Traveling to New York doesn’t have to be a budget buster. Families looking to explore the “Empire State” this summer have a host of wallet-friendly attractions to choose from. Whether you plan to stick closer to the heart of the Big Apple or you prefer to trek up north, the following fun destinations will bring a smile to your frugal face:
CONEY ISLAND
The legendary amusement park remains an inexpensive attraction for families from all walks of life. The Brooklyn-based theme park is served by several subway lines and is located right on the beach and boardwalk. Adding to Coney Island’s appeal this summer is a new park named for an old one: Luna Park.
According to park officials, the new Luna Park is named for the original, which opened in 1903 and was better known as an “Electric Eden” because it featured hundreds of thousands of lights. Sadly, the park was destroyed in 1944 by an electrical fire.
Today’s Luna Park features 19 new rides and fewer lights than the original. Luna Park’s new thrill rides join Coney Island landmarks, such as the Cyclone, a wooden coaster built in 1927, and the giant Wonder Wheel, which stands 150 feet high.
LAKE GEORGE
Located in upstate New York, the breathtaking Lake George Area is a haven for vacationing families. With nearly two-dozen lakes and the surrounding Southern Adirondack Mountains serving as a backdrop for countless outdoor activities, the Lake George Area is a spectacular summer destination for travelers on a budget.
In addition to the free hiking, biking, swimming and camping offered at local parks, the area hosts several budget-friendly events during the summer, including the ever-popular Lake George Region Restaurant Week. This year’s festivities will be held June 20th to June 26th and features a three-course meal for only $17.57 (which excludes beverages, tax, and gratuity).
Thirty restaurants will be participating in this year’s event, compared to only 18 in 2009. In addition, patrons who fill out a survey at select eateries during the weeklong celebration will be eligible to win dining gift certificates for future visits, worth more than $700.
For more information on Lake George Region Restaurant Week and other family-friendly festivals and attractions being held in the area, visit TheFreeGeorge.com.
Planning a trip to New York? Check out these other Big Apple-related articles:
New York’s Must-See Attractions—The Statue of Liberty
How To Eliminate Waiting in Long Lines For Lady Liberty
One More Reason to Visit New York City
New York’s Must-See Attractions—The Empire State Building
Little People in the Big Apple: Central Park Zoo and FAO Schwartz