It is that time of year. Summertime.

The sun is shining, the beaches are packed and the ice cream trucks are on every block.

New York City is the prime place to be in the summertime. There are loads of things to do while you are here but it can be hard to avoid the $$$ at times. No need to fret because I've taken on the personal task of mastering a list of six of cheapest thrills in the Big Apple.

1. Parks

Grassy fields.

Shady trees.

It's the prime spot to get a tan or read your favorite book under a tree.

You can plan a picnic, either romantic or friendly.

2. Beaches

A good majority of beaches are free in the city including Brighton, Rockaway and the world famous Coney Island Beach. Grab some friends, a few towels and a speaker and have a day by the waves.

3. Museums

New York City is a place of culture and this city is packed with museums. Not all of them free but some are year around or on particular days. Here are just a few:

African Burial Ground Memorial Site

Bronx Museum of the Arts

Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture

4. Window shopping

We can all admit we love the idea of owning clothes we can't afford. Window shopping is one of my favorite things to do whether it's walking down Broadway in Soho or Fifth Avenue uptown. Plus you can use the air-conditioned stores as a safe haven from the hot, humid air outside.

5. Free concerts

Summertime is prime concert season in the city. Summerstage in Central Park puts on free concerts frequently and it can be the perfect place to catch a show without spending a dime.

6. Street festivals

These multiple block long festivals are a highlight of summer life in the Big Apple. The smells of Italian sausage, lemonade and kettle corn all come together. It's the best place to get cheap jewelry and pashminas. No summer in NYC is complete without a stroll through a street festival.

So consider a trip to the Big Apple this summer or if you live here, take a step outside and take in all the city has to offer both cheap and $$$.