Head of the Harbor, NY.
Rows of wine grapes grow at Harmony Vineyards, Head of the Harbor, NY.

Long Island presents plenty of venues for affordable or free dates available throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Enjoy unique experiences that won’t cost you a fortune.

Independent Book Store in Huntington

Book Revue, Long Island, NY.
Book Revue, Long Island, NY. Photo © Linda Tagliaferro

At Book Revue, an independent bookstore, visitors can find a diverse selection of discounted new and used books, as well as enjoy frequent, free author readings and workshops.

AAA Discounts on Long Island, NY

If you are a AAA member, be sure to look into the various discounts available for shopping and attractions at select venues across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The Apple Store, Manhasset

The Apple Store provides an array of free computer classes if booked in advance. Alternatively, you can stop by simply to explore their exciting selection of tech products.

Americana Manhasset Shopping Mall

Rabbit Sculpture at the Americana Manhasset, New York.
Rabbit Sculpture at the Americana Manhasset, New York.

While shopping does come with a price, feel free to enjoy window shopping at Americana Manhasset where the beautiful atmosphere, sculptures, and decorative plants will brighten your day.

Tour of the Beachfront at Long Beach

Long Beach, Long Island, NY. Photo © Linda Tagliaferro
Long Beach, Long Island, NY. Photo © Linda Tagliaferro

Long Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches globally, may require an entrance fee during the summer season, but visiting at other times can save money.

Long Island Beaches

Gurney's Inn, Montauk, NY. Photo © Linda Tagliaferro
Gurney’s Inn, Montauk, NY. Photo © Linda Tagliaferro

Explore even more splendid beaches located on Long Island.

Outdoor Sculpture Garden at the Nassau County Museum of Art

Nassau County Museum of Art. Photo © Nassau County Museum of Art
Nassau County Museum of Art. Photo © Nassau County Museum of Art

While there is an admission fee for entering the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn Harbor, visitors are welcome to stroll through the grounds of 145 acres, featuring fields, woods, ponds, and formal gardens at no cost.

Garvies Point Museum and Preserve

The beach at Garvies Point Preserve. Photo © Linda Tagliaferro
The beach at Garvies Point Preserve. Photo © Linda Tagliaferro

Although Garvies Point Museum charges a nominal fee for admission, the preserve itself is free to wander, featuring nature trails that lead down to the beach.

Grumman Memorial Park

F-14A Tomcat. Photo © Linda Tagliaferro
F-14A Tomcat. Photo © Linda Tagliaferro

Visit Grumman Memorial Park to see actual aircraft designed by Grumman, including the F-14A Tomcat, all at no cost.

Affordable Long Island Wines

North Fork of Long Island is home to many wineries that offer a variety of exquisite wines. Stop in for tastings or explore which selections are affordable.

Northport Coupons

Colorful boats in Northport Harbor. KKMPhotos/Long Island CVB
Colorful boats in Northport Harbor. KKMPhotos/Long Island CVB

Northport is a charming waterfront village located on Long Island’s North Shore. Check out the Northport Chamber of Commerce website for printable coupons offering discounts at local shops.

Dog Runs on Long Island

Take your dog for a long walk at one of the free or budget-friendly dog runs located throughout Nassau or Suffolk County.

Free Chocolate! – Join The Godiva Chocolate Rewards Club

Godiva Chocolates. Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber
Godiva Chocolates. Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber

Find out how to join the Godiva Rewards Club and receive freebies and discounts, both at Long Island stores and beyond.

St. Patrick’s Day on Long Island

St. Patrick's Day. Photo: iStockPhoto
St. Patrick’s Day. Photo: iStockPhoto

It costs nothing to watch the vibrant St. Patrick’s Day parades taking place on Long Island, with numerous other free and low-cost events also in store.

Christmas Tree & Menorah Lightings

Christmas Tree Lighting. Photo © iStockPhoto
Christmas Tree Lighting. Photo © iStockPhoto

Throughout Christmas and Chanukah, all festive lightings are completely free to the public.

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