The weather is warm, the sun is setting late, and we’re here to make sure that New Yorkers make this summer count! From taking advantage of the season’s gorgeous weather, to telling you about the best summer happenings in NYC, get ready to make your way through the most ultimate NYC summer bucket list!
Here are all the best things to do this summer in NYC (and nearby):
1. 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! You can hear some incredible music performances in NYC parks this summer, all for free. Some of them include SummerStage, Bryant Park’s “Picnic Performances”, and New York Philharmonic’s “Concert in the Parks.”
Check out the full schedule of free concerts here.
2. Free outdoor movie nights
No matter if you’re if in Midtown to Brooklyn, there are hundreds of free outdoor movies you can enjoy in your local park. Some spots you can plan to catch a movie at this summer include:
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Bryant Park
- Prospect Park
- Randall’s Island Park
- Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City
3. NYC’s beaches
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. New York City’s public beaches open up for the season on Memorial Day Weekend, starting May 25.
4. Take a short ride to Jersey City for some of the best NYC views
![Hudson County Tourism Development](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretnyc.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/28094529/NJ_Roundup-Photo_1.13.20_HCNJ_General_52_2048x1536-1-e1719582416314.jpg)
Why not get out of NYC for a little and head across the Hudson to our neighbor (and honorable sixth borough), Jersey City? Indulge in some popular eats at spots like Razz or Tipico Ice Cream shop. Walk off those calories and take a stroll at Liberty State Park for some of the best views of NYC or just enjoy the peaceful waterfront. So get on the PATH train or hop on the ferry for a short ride and soak up the Jersey sun!
5. Explore this colorful Bubble Planet
![Bubble Planet](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretnyc.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/15153137/84A4530-2-1-1024x683.jpg)
This whimsical, pastel-hued Bubble Planet has popped into London, Milan, and L.A., and has now landed at the American Dream Mall, a short drive from Midtown. Explore 10 bubble-themed rooms and get ready to unleash your inner child at this limited-time experience, perfect for a family outing this summer. Children under the age of 4 get in for free! Grab tickets here!
🤸♀️Find more things to do with kids here!
6. NYC night 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 favorites are Bronx Night Market and Queens Night Market. See the full list of NYC’s best night markets here!
7. Kayak for free at Brooklyn Bridge Park
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, & Sundays here. Some more of our favorite spots to kayak can be found here.
8. Pickleball at Wollman Rink
Summer pickleball is back in NYC, as Central Park’s famous Wollman Rink has once again turned into 14 courts playable to New Yorkers all summer long. In collaboration with CityPickle, visitors are welcome to book a pickleball slot from 8 am to 9 pm, starting at just $10 per player. It’s a great way to work up a sweat, perfect your game, and have pretty sweet skyline views while you play. Learn more about the court and book your spot here!
9. Luna Park in Coney Island
You have to go to one of NYC’s most famous amusement parks, Luna Park, at least once this summer. With over over 50 games, rides and attractions (including the world-renowned Coney Island Cyclone), it’s an amazing option for all ages. The park is free admission, rides start at $4 and it’s just steps away from the beach…need we say more?! Learn more about Luna Park and plan your visit here!
10. US Open
The US Open is the sporting event that ties the knot to the end of summer, bringing two weeks of top-tier tennis to Flushing Queens. This year’s tournament runs from August 26 – September 8 and will once again welcome tennis’ biggest names to the annual tournament, including Coco Gauff, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and so many more. Learn more about the big tennis tournament and how to grab tickets to some matches here!
11. The new Roof Garden Commission at The Met
The 2024 edition of The Met’s rooftop exhibition was recently unveiled, and it’s one of our favorite iterations to date. It’s by Kosovar artist Petrit Halila, who’s brought to life plenty of childhood doodles he came across during his youth. Arbetare is meant to symbolize a generation of students who navigated an intense era of pop culture, politics, and history in his hometown region. Learn more about the brand new rooftop exhibit here!
12. Candlelight Summer Concerts
Want a quick Long Island getaway? Enjoy Candlelight: Summer at different venues in Long Island featuring renditions of hits from Taylor Swift, Adele, Coldplay, Queen and many others! These incredible shows take place at Guide Hall and the stunning Canoe Place & Cottages which makes for an incredible summer trip. Get there from Midtown and Queens using the Long Island Railroad!
More candlelight concerts can be found here across NYC.
13. The Whitney Biennial 2024: Even Better Than The Real Thing
The longest-running survey of American art is happening all summer long at The Whitney Museum (through August 11). The Whitney Biennial: Even Better Than the Real Thing showcases 71 different artists, and their takes on navigating what’s “real” in the age of AI. Works range from sculpture to paintings and offer museum visitors an invitation to step outside their reality and think about something bigger. Learn more about the exhibit and plan your visit here!
14. New York Yankees & New York Mets
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.
⚾ Buy tickets to a New York Yankees game here!
15. NYC 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. Whatever you decide, you’re in for a great time and even greater views. Read the full list here.
16. Jazz Age Lawn Party
The 19th annual Jazz Age Lawn Party is returning to Governors Island this summer, and world’s original and most authentic Prohibition-era-inspired gathering! It’s happening on two weekends (June 8-9 & August 10-11), and it brings thousands of time travelers to NYC every year to experience the one-of-a-kind 1920s era party. We’re talking live jazz performances, pie baking contests, dance lessons and contests, and gourmet food and drink. We promise it’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before! Learn more about Jazz Age Lawn Party here!
🎷 Grab tickets to The Jazz Age Lawn Party here!
17. Japan Fes New York
Explore and eat your way through dozens of Japanese vendors like Fujinomiya Yakisoba Society, K. Minamoto, and so much more! Food items average at $10, making Japan Fes. a rather affordable way to immerse yourself in delicious Japanese cuisine. The event normally brings in 250,000 yearly visitors and is held 20 times per year, and you won’t want to miss it! Learn more about it here.
18. Smorgasburg
The country’s largest weekly open-air food market is already up and running, and Smorgasburg should be on every foodie’s summertime bucket list! With 3 locations across NYC (World Trade Center, Williamsburg, Prospect Park), the market brings together the city’s very best food vendors selling their tasty treats. It varies by lcoation but popular shops include Big Mozz, Everything Oxtail, Mao’s Bao, Wah Gwaan, and more! See the locations and food vendor list for Smorgasburg here!
19. The Banksy Museum
NYC’s new Banksy Museum is filled with 160 Banksy-inspired recreations, where you can see tons of life-sized works and influenced by the mysterious artists himself. See new iterations of classics like “Girl With Balloon” and “Flower Thrower” like never before! It’s a must-see for any Banksy fans and it runs through July!
🎈 Grab your tickets to The Banksy Museum here!
20. NYC boat tours
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.
21. 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 are open through Labor Day Weekend.
Also, don’t forget to check out America’s only floating pool right here in NYC!
22. 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. View all our top picks here.
23. Free yoga in Bryant Park
From May 29 – September 25, 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 am on Tuesday mornings on the Upper Terrace
- 6 pm on Wednesday evenings on the Lawn
24. Head to one of NYC’s many street fairs
NYC is always buzzing with energy, and as the weather gets warmer the city’s streets get crowded with those looking to spend the warm summer months outdoors! As you probably know, NYC street fairs take over tons of blocks across all five boroughs during this time, and we’re sharing with you a complete list of all the city’s fairs! Find them here.
25. 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!
26. Step Into A Balloon Story
This fun, inflatable oasis is open all summer! A Balloon Story features amazing, eco-friendly balloon sculptures to pose with and landscapes you can walkthrough. Cool down this summer at this indoor wonderland and be mesmerized by these air-filled creations! Tickets are available here.
27. 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? Check out some of our other favorites here.
28. Tea Around Town
Fancy a bit of afternoon tea?! Tea Around Town is one of the coolest ways to tour NYC right now, where you can cruise around town sipping on three tiers of scrumptious scones, sweets, and savory treats! The 90-minute experience starts at Bryant Park and takes you around to iconic landmarks like the NY Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, and Radio City Music Hall…all while taste testing with your pinkies up. Not to mention the IG-friendly bus interiors make it the coolest spot to show of your way around town.
🍰 Grab your tickets to Tea Around Town here!
29. Waterfront dining in NYC
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 Island Oyster on Governors Island or aboard a historic ship at Baylander Steel Beach in Harlem.
View the full list here.
30. 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 on July 3, and you can discover more details here.
31. 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.
32. Waterfront parks in NYC
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. See our full list of spots here.
33. Farmers markets in NYC
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. Find some of our favorite markets here.
34. Sweat it out at NYC’s free outdoor fitness classes
NYC certainly has no shortage of gorgeous places to go and views to see, so why not take advantage of this when working out! To help you work up a sweat while showering you with a healthy dose of vitamin D, here are some of NYC’s best free outdoor fitness classes.
35. Escape NYC’s summer heat at a waterpark
Full of lazy rivers, slides, wave pools, and beyond these attractions just outside of NYC are the perfect thing to do with kids or just have a day of summer fun! Some of our favorite water parks near NYC include The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Water Park and SplashDown Beach. But our full list can be found here.