ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (Nov. 17, 2025) – Whether you’re watching your spending or simply love great value, Orange County, N.Y., is packed with free and low-cost outings, activities, and memorable experiences. Explore history, score discounted movie tickets, discover outdoor adventures and spark your holiday spirit all without stretching your budget.
Even getting around is less costly this season, with Orange Transit offering fare-free rides through Dec. 31 on its Newburgh and Middletown area transit routes. (Learn more here.)
“Orange County, N.Y., is rich in culture, arts, history and outdoor activities for everyone, no matter their budget,” said Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism and Film. “Here, you can make the most of every moment – creating unforgettable memories with family, friends or that special someone without putting a strain on the wallet.”
Below are just a few of the many free and low-cost things to do in Orange County:
Arts and Culture
Storm King Art Center, 1 Museum Road, New Windsor, N.Y.: Borrow a free pass from your local library to explore world-renowned outdoor sculptures and scenic landscapes. Wander more than 500 acres of large-scale works and site-specific commissions in this major regional destination. Open daily, except Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. until Nov. 30, then closed until April 2026.
Sugar Loaf Art & Craft Village: Step into a storybook village with more than 20 shops displaying the creativity and craftsmanship of local artists and artisans. Check the website for the annual holiday tree lighting, reindeer game or Brunch with the Grinch.
Parks, Trails and Outdoor Escapes
Heritage Trail, from Middletown to Harriman. Enjoy early 20 miles of paths free of cars, linking downtowns in Goshen, Chester and Monroe. Walk, bike or skate along the 10-foot wide path following the route of the former Erie Railroad. The route winds past a bird and wildlife sanctuary, historic landmarks, murmuring streams and rolling meadows. During winter, the trail is not plowed. When snow conditions allow, it is available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Access points are in Harriman, Monroe, Chester and Goshen, all with convenient parking. All uses of the Heritage Trail are free.
Bear Mountain State Park, Route 9W North, Bear Mountain: Admission: $10 per vehicle. With almost 5,000 acres of open space, Bear Mountain is among the most popular parks in the Northeast. Enjoy mountain hikes, lakeside picnics and Hudson River views. Highlights include the Trailside Museums and Zoo, the first section of the Appalachian Trails and the rustic Bear Mountain Lodge, a National Historic Landmark. Open dawn until dusk year-round.
Storm King State Park, parking area along Route 9W, Cornwall, N.Y.: Entry is free in this undeveloped park where visitors enjoy hiking, birdwatching and photography amid nature unspoiled by development. The views of the Catskill Mountains and overlooking the Hudson River are unsurpassed.
Orange County Parks, various locations: With more than 3,400 acres of county parkland, you’ll find opportunities to hike, fish, picnic, camp and more. The Orange County Arboretum will feature Holiday Lights in Bloom, weekends Nov. 28 – Dec. 28. Unique sites include D&H Canal Park along a mile-long section of the former Delaware and Hudson Canal towpath, built in the 1820s to bring coal to the region from Pennsylvania.
Newburgh Waterfront, Newburgh: The historic waterfront offers a variety of dining spots for all tastes and budgets, and includes river cruises, the Riverfront Marina and a public boat launch. For a peaceful stroll, wander the mile-long Newburgh Waterfront Trail at the end of Washington Street.
History and Family-Friendly Fun
Christkindlmarkt, Port Jervis, N.Y.: Free admission and parking. More than 100 vendors fill historic downtown Port Jervis for the 11th annual Christmas market. Horse and wagon tours, a family favorite, will return for this year’s festival. Sunday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, 84 Liberty St., Newburgh: Adults $7; senior/student $5; kids 12 and under free. Tour America’s first publicly owned historic site, opened July 4, 1850. The museum and Tower of Victory are open but the 1750 Hasbrouck House is temporarily closed to the public while it is being restored. General George Washington made the site his headquarters for 17 months, making some of his most important contributions to shaping the American republic. Winter hours, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
West Point Museum, 2110 New South Post Road, West Point, N.Y.: Admission to the museum is free; bus tour costs $22 for adults, $16 for children under 12, free for infants under 3. The oldest and largest military museum in the country dates to the Revolution. Displays actual weapons, uniforms and memorabilia of American soldiers from the from throughout the nation’s history, including a World War I tank. Open Tuesday – Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, 374 Temple Hill Road (Route 300), New Windsor, N.Y.: Free admission. Discover the stories of America’s service members who have been honored with the Purple Heart, America’s oldest military decoration. The museum includes a Roll of Honor, an electronic database where visitors can search for Purple Heart recipients or view a changing selection of Featured Recipients. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Local Highlights
AMC Theatres, Crystal Run 16, 1 Galleria Drive, Middletown: Join the AMC Stubs Insider club for free, and see movies for half price on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Flagship Premium Cinemas, 34 Millpond Parkway, Monroe, and 78 Brookside Ave., Chester. Both Flagship locations offer a Super Tuesday discount of $7.75 for all tickets. Enjoy even more benefits with the Film Fanatics Club, earning points toward rewards including free popcorn and movie tickets.
Local Libraries, various locations: Libraries offer plenty of free or low-cost activities and events for all, including story hours, film nights, craft sessions and family programs. Take yoga, enjoy movie nights, participate in an open mic night, play Mah Jongg and so much more. At some libraries, the building itself is an attraction. The Middletown Thrall Library occupies a historic former train station, while the Moffat Library in Washingtonville is an 1887 building with two Tiffany stained glass windows added in 1899.
About Orange County Tourism & Film
Orange County Tourism & Film, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism and film production headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, events and film resources can be found at www.pickocny.com. Additionally, a fun, free, 66-page travel guide is available for digital download at pickocny.com/travel-guide.
