Who ever said, that nothing in this world is free got it wrong! New York City offers lots of fun family attractions and activities which are absolutely free of charge and gives one a true feel of the 'Big Apple'.

Here is a list of things I picked up from around, that you can do for free in New York City:

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Big Apple Greeter Tour
Especially tailored to help "out of towners" who are unfamiliar with New York, these free guided tours are led by friendly local volunteers who know their way around the city. Each tour covers one of the city's five boroughs and is a great way of discovering some hidden treasures of New York which lie off the beaten path. A tour usually lasts between 2 to 4 hours and group sizes are small (2 to 6 people). If you wish to organise a Big Apple Greeter tour or get more information, the local number to call is (212) 669-8159.

Staten Island Ferry
I am told that a ride on the Staten Island Ferry which travels between Staten Island (St. George Ferry Terminal) and lower Manhattan (Whitehall Terminal) is something definitely not to be missed. This free 25 minute (approximately) ferry ride gives you a chance to just relax and take in some breathtaking views of New York City, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Do remember to take your camera for some photographs to show off to your neighbours!

Alliance for Downtown New York
Alliance for Downtown New York is another free tour service where visitors are taken on a 90 minute walking tour of the lively Downtown area. Stops along the way include Custom House, the Trinity Church, Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange. The Downtown New York tour takes place every Thursday and Saturday and departs from the front steps of the US Custom House (One Bowling Green) at 12:00 PM (noon). Those travelling in groups will have to reserve ahead (contact (212) 606-4064 for details).

Sony Wonder Technology Lab
The hi-tech world of the Sony Wonder Technology Lab (56th Street and Madison Avenue) showcases the latest trends in cutting edge technology and communication and is another 'must visit' free attraction. This 4 floor 'lab' is a great interactive learning experience for the whole family and features hands-on exhibits which give you a chance to get involved in digital sound processing, operate robots, edit a music video and even create your own racing game!

More Freebies!
What else is there for free in New York? Well, there is the Downtown Boathouse (Pier 26 in TriBeCa between Canal and Chambers streets and Pier 64 in Chelsea at West 24th street) where one can go kayaking, Grand Central Terminal which offers free tours every Wednesday at 12:30 PM, the Socrates Sculpture Park (32-01 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City), Queens Botanical Garden (43-50 Main Street, Flushing) and the National Museum of the American Indian.

So although New York can be pretty expensive, these free offerings can go a long way in making your visit to the Big Apple quite an economical experience.