Parks
134 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.
- Ida Court Park3.4 mi from downtown
- Marsh Point Triangle0.7 mi from downtown
- Blood Root Valley0.9 mi from downtown
On a budget
Free things to do in Staten Island
5 kinds of free outings in and around Staten Island.
Good days out in Staten Island don’t have to cost anything. These ideas come from the city’s parks, libraries, historic landmarks and nearby public lands. For free concerts, markets and festivals this week, see the free events calendar.
Libraries
Borrow books, movies and museum passes, and join free programs.
- Richmondtown Branch200 Clarke Avenue
- Great Kills Branch56 Giffords Lane
- New Dorp Branch309 New Dorp Lane
Historic places
51 landmarks on the National Register, many easy to see on a walk.
- Fort WadsworthBuilt 1663
- Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan ArtBuilt 1947
- Miller Field
Hiking
Trails on public land; some areas charge a parking or day-use fee.
- Camp Gateway - Staten Island5 mi east
- National Parks of New York Harbor8 mi northeast
- Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook12 mi southeast
Wildlife viewing
Birding and nature watching on public land.
- Camp Gateway - Staten Island5 mi east
- National Parks of New York Harbor8 mi northeast
- Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook12 mi southeast
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
2 Places to visit in STATEN ISLAND, NY
An activity Short shared by Monique.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
A lovely spot on Staten Island: Snug Harbor
An activity Short shared by Hava Media.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What are free things to do in Staten Island?
Parks, Libraries, Historic places, Hiking, Wildlife viewing. City parks and libraries are free; some outdoor areas on federal land charge a parking or day-use fee, noted on each listing.
Are there free events in Staten Island this weekend?
Check the free events calendar, updated daily from local organizations, libraries and the city.
Do I need a library card to use the library?
No card is needed to visit or attend most programs; a free card from the local library lets you borrow books, movies and often museum passes.