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Free and Affordable Things to Do
in Atlantic City
Vacationers looking for affordable New Jersey vacation spots need look no further than the many things to do in Atlantic City. In fact, there are plenty of events and attractions to enjoy for free. We have the perfect activities in mind for cost-conscious visitors, who want to have fun at a great value.

From free events to attractions such as the Absecon Lighthouse, to events that cost less than the price of a movie ticket, friends and families can find plenty of affordable things to do in Atlantic City. Here’s a list of free and almost-free things to do and see in Atlantic City just waiting for visitors to explore.

FREE Things to do in Atlantic City:
  • Atlantic City Beaches – no beach fees (a rarity in NJ)
  • Atlantic City Historical Museum and the AC Art Museum, located on Garden Pier at the Boardwalk and New Jersey Avenue, open all year, from 10 am to 4 pm Free admission and parking. 

  • Boogie Nights' "Boogie on the Boardwalk" brings the retro disco party outside of Resorts and onto the Boardwalk with 70s and 80s music, Boogie Nights' characters hosting games of Twister and hula hoop and more. Fridays from 5 - 9pm through Labor Day weekend.

  • The Atlantic City Free Public Library offers free events throughout the year.
  • Free Night at the Movies - Thursday, Friday and Sunday evenings at 8:00pm, at various locations around Atlantic City (see link for schedule). 
  • Catch The Show at Showboat! Saturdays New Orleans Parade at 2:30pm & 7:30pm; Rio Carnivale Parade at 5:00pm - Free parades featuring a cast of dancers, singers, musicians and acrobats in scintillating costumes performing spell-binding human feats complemented by Cajun-inspired Latin music! A new twist on the Mardi Gras Parade!
  • Gardner's Basin Summer Concert Series - Sit by the dock of the bay on Saturdays (Jul 10, Aug 7 & 28) and enjoy free concerts by bands like The Sugar Hill Gang, Kurtis Blow, Eddie Morgan, the Dramatics and more!
  • Steel Pier's  famous Flores Family performing in the Motorcycle Globe of Death: 
    Monday - Friday – 2:45pm, 6pm, 8pm
    Saturday – 11:45am, 3pm, 6pm, 8pm, 10pm
    Sunday – 11:45am, 3pm, 6pm, 8pm
    Tuesday – no show
  • International Night Series at Kennedy Plaza on the Boardwalk - Wednesdays July 7 - Aug 25 (check link for schedule) Multi-cultural music and performances featuring a variety of global entertainment suitable for all ages.
  • Lucy the Elephant's 129th Birthday - Sunday, July 18, 10am - 7pm - Rides, food, fun, games and birthday cake!
  • Mardi Gras at the Shore at Kennedy Plaza on the Boardwalk - Mondays, starting August 2 at 6:30pm–10pm; shows also on August 24 and 25, following the Airshow, with finale on Sunday, September 5.
  • The Wedding and Blessing of the Sea - Sunday, August 15, noon, Boardwalk Hall - St. Michael's Church celebrates an annual Atlantic City tradition in Boardwalk Hall's Ballroom. 609-344-8536 for more info
  • The Atlantic City Airshow "Thunder Over the Boardwalk" - August 25, 2010
  • Chicken Bone Beach Annual Jazz Concert Series - Thursdays in July and August, from 7pm to 10pm - Free concerts on the Boardwalk at Kennedy Plaza (between Mississippi and Georgia Avenues)
  • Strolling the Boardwalk, morning bicycle riding from 6-10 a.m. on the Boardwalk 
  • “The Water Show” at the end of The Pier Shops, with dazzling illuminated water effects every hour on the hour, Boardwalk level at the ocean end of the building. No charge.
  • Absecon Lighthouse is free to enter the museum and gift shop… a small fee applies to climb to the top 
  • Strolling the docks and Crafters Village at Gardner’s Basin – there is a small fee to visit the AC Aquarium 
  • Watching annual surfing and lifeguard competitions on the beach 
  • Korean War Memorial and Civil Rights Garden 
  • Free shows daily at Steel Pier during the summer season
  • Parades along the Boardwalk and streets: St. Patrick's Day parade, Easter parade, Summer Solstice parade, Columbus Day parade, Christmas parade and Puerto Rican Day parade
 Affordable Atlantic City Activities - $10 OR LESS:
  • Noyes Museum of Art - Fine art, crafts and folk art exhibits with a focus on New Jersey/Mid-Atlantic region
  • Historic Cold Spring Village - Open-air living history museum of 19th century life with hands-on activities for families
  • Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center - Glass, ceramic, flamework, woodcarving studios of artists at work
  • Tuckerton Seaport Museum - Multifaceted working maritime museum with folk artisans and entertainment
  • Absecon Lighthouse - Tallest lighthouse in New Jersey - Open for climbing; 228 steps to the top. Kids will enjoy Wacky Wednesdays from July 21-August 18, with games, crafts and story telling from 11am - 3pm.
  • Lucy the Elephant - Restored giant historic landmark first built in 1884. Open for tours
  • Atlantic City Aquarium - Ocean oddities, sharks, sea anemones and more with restaurants and shops nearby
  • Miniature Golf - Play 18 holes of world-class golf at Atlantic City's premier miniature golf course on the Boardwalk at Mississippi. Visit website for discount coupon.
  • Bicycle rentals - Permitted on the Boardwalk between 6:30 am and 10am daily
  • Rolling chair ride - A great way to see the Boardwalk. Pushed by an attendant with fees based on distance
  • Forsythe Wildlife Refuge - 43,000 acres of protected coastal habitat; nature trails, programs, auditorium
  • Wetlands Institute - Guided beach walks, kayaking, back bay boat rides, live animal shows and more
  • Marine Mammal Stranding Center - Rescues and rehabilitates stranded mammals and sea turtles. Tours available
 
 


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