10 Things To Do With Kids in NYC This Summer

With summer in full swing, we didn't want to leave NYC out of the fun! There are endless activities for families throughout the city, and we've put together a few of our favorites to help inspire your next adventure.

1. Swim Lessons

Swim lessons build confidence, water safety skills, and strength while. keeping kids active and engaged.

Have a pool? We've got instructors! We offer year-round lessons in NYC, including throughout the summer, for ages 6 months and up. Private, semi-private, and group (3-4 children) lessons are available.

At Hamptons Swim, every lesson is personalized based on age, skill level, and comfort.

2. Music + Movies

With a plethora of movies and music outdoors this somewhere, there's something for everyone! Many are even free!

• Outdoor Movies

  • https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/free_summer_movies 

• Outdoor Concerts

  • https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/free_summer_concerts 

  • https://nycplugged.com/free-outdoor-summer-concerts-in-nyc/ 

3. Nature + Gardens

Nature is the perfect excuse to get kids outside and exploring. Whether they're spotting flowers, running down a path, or getting their hands dirty in a garden, these spots make it easy to turn an ordinary day into an adventure.

• The High Line

  • https://www.thehighline.org/ 

• New York Botanical Garden

  • https://www.nybg.org/ 

• Everett Children's Adventure Garden

  • https://www.nybg.org/education/childrens-education/everett-childrens-adventure-garden/ 

4. Outdoor Adventure

If your kids love to climb, explore, and stay on the move, these playgrounds are worth the trip. Each one offers something unique, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon playing and discovering.

• Pier 26 Science playground

  • https://hudsonriverpark.org/activities/pier-26-science-playground/ 

• Domino park playground

  • https://www.dominopark.com/ 

• Battery Playscape 

  • https://www.thebattery.org/in-design/playscape/ 

5. Animals + Wildlife

Animal attractions give children the chance to see animals up close while fostering curiosity about wildlife and the natural world. It's a fun way to learn and make memories together.

• Central Park

  • https://centralparkzoo.com/ 

• Bronx

  • https://bronxzoo.com/ 

• Prospect park 

  • https://prospectparkzoo.com/ 

• Queens County Farm Museum 

  • https://www.queensfarm.org/ 

6. Beaches

Craving a beach day without the long drive? There's nothing quite like a beach day in the summer. Whether you're building sandcastles, splashing in the waves, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze, these family-friendly NYC beaches offer all the fun of a summer getaway, right in your own backyard!

• Rockaway Beach

  • https://www.nyctourism.com/places/rockaway-beach/ 

• Manhattan Beach

  • https://www.nyctourism.com/places/manhattan-beach/ 

• Brighton Beach

  • https://www.nyctourism.com/new-york/brooklyn/brighton-beach/ 

• Orchard Beach

  • https://www.nyctourism.com/places/orchard-beach/ 

  
  

• Summer Events

Some of NYC's best summer memories come from its seasonal events. Whether you're watching dragon boat races, exploring car-free streets, or celebrating along the waterfront, these events offer something a little different from your typical day out.

• Summer streets

  • https://loving-newyork.com/summer-streets-nyc/ 

• Hong kong dragon boat festival 

  • https://www.hkdbf-ny.org/ 

• City of Water Day

  • https://www.cityofwaterday.org/

8. Sprinklers + Splash Pads

Sometimes all kids need on a hot day is a sprinkler and a place to run. These splash pads and water play areas are perfect for cooling off, staying active, and enjoying a little summer fun, without having to commit to a full day at the beach.

• Heckscher Playground - Central park

  • https://www.centralpark.com/things-to-do/attractions/heckscher-playground/ 

• Chelsea Waterside Park

  • https://hudsonriverpark.org/locations/chelsea-waterside/ 

• Hudson River Park Pier 25

  • https://hudsonriverpark.org/locations/pier-25/ 

• Moira Ann Smith Playground

  • https://madisonsquarepark.org/park/park-guide/location/moira-ann-smith-playground/ 

• LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park (they also have roller skating, and so much more!!)

  • https://www.prospectpark.org/visit-the-park/places-to-go/lefrak-center-lakeside/ 

This website has a larger list of places around the city: splashpadlocator.com 

9. Rides + Carousels

Looking to add a little excitement to your summer? These rides and attractions offer everything from classic carousel magic to thrilling amusement park rides and some of the best views in the city.

The Roosevelt Island Tram turns a simple trip across the East River into an adventure, giving kids a bird's-eye view of the city as they glide high above the traffic below.

• SeaGlass Carousel

  • https://www.seaglasscarousel.nyc/ 

• Jane’s Carousel - Brooklyn

  • https://janescarousel.com/ 

• Coney Island 

  • https://www.coneyisland.com/visitor-information 

• Roosevelt Island Tram

  • https://www.rioc.ny.gov/community/transportation/tram 

10. Hidden Gems

Some of the best family activities in NYC are the ones that don't always make the top tourist lists. From sailing model boats and exploring elevated parks to discovering unique green spaces tucked among the skyscrapers, these hidden gems offer a different way to experience the city.

• Sail model boats at central park

  • https://www.centralpark.com/things-to-do/attractions/conservatory-water/ 

• Little Island

  • https://littleisland.org/# 

• Pier 57 Rooftop Park

  • https://pier57nyc.com/rooftop/ 

• The Elevated Acre (in the summer they have music and events!)

  • https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60763-d12800493-Reviews-Elevated_Acre-New_York_City_New_York.html

Whether you're looking for a full day adventure, or just a way to keep the kids busy for an afternoon, we hope this list gives you plenty of ideas for summer fun!

Don't forget to save this post for later and share it with a friend who could use some inspiration!