Two cheap "wow" moments in NYC

When the budget is tight and the kids are climbing the walls, these two never miss.

🚡 Roosevelt Island Tram — $3 one-way

• Pay with OMNY or your MetroCard.
• 250 feet up over the East River. The ride is about 4 minutes.
• Skyline views that genuinely make adults gasp.
• Kids under 44" ride free with a paying adult.
• Boarding: 60th & 2nd Ave, Manhattan side.

⛴️ NYC Ferry — $4.50 one-way

• We love the East River route — sit on the top deck if the weather's good.
• Feels like a mini cruise for the price of a coffee.
• Kids under 44" ride free here too.
• Download the NYC Ferry app to find the closest landing and live schedules.

Real-mom timing

• Skip the tram at weekday rush hour.
• Skip the ferry at weekend sunset — lines get rough.
• Both are fully stroller-friendly.
• Bring snacks and a layer. The wind on the upper deck is no joke.

Two of the cheapest moments you can give your kids in this city — and 100% worth it.