Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

1. Visit the Beach

Sneak in one last trip to one of our favorite beaches near NYC for some seaside fun.

2. Scream for Ice Cream

Enjoy an over-the-top ice cream treat at one of these cool spots, or pick up a chilly scoop at one of our favorite ice cream shops.

3. Enjoy a Perfect Day in Central Park

No matter your kids' ages, we've got an activity-by-activity itinerary for a perfect Central Park adventure.

4. Summer Streets

Cycle through car-free streets, join a dance party, learn to ride a bike, or catch more family-friendly things to do in NYC at the annual Summer Streets on Saturdays through Saturday, August 23, 2025. FREE

5. Stroll Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Before you dismiss this as a tourist-only spot, consider this: a scenic Brooklyn Bridge walk is the perfect jumping-off point to a day of NYC fun, no matter which direction you decide to go.

6. Enjoy Some Water Sports

One of our favorite things to do in NYC each summer is row our way through one of the city's waterways on a FREE boat ride in the city on a kayak, canoe, or rowboat.

7. Explore East River Park

This stretch of green space got a fresh overhaul and gives local families more ways to play from tennis and hoops courts to sprawling lawns, a nature play zone, and a splash pad. We're looking forward to enjoying its stunning views and climate-friendly features for years to come.

8. Go Glamping

Stay local and try glamping on Governors Island.

9. Kids Night on Broadway

Score BOGO tickets to some of the best family shows on Broadway when Kids Night on Broadway returns on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

RELATED: Best NYC Playgrounds with Shade

The Water Lab at Pier 6 is one of our favorite places to cool down. Photo by Sara Marentette

10. Dive Into a Play Fountain

When the summer sun gets to be too much, splashing in one of these play fountains is one of our favorite things to do in NYC. Make sure you get in a splash before the sprinklers are turned off for the year. FREE

11. Embrace the Trends

Standing in line is practically a rite of passage in NYC, but these 14 trendy spots NYC kids love are worth waiting for—and make fun summer memories and snapshots!

12. Hit a Lazy River

Forget the water slides, these lazy rivers near NYC offer chill summer vibes and one cool way to relax.

13. Roller Skating

Glide (or stumble, we won't tell) to one of NYC's best roller rinks.

14. See an Outdoor Movie

Catch an alfresco flick at one of the spots that host FREE outdoor movies in an NYC park.

15. Catch a Kiddie Concert

Groove to a great summer concert or outdoor music festival for families.

16. Strike a Pose

Grab this list of our favorite movie sights in the five boroughs and enjoy an only-in-NYC photo-op.

17. Go Bird Watching

Spend a day wandering the streets of Brooklyn in search of the Monk parakeets who call its canopy home.

18. Escape for a Weekend

We've got tons of picks for late-summer weekend escapes, including lakefront getaways in New York state, family-friendly spa resorts nearby, family-friendly Catskills resorts to consider, and these affordable family vacation destinations on the East Coast.

19. See Some Fireworks

Watch the FREE dazzling Coney Island fireworks every Friday night.

20. The Met Rooftop

Head to The Cantor Roof Garden at The Met to explore the art installation from Jeannie C. Jones, plus the views—following the summer, it closes for a multi-year renovation, so it's now or...not for a long time!

21. See the NYC Unicycle Festival

Catch up with the one-wheeled wonders at the always entertaining and FREE NYC Unicycle Festival over Labor Day weekend.

22. Explore Alley Pond Park

Idle away a sunny afternoon in Queens' second-largest public green space, Alley Pond Park, where you can hike, bird watch, zip line, picnic, and explore its orienteering course.

23. Learn and Play at NYSCI

From sprawling indoor exhibits at the New York Hall of Science, including the brand-new CityWorks, to the outdoors Rocket Park mini-golf and Science Playground, this Queens spot is worth a day trip!

24. Hit the Playgrounds

Check out our guide to the best playgrounds in NYC, and pick a part of the city where you can visit a bunch in one day, like Central Park, Prospect Park, or Riverside Park.

25. Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park

Plan a daycation to Brooklyn Bridge Park, which is filled with fabulous things to do in NYC. Explore its destination playgrounds and ride its spectacular Jane's Carousel, which is on our list of the best carousels in the city!

26. Go See Van Gogh

Or, at least the landscapes that inspired his work, courtesy of Van Gogh's Flowers at the New York Botanical Garden. Score tickets for the evenings-only Starry Nights to see a drone show inspired by his work.

27. Arthur Ashe Kids' Day

American tennis is having a moment, and we're looking forward to the return of the US Open—which kicks off annually with the FREE Arthur Ashe Kids' Day on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

28. Visit the New York Aquarium

Get up close to deep sea creatures at the New York Aquarium. While you're there, enjoy more fun on Coney Island.

29. Tour a Children's Museum

Check out one of our favorite children's museums. Bonus: With an NYPL card, you can even get FREE admission to over 60 NYC museums and gardens, including several children's museums.

30. Sail Away to Governors Island

Channel your inner kid with a ride down the city's longest slide on The Hills on Governors Island. Check the calendar for family-friendly things to do in NYC, like the weekends-only FREE adventure playground.

31. Visit a Local Farm

Pick the final peaches at area farms, or start plotting your apple-picking day trips.

32. Lincoln Center's Summer for the City

Dance under the giant disco ball at Lincoln Center and catch some FREE alfresco programming.

RELATED: Beautiful Flower Farms near NYC for Pick-Your-Own Blooms

Stroll, skate, and scoot through Central Park and explore Belvedere Castle. Photo by Janet Bloom

33. Play Like Royalty at Belvedere Castle

Explore the enchanting Belvedere Castle and the surrounding ecosystem.

34. Enjoy Outdoor Dining

Take the night off and treat yourself to dinner with a view at one of these kid-friendly waterfront restaurants in NYC or an alfresco meal at one of these family-favorite restaurants with patios and backyards.

35. Dine in a Doodle

We had so much fun on our first visit to Shirokuro, and I think it's time to visit again. The food is as good as the photo-ops.

36. Hit the Local Amusement Parks

Go for a wild ride at one of these amusement parks near NYC reachable by public transportation, or travel further afield to tackle one of these top thrill rides at NY-area amusement parks perfect for teens and tweens.

37. Go for a Bike Ride

Explore the city on two wheels with a family-friendly bike ride in NYC.

38. Party on a Rooftop

These kid-friendly rooftop restaurants all welcome families. Enjoy a bite, a view, and maybe even some entertainment.

39. See Shakespeare in the Park

After a one-year hiatus and an overhaul to the Delacorte Theater, The Public's Shakespeare in the Park returns this August with Twelfth Night, and tickets are always FREE.

40. Visit the Zoo

Enjoy some face time with NYC's wildest residents at one of our favorite zoos and aquariums.

Originally published in August 2016.