It can get hot and hazy in the city during the summer. So here's the beginning of a series of lists that can either cool your summer days or spice it up!
1. Swim at Dream Beach
Dream Beach is the rooftop pool at the hotel Dream Downtown, located at 355 West 16th St. You can purchase a day pass for $60 on site! Day passes are available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Get your swim on!
2. Pool party, please.
The James Hotel at 27 Grand Street hosts JIMMY Summer Pool Parties on weekends only. Starting at 3 p.m., the pool, rooftop bar and lounge is open to the public.
3. Broadway theater, for free
At the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, the cast of Free Shakespeare performs free plays. You can get tickets at the Delacorte in person. My favorite Law and Order actor, Sam Waterston, was in "The Tempest" last year! Amy Adams, Anne Hathaway and Tyler Ferguson have been in a free Shakespearean play at the Delacorte!
4. Put on your own dancing shoes
Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing is back! Dance the night away to live music in Lincoln Center. Passes are super reasonable, so bring your friends and your dancing shoes!
5. Stargazing at the High Line
Every Tuesday from April through October starting at dusk, the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York hosts stargazing nights! At the Diller-von Furstenberg Sundeck, on the High Line at West 14th St., you can see the stars up close!
6. Play pickup soccer at Pier 5
Pier 5 has the most dramatic backdrop of any soccer field I've seen. Go with a group of friends and play soccer, fish, use the bike paths or playgrounds. Or be like me and go there to eat at the Picnic Peninsula!
7. Eat at the Frying Pan
At Pier 66, the historic floating restaurant The Frying Pan is docked. It's right on the water and is always packed. And, the food is really good! Need I say more?
8. Free Summer Movies
NYC Parks and Rec hosts free movie screenings in different parks throughout the summer. Check out the schedule and bring your own lawn chair!
9. Go kayaking for free
The Downtown Boathouse has kayaks you can use to explore! Go to Pier 26 and paddle your little heart away!
10. SMORGASBURG!
Check out Smorgasburg Saturdays at East River State Park — Kent Ave. and N. 7 St. — on the Williamsburg waterfront; and Sundays in Prospect Park at Breeze Hill. Starts at 11 a.m. and goes until 6 p.m. The food creations there will blow your mind.
