After coming out of hibernation, all anyone wants to do is shed off their sweater, get on their bathing suit and jump into the pool, however, being a resident of New York City may make this task difficult. This is where the question, “What does one do when they live in the concrete jungle?” arises.
Being a (somewhat) grown up in college eliminates the “let’s go to camp!” option and sometimes it is hard to find a full time job or internship. So here is a list of some fun activities that will occupy your time during the hot summer months. (Just a heads up: As a native New Yorker, I will not be suggesting Times Square as a go-to destination.)
1. Shakespeare in the Park
The Delacorte Theater in Central Park at 81st Street, provides a magical stage for some of the world’s best actors to perform, and at no cost. These shows offer quality entertainment while taking a modern approach to American Theater, and makes for a beautiful summer night. In order to see this summer’s, The Tempest, May 27 through July 5 and Cymbeline, July 23 through August 23, one can either receive tickets through a free distribution in Central Park, free virtual ticketing lottery or become a supporter through a $200 donation. If you want to be truly amazed and entertained, make it a goal to go see at least one of these productions.
2. Museums
There are way too many museums in New York City to even list, so I will suggest my top three favorites! I love to go to the Museum of Modern Art when I am in the mood to view a vast range of modern and contemporary art. The pieces on display are unparalleled but allow for the observation of recent development in the creative world.
My second favorite art museum in the city is of course, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Each wing of this massive collection has the ability to teleport you into a completely different era. From displays of ancient mummies to medieval Spanish crowns, there is an endless display of artistic masterpieces.
While the American Museum of Natural History is not an art museum, it keeps its viewers busy with its extensive fossil collection, its planetarium and wildlife exhibits. This museum has interactive components and pairs stunning visuals with extensive information about wonders of the world.
3. The High Line
Want to feel #hip and #cultured? Go to the High Line. Trust
me. Not only does this 1.45 mile long park created on an elevated section of a
disused railroad, house taco trucks and ice cream sandwich stands (I’m a
foodie, what can I say?), but its maintenance and innovative design makes it
one of the most artistic landscapes in the City. As you walk through the
abundant greenery, you no longer feel like you’re in a concrete jungle.
4. Shopping in Soho
If you are looking for a staple piece to add to your wardrobe, Soho is the perfect place to go. You can spend an entire day walking up and down Broadway, browsing and window-shopping. Soho is also in walking distance to Little Italy and Chinatown so if you get hungry, you are in the perfect spot for dim sum and cannolis.
5. Smorgasburg
Ah, Smorgasburg. There is literally no excuse for missing this heavenly event. With just about 100 vendors selling food from every region, you either have to be an agoraphobe or allergic to the world to miss this. From ramen burgers to a booth dedicated to mini cheesecakes, you are guaranteed to find a nosh to satisfy any craving. On Saturdays, you will find this flea market in Williamsburg and on Sundays, on Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: just enough time to get two meals in (…or five).
6. Brooklyn Bridge Park
In between binges at Smorgasburg, take the time to explore what Brooklyn Bridge Park has to offer, while tending to your food baby. Being made up of playgrounds for the younger crowd, fields and courts for the athletic and benches and a green lawn for those who like to people watch, this park on the waterfront can occupy anyone’s day. What elevates this park even more is the spectacular view of the Manhattan Skyline along with the Brooklyn Bridge, of course.
7. Concerts at SummerStage
Central Park has an abundance of theatrical, comical and
musical performers and SummerStage is a venue that holds the largest free
performing arts festival in NYC. Many concerts are available, from the eclectic
music genre of Yiddish Soul to the British rock band, The Kooks. The atmosphere
and music will only elevate a planned picnic. So bring a blanket and some
sandwiches from your nearby deli and you are set with an activity for the day. For
the full schedule, click
here.
8. Coney Island/Boardwalk
Want to spend a day at the beach but not travel too far away from the lights and action? Well, Coney Island is the place to go, as it has a public beach along with the historic boardwalk. Ride to the end of the D, F, N and Q lines of the subway, and get ready for an array of amusement. Come with an empty stomach because the iconic hot dog joint, Nathan’s, is stationed right next to the amusement park. I definitely do not suggest eating one before going on the loud racket that is the Cyclone, but having one with a friend or significant other on the colossal Wonder Wheel Ferris Wheel would make for a good #foodintheair Instagram post.
9. Frozen Food
I am literally always craving something cold over the summer, especially in the muggy, hot city. Luckily, the there is an abundance of options. If you are in the mood for gelato, sorbet or frozen yogurt, your cravings will be satisfied on a stick at Popbar in the West Village. If you are in the mood for a more filling experience, go to Sprinkles where homemade ice cream is sandwiched between a delicious cupcake of your choice on the Upper East Side.
Want to go old school? Go to the Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain for an egg cream or ice cream soda. On the opposite side of the spectrum is Momofuku Milk Bar with avant-garde soft serve flavors like cereal milk and root beer float. I personally am going to make it a point to go on a frozen treats expedition, where I seek out my favorite spots. I’ll keep you all updated.
10. Citi Bikes
Citi Bike is a feature of NYC that allows anyone to purchase a bike at over one hundred stations all day every day. For the cost of rental, you can ride a bike wherever you want, as long as it is returned on time. If you do not have a bike of your own, this is the perfect activity where you can stay active and explore areas of the city (especially since there are bike lanes on basically every street). And hey, if you utilize Citi Bike a lot and get good enough, you might be able to ride without handlebars. That would definitely make you the coolest kid on the block.
