25 New York City Attractions that Are Worth the Price

New York City Attractions

Can I make this trip affordable for my students?

Any group leader planning a school trip to New York City has asked themselves this question. You know that it would be a thrilling experience for your students. You know they would create memories with their classmates that would last for years to come. But the question is, can they afford it?

For starters, there are over 30 New York City attractions that are completely free (as in $0.00). Begin with that list and select which activities would be of interest to your students.

Then, move to the list below to pick and choose paid activities that work for your target school trip price. These activities are school group favorites and have been requested over and over again.

Student Group Rates

$ = $10 or less
$$ = $11-20
$$$ = $20-30
$$$$ = $30 and up

New York City Attractions that Are Worth the Price

9/11 Memorial Museum ($$-$$$) honors the men, women, and children killed in the terror attacks on September 11, 2001 and February 26. 1993. The museum opened in 2014.
American Museum of Natural History ($) : Students will see the exhibits of “Night at the Museum” first-hand!
A Broadway Show ($$$$) showcases the best of the best in live theater performances.
Broadway Classroom Workshops ($$$) are 90-minute student theater workshops with Broadway performers.
Bronx Zoo ($-$$) See amazing animals, ride the bug carousel, or ride a camel!
Carnegie Hall Tours ($) introduce students to the grandeur of one of the most famous performance halls in the world. This experience is perfect for orchestra and music groups.
Carriage Rides in Central Park ($$) are memorable ways to experience the beauty of Manhattan’s famous 778 acre park.
The Cloisters of the Metropolitan Museum of Art ($ self-guided, $$ staff-guided) are devoted to medieval European art and architecture. This museum branch was assembled from architectural elements that date from the twelfth through the fifteenth century.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts ($$) offers tours for students of the Metropolitan Opera House, New York State Theater, and Avery Fisher Hall as long as they’re not in current use. Tours last 75 minutes.
The Frick Collection ($) is an art gallery housed in the former residence of Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919).
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum ($) is filled with prized pieces, including works from Picasso, Kandinsky and Miró and is housed in one of the most iconic buildings in New York designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Madame Tussauds ($$) is an 85,000-square-foot interactive museum with over 200 wax figures. Pose with wax likenesses of celebrities, historical figures, sports icons, music stars and more.
Madison Square Gardens Tour ($$) will take you to exclusive VIP areas of the legendary arena.
Museum of American Finance ($) is the he nation’s only independent public museum dedicated to celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and the democratic free market tradition which has made New York City the financial capital of the world.
Museum of Modern Art ($$) is dedicated to promoting an understanding of modern art and presenting the best in contemporary art.
NBC Studio Tour Experience ($$$) takes you behind the scenes of Saturday Night Live, the Today show, and the halls of the famous studio.
New York Botanical Garden ($$) is New York’s premier botanical garden and is a dedicated national landmark.
New York Waterway Sightseeing Cruise ($$) is a 90-minute sightseeing cruise of the New York skyline.
Radio City Music Hall Tour ($$) is an insider’s view of the legendary performance hall. Explore the art deco design of the building, meet a Rockette^®, and more!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square is home to over 500 outrageous and amazing exhibits on two floors.
Statue Cruises ($-$$) take students to Ellis Island, Liberty Island, and the Statue of Liberty.
South Street Seaport Museum ($$) explores the rise of New York as a port city and its impact on the development of the United States. Visit the historic buildings and ships for interactive exhibits and experiences.
At Top of the Rock Observation Deck ($$), students will take in stunning views of New York City including Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. Both an indoor deck and open-air terraces are available.
United Nations ($$) tours show students the UN headquarters. Students will see works of art from around the world and learn about pressing global issues.
West Point Tour ($$, includes lunch) will cover the history of the military academy. School groups can tailor the tour to their curriculum, emphasizing the Revolutionary period, military history, the traditions of the Academy, or more.