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Things to Do in NYC in Summer

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Updated: January 26, 2025
 By Courtney Shapiro

Every year, New Yorkers, including me and my fellow tour guides, take advantage of all the amazing things to do in NYC in the summer.

As a native New Yorker, I know just about everything there is to do when the city heats up. I especially love free activities, of which there are many!

This post is about the very best summer activities, including my Top Ten fun things to do in the sun, loads of free activities, concerts, festivals, special events, and family-friendly things to do.

TOP 10 SUMMER ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Below is a Top 10 list of things to do in New York City in the summer.

Keep in mind that there are hundreds of things to do in NYC in the summer months. It was not easy choosing just 10 activities for this list!

So be sure to read through this entire post for all the other super fun things you can do during your summer visit.

If you are on a budget like me, you'll appreciate the countless free activities from outdoor festivals, concerts, movies, theater, sports, and more.

1. Take a Sightseeing Tour

In my personal opinion, summer is ideal for a sightseeing tour, be it a walking tour, bus tour, or sightseeing cruise.

New York Tours By Foot offers approximately 40 different walking tours, with some operating on a pay-what-you-like basis.

Check out our homepage or look at the schedule to see what tours are offered when you are here.

We also offer food tours, bike tours, and special theme tours.

If you like to move at your own pace, there are also downloadable PDFs of self-guided tours that are free and can be used anytime.

For under $2, you can take one of these GPS-led audio tours any time of the day or night.

2. See New York at Night

In my experience, evening temperatures are comfortable to explore NYC at night during the warmer months.

I am pretty happy on those occasional very hot days when the sun sets and I can comfortably walk around town.

In the summer, Tours By Foot offers special evening tours like the Sunset on the High Line and the 911 Memorial and Brooklyn Bridge Night Tour.

Brooklyn Bridge at Night

Besides the special summer tours, you might like to join us for other guided night tours.

Alternatively, there are also free self-guided downloadable tours, as well as GPS-enabled audio tours, can be used any time of day or night!

3. Get out on the Water

There are many reasons why I like to take boat rides or go on cruises in the summer.

It's a nice way to stay cool while seeing amazing skyline views of NYC.

Boat rides are fun for kids as well. You can learn more in the family-friendly section below.

There are also many night cruises and party boats where you can dance on the outer decks with the glittering skyline as a backdrop.

See what's available from this post, Which New York Boat Tour or Cruise is Best?

On a budget? Do what I do and take a free or low-cost boat ride on the Staten Island Ferry or the NYC ferries.

You might also want to check this post on other free New York boat rides to get a better sense for what's available.

4. Stroll through Central Park

This pastoral landscape is simply gorgeous in the summer. On summer days, you'll find me and hundreds of other New Yorkers basking in the sun on the Sheep Meadow.

There is no shortage of trees to find some shade. Keep your ears open for the amazing musicians throughout the park playing jazz or classical music.

Free Tours By Foot offers a few Central Park walking tours and Central Park bike tours (bike rental costs extra).

If you want to explore at your own pace, try this GPS-led audio tour or a self-guided tour of Central Park.

5. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge Day or Night

Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge should be on your list of "must-do" activities in NYC. Summer is a fine time to cross it!

Even though I've walked over the bridge hundreds of times, I still love the stroll.

When I have visitors in town, the first thing I do with them is walk the bridge starting from the Brooklyn side.

It's a fabulous introduction to Manhattan when you reach the other side.

During the day it can get a bit hot on the bridge, so consider joining this 911 Memorial and Brooklyn Bridge Night Tour for a cooler, and more informative walk.

Free Tours By Foot also has a GPS-led audio tour of the Brooklyn Bridge to guide you on your walk.

Use this guide to walking the Brooklyn Bridge, to make your walk unforgettable.

Here is another guide to things to do in Brooklyn that will come in handy once on the other side of the bridge.

6. Attend a Concert

In summer, you will have no problem finding live music of a genre you like at a price point you like - including free!

The most popular free concert series is SummerStage in Central Park. I've been going since the series began in 1986!

For more free concerts, see the free things to do section below.

Summer is prime concert season in NYC. See here what bands are playing when you are in NYC.

Also, check these major venues to see their performance schedules.

To find out who is in town during a particular month, check these posts of things to do by month.

7. Head to the Beach

Most people don't think of the beach when they think of New York City, but there are some nice beaches to enjoy the cool breezes and waves.

Read this post on New York Beaches to see the sandy spots my fellow local tour guides and I prefer.

Most are easily reached by subway, ferry, bus, or train!

I recommend Coney Island because you can spend some time on the sand during the day followed by a fun evening at Luna Park, a concert, or a minor league baseball game.

TIP: If traveling by subway, you might want to look at this post on navigating the NYC subway system.

8. Attend a Sporting Event

Summer and sports go hand in hand. You are in luck if you love baseball, tennis, and soccer. Oh, how I wait for August to roll around to go to the U.S. Open!

If you are in town the week before the tournament begins, head out for free Fan Week and see top players practicing, watch qualifying matches and enjoy special events. There are activities for kids to enjoy too!

For a different perspective on this all-American sport, consider taking a tour of Yankee Stadium! These tours are popular and get great reviews.

TIP: The classic tour of Yankee Stadium is also available with both the Explorer Pass and the New York Pass.

Also, the New York Pass comes with a free Yankees home game on selected dates!

9. Take a Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour

Bus tours are an excellent choice for the summer in NYC. On hot and humid days, you can enjoy your tour in the air-conditioning.

On a comfortable night, you can sit on the top level of these open-air double-decker buses. They are also family-friendly activities.

This post on the Best Hop-On, Hop-Off NYC Bus Tours can help you decide which is best for you.

10. Look into Getting a Tourist Pass

Who doesn't love to save money? If you are traveling with a budget, look into getting a New York City tourist pass.

Tourist Passes can save you quite a lot of money to visit the most popular attractions in the city.

Lots of the best things to do in summer in NYC are included in these passes, like these attractions:

If you plan to visit even a few of these attractions, you could easily save a lot of money over general admission prices.

There are several different types of passes, so be sure to read this comparison post to learn how you can save the most money on your trip.

TIP: This guide to NYC on a budget may also come in handy!

FREE THINGS TO DO IN SUMMER

There are so many things to do for free in NYC in the summer that there's no way I could possibly list them all here! Instead, I have listed the highlights -- which is still quite a long list!

For hundreds of other free things to do, including during the summer, check out this post on free things to do in NYC.

Also, see this post on free museums and other attractions.

Theater, Musicals, Performance, Dance and Art Series

A benefit of living in a big city like New York is that, like all New Yorkers and visitors, I have access to tons of free arts and culture events each summer.

If I were hard-pressed to pick a favorite it would be the short but lively Broadway show tune performances in Bryant Park. But all of these events are fantastic!

  • Shakespeare in the Park - Top-notch productions of Shakespeare, held outdoors on select dates from May 28 to June 21, 2025, in Central Park.
  • Broadway in Bryant Park - Stars from Broadway shows put on brief performances at lunchtimes in July. Check the website for details on times and who will be performing.
  • River to River Festival - Art installations, dance, poetry, and more for two weeks in June in various parks along the Hudson River. TBD for 2025, last year dates were June 7 – 23.
  • Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City - From June 12–August 10, see 200+ free or Choose-What-You-Pay events like music, movies, and art performances.
  • Battery Dance Festival - This outdoor festival is from August 11-17, from 7 pm to 9 pm at Rockefeller Park in Battery Park City. Check the website for performance listings.
  • Hudson River Park Dance Festival - various dates throughout the summer.

Free NYC Outdoor Concert Series

Whether you like jazz, pop, rock, classical, hip-hop, or any other musical genre, there is something here for you.

TIP: Don't forget that NYC has some of the best subway musicians, buskers, and performers. If you read this post, New York City Street Performers and Subway Music, it will lead you right to them!

Free Outdoor Movie Screenings

Free outdoor movie nights take place almost every night of the summer! Beneath the video is a list of over a dozen outdoor movie screenings.

The most well-known is Bryant Park Movie Night on Monday evenings at 8 pm from mid-June to mid-August. See the website for dates and movie line-up.

This is especially popular so go early to grab a spot on the lawn! Bring a picnic basket too!

All of these series show great movies and the environment is good-spirited. My favorite is Movies with a View because the view is awesome -- the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline at night!

You can't go wrong at any of these free movie night locations.

Listed in order by the night of the week

Multiple nights of the week:

Free Summer Activities

Here are some of NYC summer's best things you can do without spending a dime!

Take a Free Ferry Ride on the Staten Island Ferry

Whether you ride it during the day or at night, you will get spectacular views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

This is a 'must-do'! It's a relaxing way to get a cool breeze as well.

Use this guide to riding the Staten Island Ferry to have a smooth journey.

Go to Coney Island

Go for the sandy beach, ocean, and famous boardwalk, and stay for Luna Park, an amusement park that has become a popular NYC destination in the summer.

Coney Island Boardwalk

You can also visit the renovated New York Aquarium.

There are plenty of places to eat, including the original Nathan's - known for their famous New York hot dogs and crinkle-cut fries.

Read this post and self-guided Coney Island tour to have a fantastic time.

Check Out Street Art

Some of the best murals, street art, and sticker art can be found in Bushwick in Brooklyn.

The Bushwick Collective Street Art Gallery is a great destination.

You can use this guide to Bushwick Street Art to explore the neighborhood. You have got to try Roberta's Pizza.

See where else you can find murals and street art in NYC.

Enjoy Stunning Skyline Views

Nothing beats looking at the shimmering skyline on a summer night in NYC. Here are the best places where you can get a free skyline view.

If you can spend some money, you should consider going to one of the five observatory decks where you get views for miles and miles.

View of Manhattan at night

Top of the Rock, Edge, and the Empire State Building have outdoor decks that are lovely on a summer day or night.

See this post comparing NYC's observation decks to help you decide which to visit.

No matter which, you won't be disappointed.

People-watch

Summer is prime time in NYC to park yourself on a bench or at a cafe table and watch people coming and going.

The best spots are Times Square, Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village, and the East Village.

Don't hesitate to join one of the many sing-alongs in Washington Square Park. All voices are welcome!

Visit Governors Island

Governors Island, a small recreational island, is just 8 minutes by ferry from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.

No cars are allowed! It's like being in a big playground with the city in view.

Read this post on Governors Island for information on hours, how to get there, and what activities are offered.

They have a full program of free exhibits and some paid events like the 1920s Jazz Lawn Party.

You can ride rental bikes, go kayaking for free and have a picnic. There are also free movie screenings.

Be sure to explore The Hills with incredible views of the Statue of Liberty.

Go Stargazing

In the warmer months, the Amateur Astronomers Association brings high-powered telescopes to various parks and invites the public to get a free, close-up look at the stars, planets, and moon.

Experts are there to answer questions. Locations include Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO, Lincoln Center, and the High Line.

Find out what other free things to do in NYC are out there.

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS

Kids will love NYC in the summer! You can keep them entertained with boat or bike rides, playgrounds, and visiting attractions that are kid-friendly.

Keep in mind that many activities listed throughout this post are family-friendly, especially sports events, festivals, and outdoor movies.

So make sure to look through the whole post for additional ideas.

Below is just a fraction of the things to do in summer with children in the city.

For more inspiration, look at a comprehensive guide to things to do with kids in NYC.

Take a Thrilling Boat Ride!

If you are traveling with tweens or teens, they will probably enjoy a ride on one of the three popular speedboats, The Shark, The Beast, and The Sea Wolf.

If you were planning on getting tourist passes for the family, the good news is that The Shark and The Beast are included in several tourist passes.

Instead of a paid boat tour, take the free Staten Island Ferry. Take it from me though - most kids will find a speedboat ride more exciting.

Many of my fellow tour guides and I take the NYC Ferry commuter service to get around the city.

It's just a dollar more than the subway and is an affordable way to get your kids out on the water while traveling throughout the city.

Roam Free in Central Park

Central Park is filled with numerous activities created just for kids -- and most are free!

For a list of activities for the whole family, see this post on things to do in Central Park.

Sheep Meadow in Central Park

Your kids might enjoy a family-friendly Central Park bike tour (bike rental costs extra).

Take a Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

In the summer when temperatures can be high, bus tours are a great way for everyone to cool off while still seeing the city.

Since Hop-on, hop-off bus tours stop at popular attraction locations, you can use the bus to move from destination to destination.

It is much more interesting for your child to look out a bus window than to stand in a crowded subway car!

This post on the best Hop-On, Hop-Off NYC bus tours can help you decide which is best for you and your child.

Go Wild in a Playground

Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO, Brooklyn, has summer-only activities for families including free kayaking, multiple playgrounds, and a pop-up pool.

Not to be missed is Jane's Carousel with its amazing colorful horses and a skyline view of Lower Manhattan.

I've already mentioned Governors Island above and it is ideally suited for kids and adults alike.

Here are a few more great places for kids to play.

Washington Square Park - There are a few different playgrounds in the festive park. The large fountain is on and they can splash too!

Bryant Park - Their summer programs include activities just for kids like puppet shows and a kids’ reading room with StoryTime.

This post on things to do with kids in NYC has a list of more playgrounds as well as other family-friendly activities. 

SUMMER FESTIVALS, PARADES & SPECIAL EVENTS IN NYC

One of the best things to do in NYC in the summer is to attend one of the dozens of free festivals.

There are food festivals, music festivals, art festivals, children's festivals, notable parades, and more.

Here are the best free parades, festivals, and special events listed by month.

For more information, click on the link of the month.

No matter when you are here, a festival is waiting for you!

May

June

July

August

  • Harlem Week Festival
  • Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
  • Summer Streets
  • Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit
  • New York City Unicycle Festival

September

BEST WAYS TO STAY SHADED IN NYC

As someone who heats up fast and burns easily, I search for shade whenever the sun is strong. But I don’t let it stop me from walking around NYC in the summer.

Here are my tricks for finding shade when I need some.

Parks

There are a lot of trees in the concrete jungle! Parks are your best bet for finding a nice leafy one.

In Manhattan parks you are likely to be near at some point are Central Park, the High Line., Washington Square Park, Bryant Park, and Battery Park.

Here’s a complete list of Manhattan parks, including the hundreds of barely noticeable pocket parks.

In Brooklyn, some of the best parks are just on the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, and Prospect Park.

POPS

No, not an ice pop. A privately owned public space (POPS).

These are spaces dedicated to public use and enjoyment owned by private commercial property owners, in exchange for bonus floor area or other property perks.

Not all have shade, but many do, as well as tables and benches. There are even POPS inside buildings. You don’t need permission to enjoy them. 

There are 590 POPS in the city, with dozens in Midtown Manhattan alone.

Here’s an interactive map where you can search by neighborhood and amenities. To make sure you'll have shade, select "Trees" and "Climate Control" (this means they are indoors) when you search.

Esplanades and Greenways

Similar to parks, esplanades and greenways are narrow elongated parks running alongside the city’s two rivers, the Hudson on the west side and the Harlem on the east side

Not all have shelter or shade, but more often than not trees line these paths.

There are bike lanes within these spaces so be on the lookout when crossing into them. Use this map to see where the esplanades or greenways are.

Stores

Head into a store. There’s no obligation to buy anything.

Besides ducking the sun, you will likely benefit from air conditioning in large shops.

Shady side streets

Many of the city’s prettiest side streets have trees in front of Brownstones with stoops.

Though not all homeowners are thrilled about people sitting on their stoops, you likely won’t have a problem.

Bus stop shelters

When you need only a few minutes of shade, look for a bus stop with a shelter.

Bus routes are on nearly every avenue and major side streets. Bus stops are placed approximately every one to two blocks.

To learn how Manhattan's avenues and streets are laid out, read this post New York City's Grid System Explained.

Subway stations

When desperate times call for desperate measures!

Though not ideal, when you need a respite from the sun, head down into a subway station for a few minutes.

Granted, it can be hot down there, but if you are burning, it’s better than nothing. While you are there, use the free WiFi!

PACKING GUIDE FOR SUMMER IN NEW YORK CITY

NYC summers range from pleasant sunny days to downright hot and humid ones. As long as you know what to expect, you can pack appropriately.

Take some time to read a weather guides for the month you will be visiting New York.

Some general guidelines are to pack items you can layer, from tank tops, t-shirts, long sleeve blouses or shirts and one piece of outerwear.

In May and September, a midweight jacket is appropriate. In peak summer months, like July and August, a lightweight top layer will likely be enough.

You may want to consider a waterproof slicker as there can be afternoon showers occasionally.

Pack a swimsuit! NYC beaches are great! Bring a hat for shade during the day, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Last but not least, bring comfortable shoes! NYC is a walkable city. Bring some sandals and a pair of sneakers or other comfortable shoes.

Fortunately, you can get everything you will need right here in NYC! And at very good prices!

THINGS TO DO IN THE SUMMER MONTHS

These monthly posts are updated to include the best things to do during the warmer months and include a top 10 list, free things to do, kid-friendly activities, and what to do at night.

About The Author

Courtney Shapiro

Courtney is a lifelong New Yorker in love with the city’s history, culture and food. She's a world traveler as well and enjoys sharing her travel expertise with others. She joined Tours by Foot in 2011, first as a guide and then as a writer. She still leads tours on a part-time basis. READ MORE...
Updated: January 26th, 2025
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