Public Places:
- Coney Island**- Has adjacent amusement parks (Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park) with rides for all ages. You can also go on the nearby famous Cyclone roller coaster. Additionally, the two parks are near a boardwalk with carnival games and a beach. Coney Island is in the very South of Brooklyn.
- Rockaway Beach- Located in Queens, the beach is the largest in all of New York City. It’s also the only beach that doesn’t prohibit surfers. The boardwalk stretches 5.5 miles out of the 7 miles of the Rockaway Beach.
- Governor’s Island- a 172-acre island within the New York Harbor. It has family-friendly activities, including a 7-mile pedestrian-only bike trail. The island was inhabited by the Army and then the Coast Guard for a total of over 200 years. Its history creates visitable old ruins of many different military structures, but also old town buildings like homes.
- The High Line- Runs through 1.45 miles of Manhattan. It’s an elevated walkway built on old train tracks. The path is decorated with several plants and art pieces. You can look at the streets of Hudson Yards and Chelsea comfortably from above.
- Blue Heron Park- Over 200 acres of meadows, marshes, streams, forest, and other natural features in Staten Island. The park has many different kinds of wildflowers, trees, and water plants. You can go for a long hike or simply enjoy its nature.
Museums:
- Museum of Ice Cream*-14 different pink interactive rooms of ice cream-themed fun. You can have unlimited ice cream or try unique desserts like an ice cream bagel or a hot dog. They have locations all over the world; however, the one in New York is located in Soho, Manhattan.
- Museum of Illusions*- Various kinds of illusions in different rooms. Some of them work better with a buddy, but either way, the tricks will have you baffled. The museum is in western Manhattan.
- The Tenement Museum*- Preserved buildings of old living arrangements in the late 1800s-1900s, sprinkled throughout the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Although most residents were immigrants from all sorts of backgrounds, they all had the same issue of little space and low incomes.
- The Color Factory*- A wide range of exhibits celebrating and representing a diverse range of colors. Along the way are many different treats, illusions, and more. The Color Factory NYC can be found in Hudson Square, Manhattan.
- The Intrepid Museum*- A museum located on the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked at Pier 86 in Hell’s Kitchen. The museum educates visitors on the history of the ship as well as some World War II aircraft.
Outdoor Music Venues:
- SummerStage**-Performances of all genres throughout the whole summer. Some performances are free while others require tickets. The venue is in Central Park.
- Blue Note Jazz Festival*- Many different jazz artists performing across New York City. The permanent home of Blue Note Jazz NYC is by Washington Square Park in Manhattan. There you can have food while enjoying your concert.
- Bryant Park Picnic Performances- All kinds of shows like dances, operas, musical performances, and more, all for free. There aren’t any seats, so viewers usually lie out blankets and relax on them. It’s based out of Bryant Park in Manhattan.
- Lincoln Center Summer for the City*- Every production you can think of, from Orchestra concerts to documentary screenings. They even offer dance classes to the public. It’s in Manhattan.
- Brooklyn Bowl- Enjoy kid-friendly shows while bowling. Brooklyn Bowl is located in Northern Brooklyn and also serves food and drinks.
Food Festivals:
- Smorgasburg- A wide variety of cuisines located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. There are other Smorgasburgs across the city, like the World Trade Center and Prospect Park. Each has similar tents, with food options spanning from typical cookies to Spanish paella.
- Dragon Fest- A Chinese food haven at varying locations. The stands have mixed traditional dishes along with newer ones. There are additionally mixed arts and crafts featured.
- Thai Fest- Switching locations between Brooklyn and Manhattan, Thai Fest showcases Thai culture and recipes. Although it’s a sister company to Dragon Fest, the festival has its own unique take.
- Queens Night Market-An open market in Corona, Queens. It has all sorts of different vendors, including food, arts, games, and other fun activities. The Queens Night Market also has performers throughout the evening.
- Brooklyn Greek Festival-Sited in central Brooklyn, the stalls present assorted Greek delights. They have every Greek food you can think of, from baklava to chicken souvlaki. The festival is hosted by Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
*Requires tickets
**Some parts require tickets
