A summer holiday in New York City provides limitless opportunities for fun and adventure for families and children of all ages. From visiting verdant parks to participating in informative programs, the city is a playground waiting to be explored.
Here’s a complete list of the greatest activities to keep kids and adults entertained, active, and learning in NYC.
1. Central Park Adventures
Central Park is a treasure trove of activities for kids. With its vast green spaces, playgrounds, and iconic attractions, it’s the perfect place for a family day out.
Playgrounds
Central Park boasts 21 playgrounds, each with unique features. The Heckscher Playground, the oldest and largest, offers climbing structures, slides, and water features, perfect for cooling off on hot days.
Boating on the Lake
Rent a rowboat or take a gondola ride on the Central Park Lake. It’s a serene way to enjoy nature and spot turtles and waterfowl.
Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo is home to a variety of animals from around the world. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, like the Tisch Children’s Zoo, where they can feed and pet domestic animals.
2. Outdoor Recreation
Take advantage of the warm weather with a variety of outdoor activities that promote physical activity and adventure.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a waterfront haven with playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The park also hosts outdoor movies and events, providing entertainment for the whole family.
Governor’s Island
A short ferry ride from Manhattan, Governor’s Island offers biking, mini-golf, and adventure playgrounds. The island’s expansive green spaces are perfect for picnics and kite flying.
Skateboarding
Skateboarding is a thrilling way for kids to stay active and develop their skills. Skateboard School in NYC provides comprehensive lessons for kids of all skill levels. Certified instructors teach the basics of skateboarding, safety techniques, and advanced tricks in a supportive environment. Additionally, NY skateboard camps are available, offering intensive programs where kids can immerse themselves in skateboarding, build confidence, and make new friends.
Beach Day at Coney Island
Coney Island is an iconic summer destination. Kids can enjoy the sandy beach, take a dip in the ocean, and ride the historic Cyclone roller coaster at Luna Park. Don’t forget to grab a famous Nathan’s hot dog!
3. Museum Explorations
NYC is home to world-class museums with exhibits and programs designed to engage young minds.
American Museum of Natural History
This museum is a favourite among kids, with its massive dinosaur skeletons, the Hall of Ocean Life, and the Discovery Room where children can participate in hands-on activities.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for kids. Highlights include the PlayWorks exhibit for toddlers and the Adventures with Dora and Diego exhibit, which brings the popular TV characters to life.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
For aspiring aviators and astronauts, the Intrepid Museum offers a chance to explore an aircraft carrier, a submarine, and even the Space Shuttle Enterprise. The museum also hosts summer camps and educational workshops.
4. Educational Camps and Workshops
Summer is a great time for kids to learn new skills and explore their interests through specialized camps and workshops.
STEM Camps
NYC offers a variety of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) camps. Programs like RoboFun and iD Tech Camps provide hands-on experience with robotics, coding, and engineering.
Art and Music Camps
For budding artists and musicians, camps like the School of Visual Arts Summer Camp and the Brooklyn Music School offer classes in painting, drawing, music, and performing arts.
Nature Camps
Nature lovers can explore the outdoors with camps like the NYC Parks Experience Summer Day Camp, which includes nature walks, environmental education, and gardening activities.
5. Theatre and Performances
Expose kids to the magic of live performances with NYC’s rich theatre scene.
Broadway Shows
Many Broadway shows are family-friendly and offer matinee performances that are perfect for kids. Classics like “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” bring beloved stories to life with spectacular sets and costumes.
Puppet Shows at Central Park’s Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre offers enchanting puppet shows that captivate young audiences. The performances are based on classic fairy tales and new stories alike.
Shakespeare in the Park
Introduce older kids to the works of Shakespeare with the Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park. These free performances in Central Park’s Delacorte Theater provide an unforgettable cultural experience.
6. Sports and Physical Activities
Keeping kids active is essential, and NYC offers numerous opportunities for sports and physical activities.
Chelsea Piers
Chelsea Piers is a sports and entertainment complex that offers everything from rock climbing and ice skating to gymnastics and soccer. Their summer camps provide specialized training in various sports.
Bike Rentals
Rent bikes and explore the city’s bike paths. The Hudson River Greenway offers a scenic route along the river, perfect for a family bike ride.
Swimming Pools
Cool off at one of NYC’s public swimming pools. Parks like the Hamilton Fish Pool in the Lower East Side and the Astoria Pool in Queens are popular spots for families.
7. Festivals and Special Events
Summer in NYC is filled with festivals and special events that offer unique experiences for kids.
NYC Summer Streets
For three Saturdays in August, nearly seven miles of NYC streets are closed to traffic and open for pedestrians to enjoy. Kids can participate in activities like zip-lining, mini-golf, and arts and crafts.
Queens County Fair
The Queens County Fair offers a taste of the countryside with carnival rides, farm animals, and pie-eating contests. It’s a fun way to experience rural traditions without leaving the city.
Outdoor Movies
Many parks across the city host free outdoor movie nights during the summer. Bring a blanket and enjoy a family-friendly film under the stars at locations like Bryant Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
8. Gardens and Nature Walks
Explore the city’s natural beauty with visits to gardens and nature reserves.
New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx offers beautiful landscapes and interactive exhibits. The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden features hands-on activities and nature exploration programs.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Discovery Garden is designed specifically for children, offering interactive exhibits and nature play areas. The garden also hosts family workshops and summer programs.
Staten Island Greenbelt
For a more rugged nature experience, the Staten Island Greenbelt offers hiking trails, nature centers, and guided walks. It’s a great place for kids to learn about local wildlife and ecosystems.
In the summer, New York City is a bustling and exciting location for children, with a wide range of activities to suit all interests and ages.
There is something for every family to enjoy, whether it’s exploring the great outdoors, participating in educational camps, seeing live events, or simply playing in one of the city’s numerous parks.
By taking advantage of these different options, families may make wonderful summer memories while also helping their children develop, learn, and have fun.
