Things to do in New York City during the summer:

Written by: Chloe Yuqing Wang

A Summer in NYC

The temperature in Manhattan, New York reached 90°F (32°C) at the beginning of June. Even though summers are getting hotter, New York still offers many creative ways to enjoy it. With the scorching heat ahead, I’d like to share a list of fun activities around the city with you. From electrifying events that fill your calendar each week to hidden gems, the city will ignite your passion for adventure this summer.

Let’s start with free events happening around the city this summer!

1.Kayaking on the Hudson River

New York City now has a free kayaking program, open to the public, at Pier 26, from May to October on weekends and holidays. No reservation is needed. Simply arrive at the designated spot at the right time. The program provides all the equipment you will need for kayaking.

Link to learn more about the program: https://www.downtownboathouse.org/

2.Outdoor Movie Nights

New York City is offering free outdoor movies around the five boroughs this summer. Indulge in the summer nights with “Movies Under the Stars”. This is a great way to have an affordable and delightful evening outing with your partner or friends and enjoy a breezy night with the big screen under the stars. 

To check the map for summer movies and locations, use this link: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/free_summer_movies

3.Bryant Park Picnic Performances

Bryant Park is offering free summer festivals this summer. A variety of events will be held every week. Pack your favorite snacks, find your spot, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring performances. If you can’t be there in person, Bryant Park also offers live streams of their performances and has recordings of their past performances. 

Learn more about it here:  https://bryantpark.org/activities/picnic-performances 

4.Lincoln Center Summer for the City 

Like many venues in New York, Lincoln Center offers unforgettable art festivals throughout the summer from June to August. There are events for everyone, from skilled opera performances to fun dance lessons. Make sure to check out the magical giant disco ball as well. 

To check out the events: https://www.lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city 

If you are willing to pay some money:

1.Bouldering (and more) at VITAL

You may never know if you will like rock climbing before you try it. It is a great way to exercise your body and brain while enjoying the thrills of jumping from a high spot without getting hurt.

The climbing gym VITAL has three locations around New York City and their location in Brooklyn is a unique spot. There is an outdoor rooftop bouldering space with an on-site coffee shop, a fire pit, and a sauna. What’s more, the gym is huge, including (I think) hundreds of different bouldering lines to try and a huge workout area, yoga, and cycling space. The gym also offers bouldering, aerial silk, and yoga classes. On top of all their offerings, the gym is open 24/7.

A day pass is $35 for the Brooklyn location.

Here is a link to their webpage if you want to learn more about them: https://www.vitalclimbinggym.com/brooklyn

2.Surfing at American Dream

Indoor surfing can help you escape the heat and develop a new interest. American Dream is a shopping complex in New Jersey. There is an indoor water park for children, and for adults, it transforms into a wave pool for surfing every night. 

Prices range from $99(weekdays) to $125 (weekends) for 2-hour sessions.

To learn more about this venue: https://www.americandream.com/venue/skudin-surf#

3.Big Snow American Dream

To make your summer even ‘cooler,’ try indoor skiing at Big Snow, also in American Dream. It is the only indoor-skiing venue in North America. 

A single-day SNOW day package is $89.99.

Check out their website for more information: https://www.bigsnowamericandream.com/

4.Richard Gilder Center

The Museum of Natural History recently opened a new annex building with an entrance on Columbus Ave: The Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. The facility hosts exciting exhibits, including gems worldwide, with a brilliant “Star of India,” a butterfly vivarium, an immersive experience, and more. Although the exhibitions are year-round, having seen the exhibits myself, I recommend anyone to go there at least once this summer to enjoy the incredible architecture of the building and the fantastic displays.

To reserve tickets: https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent/gilder-center