New York City comes alive in the summer, offering endless activities for families to enjoy together. Whether you’re locals looking to rediscover your city or visitors planning a family vacation, NYC provides a perfect mix of outdoor fun, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best things to do in NYC during the summer with your family, ensuring unforgettable experiences for all ages.
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1. Central Park Exploration
A trip to NYC wouldn’t be complete without visiting Central Park, especially during the summer. The park’s vast green spaces, playgrounds, and attractions offer countless ways to enjoy the outdoors for little or no cost.
- Boating at the Loeb Boathouse: Rent rowboats or take a gondola ride on the picturesque Central Park Lake. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the city’s natural beauty while floating through the heart of the park.
- Playgrounds Galore: Central Park features over 20 playgrounds, including the famous Heckscher Playground. Kids can climb, swing, and splash in water features, while parents relax on nearby benches.
- Picnic at Sheep Meadow: Pack a picnic and head to Sheep Meadow, one of the park’s most popular spots for families to enjoy a sunny day. With plenty of room to run around, fly kites, or simply lounge, it’s a perfect spot to unwind.
2. Visit the American Museum of Natural History
One of NYC’s most family-friendly attractions is the American Museum of Natural History. Located just across Central Park, it’s a must-visit for kids and adults alike.
During the summer, the museum offers cool indoor exhibits to beat the heat while exploring fascinating topics like space, dinosaurs, and ocean life.
- Dinosaur Hall: No trip to this museum is complete without visiting the iconic dinosaur fossils. Kids will be awed by the life-sized skeletons, including the towering T. rex. We spent the most time in this area because it’s really just that awesome.
- Planetarium: The Hayden Planetarium offers immersive shows about the universe, narrated by famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. It’s an educational yet captivating experience that will spark curiosity in kids.
- Butterfly Conservatory: Open seasonally, the Butterfly Conservatory allows visitors to walk through a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies.
3. Visit Liberty Island
A trip to Liberty Island is a must for families visiting NYC, offering an up-close view of the iconic Statue of Liberty and a rich historical experience.
- Statue of Liberty: Get an up-close view of this world-famous monument, and take photos with Lady Liberty as the backdrop.
- Ferry Ride: Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Liberty Island, which offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor.
- Museum and History: Visit the Statue of Liberty Museum to learn about the statue’s history, symbolism, and construction through interactive exhibits.
- Ellis Island: Combine your visit with a stop at nearby Ellis Island to explore the immigration museum and learn about America’s history.
4. Enjoy a Day at Governors Island
Governors Island, located just a short ferry ride from Manhattan, is a summer paradise for families. This car-free oasis offers wide open spaces, historic sites, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
- The Hills: These man-made hills offer stunning panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, and Lower Manhattan. You can also slide down the longest slide in NYC on Slide Hill, a favorite with kids.
- Bike Rentals: Governors Island is perfect for biking. Rent bikes, surreys, or bring your own, and enjoy a scenic ride around the island’s car-free paths.
- Picnic Areas and Hammocks: Bring a picnic and find a shaded spot, or relax in one of the many hammocks scattered throughout the park. The island also has several food vendors offering a variety of options.
5. Explore Coney Island
No summer trip to NYC is complete without a visit to Coney Island. This historic amusement area is a favorite summer destination for families, with a beach, boardwalk, and carnival rides.
- Luna Park: Kids will love the classic amusement rides at Luna Park, from gentle carousels to the famous Cyclone roller coaster. There’s something for every age, making it ideal for family fun.
- New York Aquarium: Located on the boardwalk, the New York Aquarium offers the chance to explore marine life, including sea lions, penguins, and sharks. The 4-D theater experience is also a hit with families.
- Coney Island Beach: After enjoying the rides, spend some time on the sandy beach. Bring a beach umbrella, toys, and sunscreen, and enjoy the ocean breeze while the kids splash in the waves.
6. Summer Outdoor Movie Nights
Throughout the summer, various parks in NYC offer free outdoor movie nights. This family-friendly activity is a great way to relax under the stars while enjoying a film. Some of the best locations include:
- Bryant Park: On Monday evenings, Bryant Park hosts classic movies on their giant lawn, perfect for families with older kids.
- Brooklyn Bridge Park: Head to Pier 1 for movies with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. Be sure to bring blankets, snacks, and bug spray for a cozy night.
- Hudson River Park: With stunning waterfront views, this park offers a more laid-back vibe and screens a variety of family-friendly films throughout the summer.
7. Walk the High Line
For a unique NYC experience, take a walk along the High Line, an elevated park built on a former railway track. The park runs from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards and is filled with gardens, art installations, and views of the city.
- Splash Pad: The Diller-von Furstenberg Sundeck offers a splash pad, where kids can cool off while adults enjoy the surrounding greenery and cityscape views.
- Food Vendors: There are numerous food vendors along the High Line, offering everything from ice cream to artisanal snacks, making it easy to grab a bite while strolling.
- Public Art: Throughout the summer, the High Line features various public art installations, making it a great spot for a casual, cultural outing.
8. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a peaceful retreat where families can explore beautiful plants and flowers in bloom during the summer. Highlights include:
- Children’s Garden: This interactive garden allows kids to get hands-on with nature. They can plant, water, and learn about gardening in a fun, educational setting.
- Discovery Garden: This garden features interactive exhibits for children and families, designed to encourage exploration of nature.
- Seasonal Exhibits: During the summer, the Botanic Garden often hosts family-friendly events, including outdoor performances and nature-themed workshops.
9. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is a classic NYC experience, offering breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and East River.
- Perfect Photo Opportunities: Capture amazing family photos, especially during sunrise or sunset, with the stunning city backdrop.
- Easy Stroll: The 1.1-mile pedestrian walkway is safe for families and takes about 30-60 minutes depending on your pace and photo stops.
- Park Time: After the walk, explore Brooklyn Bridge Park with its playgrounds, picnic areas, and carousel.
- Ice Cream Stop: Treat the family to ice cream at Ample Hills Creamery or Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory nearby.
10. Visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is an exciting observation deck offering incredible views and interactive experiences for families. This is a must see anytime you plan to visit NYC.
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy 360-degree views of NYC’s landmarks, including the Empire State Building and Central Park, from the glass-floored Levitation Skyboxes.
- Interactive Art: Explore the immersive “Air” installation by Kenzo Digital, with mirrored floors and walls that create an otherworldly, multi-sensory experience.
- Outdoor Terraces: Step out onto the open-air terraces for a thrilling view, or walk along the glass-floored pathways that extend over the edge.
- Family-Friendly Fun: With art, adventure, and stunning views, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is an unforgettable experience for all ages.
ENJOY NYC IN THE SUMMER
New York City in the summer is full of exciting, family-friendly activities that cater to all interests and age groups. Whether you’re exploring nature, discovering new museums, or enjoying outdoor movies, NYC offers endless summer fun for families. With so much to do be sure to check out our essential NYC itinerary so that you don’t miss a thing. Safe travels!
