Pay what you wish destinations in NYC to go with your kids

Family activities can be expensive in New York City, but these great “Pay What You Wish” places are lots of fun and affordable!

Not all Pay What You Wish destinations allow to to pick your price everyday and some have residency restrictions, so we suggest checking the venue or event website before you head out the door.

There are also lots of completely free things to do every day in New York City, and of course TINYevents can help you find them! Just check out our search page and Find Your Fun Here!

Let’s take a look at some of our favorite places to go with kids that always offer “pay what you wish”.

1. El Museo del Barrio

This fantastic museum serves to educate and share the rich art and culture of the Caribbean and Latin American cultures. Located in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, El Museo del Barrio allows visitors to Pay What You Wish any time. They are open Thursday through Sunday. It is recommended to get your timed entry tickets in advance, which you can do at their website and still select the price you’d like to pay.

2. American Museum of Natural History

It’s one of the most amazing museums in the world, and if you are a New York, New Jersey or Connecticut resident, you can pay what you wish every day. The “pick your own price” tickets for the American Museum of Natural History are general admission, meaning you won’t have access to any special exhibits, but there’s enough to do in these cavernous halls to keep you and your kids busy every time you visit.

3. The Met Cloisters

If you are a New York State resident, you can pay what you wish at The Met Cloisters any day (although they are closed on Wednesdays!). The beautiful grounds in northern Manhattan make a visit here with your kids even more of an adventure, although they’ll love the medieval Europe art and architecture of the museum itself.