We’re a week into summer break already – time is flying. Whether the kids are in camp during the day or you’re balancing working from home and keeping the kids entertained, here are some fun ideas to add to the summer bucket list.
Spend the day on a secret beach
Sail Rockaway offers a cool sailboat trip to a secret beach in Far Rockaway. For 20 bucks a person you can pack a cooler, umbrella, and chairs (or rent them) and be taken to a quiet strip of beach for the day.
Swim at Astoria Pool
After being closed for renovations last summer, Astoria Pool is officially reopened. The largest pool in NYC and deemed a landmark, every city kid has to visit at least once.
Visit the Museum of Food and Drink
For the young foodies, hit up the Museum of Food and Drink in Dumbo. Their current exhibition, “Flavor: The World to Your Brain,” is a sensory journey through our bodies and our world where visitors unpack what really happens in our heads when we experience the flavors of food.
Splash around at the playground
The city has no shortage of local playgrounds, and several of them have some pretty cool water features to splash around in. Check out the Pier 6 Water Lab in Brooklyn, Pier 51 Playground in Hudson River Park, Beach 30th Street Playground in Queens, Grand Playground in the Bronx, or Seaside Wildlife Nature Park in Staten Island, just to name a few.
Walk through a balloon wonderland
Spend the afternoon at A Balloon Story. Located inside the Park Avenue Armory, you’ll find both intricate sculptures and immersive environments to walk through.
Catch an outdoor movie
What bedtime? Summer is the perfect excuse to stay up late and catch a movie outdoors- even better when there’s a view. Brooklyn Bridge Park hosts movies with Manhattan views on Thursdays, while Pier 17 hosts rooftop movies overlooking Brooklyn. You can also watch a flick on board the Intrepid Museum, or at a local park. ‘
Visit the National Lighthouse Museum
Jump on the Staten Island Ferry and walk over to the National Lighthouse Museum in Staten Island.
Make your own charm jewelry at Beadkraft
While Brooklyn Charm has gone viral on social media and is said to be experiencing long lines, Beadkraft offers a similar experience. Decide on a chain for your bracelet or necklace and pick out a few charms from their robust collection of charms.
Register for a summer PSAL sports program
Students entering grades nine through 12 this fall can sign up to participate in a PSAL sports, fitness, or recreation summer program at a nearby school. There’s everything brom basketball to robotics, and chess to yoga, offered in two sessions this summer.
High Tea at Prince Tea House
Throw on some florals and head to a Prince Tea House location for a fun high tea experience (we love the Flushing location). Their afternoon tea options feature tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and yummy assorted pastries.
Spend the day at Slide City Waterpark
Yes, it’s just a bunch of inflatable water slides, but what kid doesn’t love inflatable waterslides? And parents can get in on the fun too. Side City Waterpark will be open in Queens from July 4 to15.
Fish in the Hudson River
And throw it back of course. Big City Fishing at Hudson River Park offers fishing tutorials for ages 5 and up on select days throughout the summer.
Visit historic houses
New York is full of museums you can get lost in for hours, but there are also plenty of historic houses that you can visit and learn about the past. We love the Bartow Pell Mansion in the Bronx, the Dyckman Farmhouse in Washington Heights and the Lewis Latimer House Museum in Queens— they are the perfect way to slide in some history before grabbing lunch nearby.
Experience the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
In August, head to Flushing Meadows Corona Park for the three-day dragon boat festival. There is no charge for admission and attendees can enjoy the races, live performances, food, crafts, and more.
