Ever wanted to go out and your heart tells you yes, but your bank account tells you no? As a New Yorker, I’ve experienced this more times than I can count, but over the years I have found ways to get around this. Whether you live here or are just visiting, leisure activities can get pretty expensive if you don’t know where to go. Start with museums that are little to no cost to you:

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: One of the most distinguished art museums in the world, and entrance is available to the public for however much you want to pay. Do not be fooled by the posted prices, those are just suggested prices. You might want to take a few days to roam the museum—it is much too large to cover in one visit, but all the galleries are worth seeing.

• The Cloisters: It is an extension of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, thus the same pay-as-you-wish pricing applies. This museum focuses on the art of Medieval Europe, set in a beautiful building modeled after Medieval architectural styles.

• The American Museum of Natural History: It is the place to go to learn about astronomy, evolution, cultures, and much more. This is another museum that implements paying however much you want to pay, although special exhibitions will cost extra. Two must-see sections are the Guggenheim Hall of Minerals and the Morgan Memorial Hall of Gems—the stones and gems displayed are mesmerizing.

• P.S.1 MoMA: Joined together in 2000 with the Museum of Modern Art, this museum serves as a rotating gallery for works of modern art. Situated in an old school building, it gives the space a unique setting. This is another museum that is pay as you wish.

• The National Museum of the American Indian: This is the place to go to learn more about the Natives of the Americas, since much of their culture is not acknowledged in academic institutions. They preserve the cultures, and show the diversity between them as well, often scheduling dance and music performances. The museum is always free to the public.

• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Only free daily to those 16 and under, this museum also offers free admission to all ages every Friday from 4-8 p.m. The MoMA is one the worlds most renowned museums for modern art, with a diverse and extensive collection containing all kinds of mediums.

• Whitney Museum of American Art: Free to those 18 and under, this museum has pay-as-you-wish pricing for everyone else on Fridays from 7-9:30 p.m. This museum is focused on American art from the 20th century to modern art.

Aside from museums, there are many other activities to choose from that are completely free:

• New York Botanical Garden: Admission to the grounds (No access to special exhibitions or the tram) is free all day on Wednesdays and on Saturdays from 9-10 a.m. Founded in 1891, spanning 250 acres, and named a National Historical Landmark, this garden is incredible and worth the visit. It is one of the most amazing places to visit in NYC.

• The Bronx Zoo: General admission is free to NYC undergrad students who attend college in NYC or live in NYC and attend a college outside of the city and to the public every Wednesday, which does not include special exhibitions. Opened in 1898 and spanning 250 acres, this is one of the most recognized zoos in the world and one of the largest wildlife conservation parks in America. There is much to see, giving you a full day of learning and entertainment.

• The Downtown Boathouse: Free kayaking is available from May to October at Pier 26. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in July and August it is also open weekdays from 5-6:30 p.m. This is for those looking to do something more active and hands on, and not commonly thought of as an activity to do in the city. This is a wonderful opportunity for those who have never had the chance to go kayaking, and since it is free of cost, even more reason to try it.

• Manhattan Community Boathouse: Free Kayaking available throughout the summer season. The Pier 96 location is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday through Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The 72nd Street location is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival: Every Monday from June 22 to August 24, HBO will be screening movies at Bryant Park that are free to the public. Bring a blanket and get there early so that you can get a good seat since it can get pretty crowded.

• Coney Island Flicks on the Beach: Beginning July 6 until August 24, there will be movie screenings every Monday at Coney Island. For those who prefer the beach over the park or simply like the movie lineup better, this can be another great place to catch an outdoor movie for free.

• Shakespeare in the Park: Free tickets are available each day that a public performance is being held. A limited number is distributed the day of starting at 12 p.m. This theater was founded so that theater performances can be accessible to all kinds of people. At the Delacorte Theater, you can witness amazing performances for no cost at all.

NYC has a lot more incredible free or low cost activities to offer, and this is just a small sampling of what I have done and what I can vouch for from experience. An empty wallet should be no reason to stop yourself from experiencing the culture and diversity of the city.