75 Fun Things To Cross Off On This Ultimate NYC Summer Bucket List

The weather is warm, the sun is setting late, and after our last two summers didn’t go exactly as planned, we’re here to make sure that New Yorkers make this one count! From taking advantage of the season’s gorgeous weather, to telling you about the best summer happenings in NYC, get ready to cross your way off the most ultimate NYC summer bucket list ever!

Here are all the best summer activities in NYC:

1. Head to the Upside Down at this mind-bending Stranger Things Experience

Get on your spandex, set that bouffant and get ready for a nostalgic journey into 1985 Hawkins. The Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn Navy Yard has now become a portal to an immersive Stranger Things mini-verse, filled with epic audiovisual sets, supernatural mysteries and pulse-racing encounters that bring the cult TV sensation to life. Learn more and get your tickets here.

2-3. Enjoy gorgeous views at one of NYC’s rooftop festivals

Enjoy breathtaking views of New York City like never before at a rooftop festival! Enjoy tasty food and drinks, music to swing your hips to, and tons of incredible photo ops.

• Enjoy all the best Mexican food at the Tacos & Tequila festival
• Or sip on unlimited rosé and champagne at the Rooftop Rosé festival

4. Bounce at the world’s largest inflatable theme park

For a six-day event, the largest inflatable theme park will be stopping in Brooklyn for all the bouncy fun. Learn how you can join the fun here.

5-6. Experience an enchanting concert by candlelight

Calm your mind and experience classical music in a new light with these sensational candlelit dinners in some of New York City’s most magical locations, from stunning restaurants to glamorous lounges.

• Sway along to legends of R&B at The Williamsburg Hotel
• Or enjoy dreamy vibes with a tribute to The Miles Davis Classic Quintet

Either way it’s an experience you won’t want to miss! More candlelight concerts can be found here.

7. Get transported to the ultimate Star Wars universe

Dive deep into the Star Wars Universe at this exhilarating exhibition featuring over 600 official items collected by fans. This epic exhibition showcases some of the coolest collections that the most dedicated Star Wars fans across the globe have collected over the years. Over 600 official items will be displayed at The Fans Strike Back exhibition, including photos, posters, costumes, life-size figures, models & 50+ one-of-a-kind sculptures. Get your tickets here.

8. Check out Brooklyn’s expansive new Arts District

Arts District is an experiential arts venue that’s coming to Brooklyn’s Greenpoint area this summer, taking over a reclaimed warehouse along the East River. The new arts hub is already set to feature globally recognized experiences, and will feature the US premiere of the installation “Limitless AI” by artists Ferdi & Eylul Alici – designed to expand your imagination and fuel your curiosity. Get your tickets here.

9. Go glamping on Governors Island

Forget about sleeping on the floor and going to the bathroom outside, regular camping is so last year! That’s right, now it’s all about glamping. Enjoy a luxurious stay on NYC’s island oasis with incredible amenities under the sky. Camp under the stars tonight!

10. Become a part of your favorite scenes at The FRIENDS Experience

This interactive experience features realistic replicas of your favorite scenes and moments from FRIENDS. Grab a fellow fan, and dive into these sentimental set recreations! Whether you’re lounging on Chandler and Joey’s recliner or sipping on an imaginary coffee at Central Perk, prepare to be filled with FRIENDS frenzy! Get your tickets here.

11. Visit America’s largest Legoland

For Lego lovers of all ages, make sure to spend a day (or two) at the Legoland theme park in New York. With years in the making, its 2021 summer debut has not disappoint. The entire park is jam-packed with so many features like an immersive Legoland Hotel with 250 Lego-themed rooms, Lego 4D movie theater, 50 rides, a Legoland Factory, and more! Get tickets here.

12. Cruise around the city

Who doesn’t love a day on the water? Escape the city heat and spend your time relaxing (or partying) on some luxurious cruises around the Hudson and East River. From wine tastings, brunching, & dancing, take all your favorite summer activities and make them that much better afloat! Take in the skyline and cheers your friends because there’s a cruise experience for everyone, day or night…hey why not both!? See the full list of cruises here.

13. Explore an enormous indoor adventure park

With 40,000-sq-feet, this indoor adventure park is the ultimate spot for fun! Offering everything from paintball, rock climbing, roller skating, rope courses, and more, there’s no limit to what you can do! See more information here.

14-15. Party on NYC’s best rooftop bars

Whether you’re looking for a good skyline view or a refreshing cocktail to sip on, New York City has all the rooftop bars you could ever imagine.

• Looking for more of a chill, backyard vibe, try The Ready Rooftop.
• Maybe you want a live DJ and somewhere to dance, then check out Somewhere Nowhere.

Whatever you decide, you’re in for a great time and even greater views. Read the full list here.

16. Test your teamwork skills at this live game show experience

This one hour long show will test your social strategy, reaction time, useless knowledge, puzzle-solving skills, and ultimately—your pure cosmic luck. Up to 32 people can play at once, each with their own buzzer. Guided by a live host, teams of 4 compete in a series of high-energy party games. Prepare for an adrenaline-infused experience that measures your collective wits and button-finger agility. Bring a team, or show up and join one. Get your tickets here.

17-19. Hangout with the animals

Forget people, hangout with animals this summer!

• Make some furry friends at the Bronx Zoo
• Head underwater at the New York Aquarium
• Get adventurous on a Whale Watching Cruise

20. Put your putt-putt to the test

In for a little friendly competition? Head to Williamsburg’s waterfront mini golf course PUTTING GREEN, an 18-hole climate change-themed mini golf course with the goal of educating and enlightening visitors on climate change in a fun and creative way. Read more here.

21. Cool off in one of NYC’s public pools

If we know one thing, it’s that summers in NYC are HOT! From sweaty subway rides, to AC’s units dripping on you, taking advantage of pools are an essential way to survive the season. See the full list of NYC public pools here, which open June 28th.

Also, don’t forget to check out America’s only floating pool right here in NYC!

22-23. …Or at one of NYC’s private hotel & rooftop pools

Maybe you’re looking for something a little less…public. You can still take a dip in the many private hotel and rooftop pools around the city sure to cool you down one canon ball at a time.

• Make sure to check out Long Island City’s new rooftop pool The Summer Club.
• Or Governors Island’s gorgeous new pool at the QC NY Spa.

View the full list  here.

24-25. Listen to music at this dreamy outdoor concert series

Tune your worries away at these insanely gorgeous outdoor rooftop concerts across NYC for an unforgettable evening.

• In the mood for Sinatra under the stars?
• How about a tribute to female jazz legends?

Book your spot now.

26. Pick your own sunflowers at a farm outside of NYC

Journey through sunflowers towering up to 10-feet at this farm in New Jersey. Visitors are welcome to pick the flowers, sip on some fresh squeezed lemonade, and obviously snap a few pics for the ‘gram! They open for the season the weekend of July 2, and you can discover more details here.

27-29. Pack your schedule with all of NYC’s free summer concerts

Thanks to all of our fantastic Parks, New Yorkers have plenty of choices for where to spend time outdoors during the warm weather months, and you can hear some incredible music performances in NYC Parks this summer, all for free, while doing so. Some free concerts this summer include:

• Bryant Park “Picnic Performances”
• Hudson River Park concerts
• New York Philharmonic, “Concert in the Parks”

See the full list of free concerts here.

30. Catch a free event on NYC’s Little Island

As we welcome live performances back to the city, check out some of the incredible shows happening at “The Amph” and “The Glade” on Little Island. From live storytelling to musical concerts, there’s a show for everyone. And the best part: they’re free! View the full schedule here.

31. Kayak for free under the Brooklyn Bridge

Be active and paddle your way around the East River. Brooklyn Bridge Park is offering free, 20-minute sessions on the water to kayak and see the city from a new perspective. Learn how to reserve your spot, on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays here.

32. Walk through magical fields of lavender

Take a little trip outside of the city and head to LI for an aromatic experience you’re sure to love. Journey through a whimsical field of lavender this summer at Lavender By The Bay. The fields are normally in bloom from mid-June through July so get to it before it’s too late! Read more here.

33-34. Learn something new at a museum

Explore all of the wonderful art, educational, & cultural institutions NYC has to offer! Rain or shine it’s always a good time to take advantage of what most people vacation to the city to see.

• Check out the new Northwest Coast Hall at the American Museum of Natural History
• Or visit Fotografiska, Stockholm’s internationally-renowned museum now in NYC

35-36. Dine on the waterfront

Nothing pairs better than a cocktail in hand and the skyline in sight! Spend your summer waterside at any of NYC’s gorgeous waterfront restaurants and bars like:

• Watermark Bar on Pier 15, Island Oyster on Governors Island
• Or even aboard a historic ship at Baylander Steel Beach in Harlem.

View the full list here.

37. Watch a baseball game at the ballpark

Whether you’re a Yankees or a Mets fan (no judgement here…well maybe just a little) go catch a ball game at Yankee Stadium or Citi Field for the perfect summer activity.

38. Tan at the best beaches in NYC

Let’s face it, everyone needs a little beach day from time to time. Spend your weekend relaxing oceanside or building sandcastles at these best beaches across NYC.

39. Watch a free outdoor movie at Bryant Park

Always a warm-weather staple in NYC, the free sunset movies will return once again — just in time for the Park’s 30th anniversary celebration. This year’s showing will feature 10 films over the course of the season, chosen in collaboration with NY Mag’s Vulture. See the full schedule here (with a taste of the next month below):

• Monday, June 27: Hairspray
• Monday, July 4: Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
• Monday, July 11: Wayne’s World 2
• Monday, July 18: Scream 2
• Monday, July 25: Beverly Hills Cop 2

40-42. Taste test the most delicious ice cream shops in NYC

A large scoop of ice cream is the answer to any hot or cold day in the city (let’s be honest ice cream is good in any weather). Spend your summer trying every ice cream shop in the city to find your favorite. Need somewhere to start?

• Try Tipsy Scoop
• Soft Swerve
• Marvel

Or any of our other favorites here.

43. Do yoga in Bryant Park

All the way through August 24th, Bryant Park will be hosting their free yoga classes in the park. So whether you’re a yogi or a first-time goer, learn from expert instructors for an active and energetic session beyond a mere indoor studio class. See more information here.

• 10 a.m. on Tuesday mornings on the Upper Terrace
• 6 p.m. on Wednesday evenings on the Lawn

44-45. Take advantage of the best happy hour deals

New Yorkers love scoring deals whenever they can, so take advantage of some of the best happy hour deals going on this summer. You know what they say, it’s 5-o-clock somewhere! Try some of our favorites like:

• The Mermaid Inn for $1.25 East Coast oysters & select $6 beers
• Lido for cheap drinks and tasty bites

See the entire list here.

46-48. Book a city escape

Sure we love the city, but sometimes a few days away is an absolute necessity.

• Take a boat ride to this stunning island castle.
• Explore this whimsical octagon-shaped house.
• Take in gorgeous scenery at this stunning waterfront Vanderbilt mansion

49. Picnic in the park

It’s time to lay out the plaid blanket and prepare the charcuterie board! A picnic in the city is just the thing you should do to celebrate the summer. Who doesn’t love snacking while soaking up a little sun? Find the best spots picnic here.

50. Adventure to Coney Island

Stroll the beach, ride the coasters, or munch on a Nathan’s hot dog. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Coney Island has got you covered!

51. Venture around NYC while partaking in the Artists of Manhattan City Exploration Game

Stroll through the streets of Greenwich Village and discover the epicenter of the hippie movement on this fun quest. As you play this city exploration game, follow clues to find out where poets and musicians lived and performed while enjoying the musical vibes at NYC’s oldest rock and roll club. Get your tickets here.

52. Be amazed by NYC’s colorful street art

New York is filled with some of the best museums and galleries, but heading indoors isn’t the only way to get your art and culture fix. Take a walk through the city streets and you’ll find colorful murals on walls, big bold writing on subway cars, and spray painted words on sidewalks and streets—basically anything is fair game to act as a canvas. Find out some of our favorite spots to view street art here.

53-54. Discover the best waterfront parks NYC has to offer

There are tons of beautiful waterfront parks across the boroughs to spend a lovely summer day relaxing. Observe the dazzling skyline from uptown or downtown, the East River or the Hudson, your options are truly endless.

• From Domino Park
• To NYC’s floating park, Little Island

See more here.

55. Stock up on fresh produce at a local farmer’s market

New York City is no stranger to fairs, markets, and outdoor bazaars. The city’s endless amount of farmers markets are a must-visit—especially in the warm weather—and the level of fresh produce and goods you can find here is unmatched. Some of our favorite spots to visit can be found here.

56-57. Find treasures at an outdoor flea market

Flea markets are arguably some of the best places to find interesting treasures. Whether you’re looking for something vintage, unique, or downright weird, you’re bound to find something at a flea market, like one of the following:

• Ludlow Flea: 159 Ludlow St., every Friday & Saturday
• Bushwick Market: 54 Wyckoff Ave., 12-8 p.m. daily

Find the rest of our favs here.

58. Explore 20 years of Banksy’s work at a new museum-style exhibit

A new exhibit, Banksy: Building Castles in the Sky, is now open in NYC, celebrating the artist in a museum-style exhibition. See his exhilarating work from when he first came on the scene to a look at his intriguing “Dismaland,” a dystopian pop-up art exhibition in the resort town of Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, England, that satirized Disneyland. Get your tickets here.

59. Ride on a vintage subway train

This summer, the New York Transit Museum is bringing back a fan-favorite tradition with their Summer Nostalgia Rides. New Yorkers will get the opportunity to climb aboard vintage trains that were transporting people around the city more than a century ago on July 10th and August 13th. Learn more here.

60-62. Immerse yourself in performance, art, and music at three different exciting MoonRise experiences

These immersive experiences located in Brooklyn will take you on three different and totally exciting experiences.

• Experience a free-roaming cocktail soirée that combines its signature nouveau cirque acts with five specialty lunar concoctions at the Lunar Cocktail Experience.
• Make your Thursday nights out a lot more fun with tropical music, dancing, and cocktails at the roaming bazaar Birds of Paradise.
• Or immerse yourself in the stories of each moon goddess through high level nouveau circus based acts and multisensory interactive installations at MoonRise.

63-66. Skate around NYC’s newest roller skating rinks

Summer 2022 is shaping up to be one groovy season as some new roller skating rinks are taking over the city! Grab your skates and get your groove on at these four spots:

• The DiscOasis – Central Park’s Wollman Rink
• Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace – Rockefeller Center
• A ’60s Mod-Inspired Roller Rink – The High Line
• ‘Roll-A-Rama’ at the Runway Rink – TWA Hotel, JFK

67. Dance the night away at Lincoln Center’s new massive dance floor

Lincoln Center’s iconic plaza is transforming into a massive dance floor this month called “The Oasis,” and it opened June 1! This will be NYC’s largest outdoor dance floor—complete with a giant 10-foot disco ball and lots of mirrors so dancing queens will be reflected all around the space as they jive! Learn more here.

68-69. Enjoy cocktails at some of NYC’s newest speakeasies

There’s something about having a drink in a speakeasy that blows the experience of having a drink in a regular bar straight out of the water. Some of our newest favs include:

• This speakeasy sex shop The Woo Woo
• Pine & Polk’s secret hidden speakeasy

Some more good spots can be found here.

70-72. Taste yummy bites at some of NYC’s outdoor food markets

With warm weather comes nights spent outdoors, and there’s no better way to celebrate some of the city’s most delicious food than at one of its beloved markets. Some of our favs are:

• Bronx Night Market
• Queens Night Market
• Chinatown Night Market

73-75. Spend the afternoon at the perfect outdoor brunch with friends

Among rent controlled apartments and cheap slices, brunch makes the list of New Yorker favorites! And there’s no better way to spend a warm weekend than with an outdoor brunch with your besties. Some of our recs are below, but you can find the rest of them here.

• Rabbithole, Williamsburg
• Bronx Alehouse, Bronx
• Jackson’s Eatery, LIC