More about: 10 Things to do in New York City in Summer
Summer in the Big Apple is a very hot season, but don't let the heat wave discourage you, as the city has many outdoor events and activities to cool off and enjoy the sunny days.
Check out my 10 ideas for things to do in New York in the summer!
1. Experience the passion for baseball in New York
Another of the most exciting experiences you can have in New York in summer is going to an MLB game. Whether it's because you love baseball or because you want to enjoy the atmosphere that this sport creates in the city.
What's more, MLB is a very family-friendly spectacle, so it's common to see parents taking their children to games. Add this idea to your list of things to do in New York with children.
If you want to include a baseball game during your summer holiday, the regular season runs from April to early October, and during those months you can see the New York Yankees or the New York Mets play in their respective stadiums.
What is a baseball game like?
The atmosphere is lively, and even if you don't know the rules of the sport in detail, it's easy to get into the swing of things. The games are long, lasting 3 to 4 hours, and most of the game is fairly uneventful, although suddenly there are exciting plays that get the fans cheering. So, stay tuned!
In the meantime, you can take selfies at the stadium, make videos of the event, and comment on the plays while you tuck into some tacos or hot dogs. In my experience, going to a baseball game is entertaining and you'll spend a day doing something different during your trip. It's worth it!
Don't hesitate, grab your cap and hot dog and experience one of the most fun moments of your trip to the Big Apple.
How to buy MLB tickets in New York?
There are many games played in the MLB; in fact, teams play every few days and even daily during some weeks. So baseball tickets are usually easy to get, especially when compared to NBA tickets.
To buy baseball tickets, you have two options: at the stadium box office or online. In my experience, I recommend buying tickets online before you travel.
Demand for baseball games in New York is high, so it's normal for tickets to sell out quickly. If you want to know more about this sport, in my article on how to buy tickets for a baseball game in New York, I tell you everything you need to know to get them at the best price, which seats to choose in the stadium, how the league works, and much more. Don't miss it!
2. Sail and navigate the Hudson River
In summer, the heat in New York can be stifling, but fortunately there are plenty of outdoor activities to cool off. One of my favourites is sailing or kayaking on the Hudson River!
You can also enjoy the sea breeze on a fantastic sunset or dusk cruise.
How to take a zodiac boat trip on the Hudson River?
If you want to do something different during your summer trip to New York, my favourite option is to book a zodiac ride on the Hudson River, where you'll have the best panoramic views of the city, as well as some of its landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building.
You'll also be able to get within a few metres of New York's main monuments, such as the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island and Governors Island, and take some unforgettable photos of your trip.
Throughout the tour, which lasts approximately 1 hour, you will be guided by a US Coast Guard Captain.
Isabel's Traveller Tip
Wear summer clothes, even a swimsuit if you have one. If you want to bring a change of clothes, there are usually changing rooms available.
How to kayak on the Hudson River?
From late May to October, you can go kayaking without spending a penny. That's right! The company offering this free activity is Manhattan Community Boathouse.
Taking part in this activity is very easy. No reservation is required. Simply go to Pier 96 on the Hudson River near the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, where the company operates, and sign a waiver stating that you know how to swim. Kayak trips on the Hudson River last 20 minutes.
Enjoy the sea breeze on a cruise
And if you want to enjoy the Hudson River at a more leisurely pace, the best option is to take a cruise. There are many different options, as you can choose between a sunset cruise or a night cruise.
- Book a sunset cruise on New York's Hudson River, from €25: For those who want to enjoy a cruise and be dazzled by the skyline at sunset. It lasts approximately 1.5 hours and includes a drink, which can be wine, beer or champagne.
- Book a buffet dinner cruise on New York's Hudson River, from €154: If you want an even more exclusive experience, you can opt for this 3-hour cruise, where you can enjoy a buffet dinner and a music show.
3. Feel the magic of Broadway!
Escape the scorching sun and immerse yourself in the magic of Broadway for a few hours. Settle into your comfortable seat and get ready for a unique experience that you won't find anywhere else. Its musical numbers are legendary, and its majestic staging and talented actors transport you to a dream world where anything is possible.
With hundreds of performances each year, Broadway is the mecca of New York theatre. Here you can see prestigious and popular plays such as The Lion King, Wicked, Chicago, Aladdin and Frozen, among many others.
Dare to let your imagination fly to a world of fantasy and daydream with Broadway musicals!
How to get your Broadway tickets?
Broadway musicals are one of the most popular shows in New York, so tickets sell out very quickly.
If you want to know how to buy tickets for a Broadway musical, I recommend reading the article The 10 Best Broadway Musicals, where I tell you how to get your tickets and which are the best musicals playing this season.
What other cultural events are there in New York in the summer?
If you're keen to make more cultural plans in the Big Apple during your stay, take a look at these suggestions!
- Shakespeare in the Park: Every summer evening in Central Park, Shakespeare's plays are performed free of charge at the Delacorte Theatre. It's a New York tradition. More information on the website.
- Lincoln Centre Out of Doors: Dance, music and theatre performances are held in Damrosch Park at Lincoln Centre. No ticket is required, just arrive early to get a seat. There are also food stalls where you can grab a bite to eat. More information on the website.
- SummerStage: This famous festival organises a multitude of concerts throughout the summer in Central Park, most of which are free. Seating stands and food stalls are set up, and there is a great atmosphere. More information on the website.
4. Marvel at the immensity of Niagara Falls
When you were first planning your itinerary for your trip to New York, you may not have thought about adding a trip outside the city to see other parts of the United States, as there is so much to see and do in the Big Apple.
However, spending a day of your holiday on a trip to Niagara Falls is a great idea, as you will have the opportunity to see this natural wonder and feel the mist from the waterfalls on your face, which is a very refreshing experience in the intense summer heat.
In addition, during this season , temperatures rarely exceed 30ºC and do not usually drop below 20ºC, so the weather is ideal for going on excursions and enjoying all the attractions to the fullest, getting wet in those places where you can almost touch the water.
What is the day trip to Niagara Falls like?
The great thing about this organised trip to Niagara Falls is that it takes you to and from central New York on the same day, so you don't have to worry about how to get there, which can be an odyssey considering that summer is the high season for seeing these waterfalls.
Once at the falls, you'll be sure not to miss a single detail with the help of a professional bilingual guide. Contemplating the beautiful rainbow and listening to the roar of the water is an unforgettable experience. I was speechless! Plus, since this tour explores the New York side of the falls, no visa is required.
And remember, if one day isn't enough, you can also opt for:
- Niagara Falls tour from New York with overnight travel.
- 2-day excursion to Niagara Falls from New York.
- 4-day excursion to Niagara Falls from New York.
Visit the Niagara Wine Festival
On the other hand, at the end of June, Niagara's New Vintage Festival is held, where winemakers present the new wines of the season and showcase the region's wineries, as well as offering wine tastings. If you like the world of wine, make a note of this date in your diary.
5. Visit New York's best museums in the open air
During the summer, the heat in New York can be stifling at times. To escape the heatwave, a good idea is to take refuge in places with air conditioning.
For example, in the museums of the Big Apple, where there is also a wealth of culture to soak up. There is a wide variety: history, art, photography, espionage, wax figures...
New York is a city that has become one of the great cultural centres of the planet thanks to its museums, many of which are of great international importance. Here are some of the most notable:
- Natural History Museum: An enjoyable and exciting journey to discover the origins of the universe, the Earth and humankind. Its collection is considered the most extensive on the planet, with more than 35 million pieces of all kinds, and is a must-see in New York. The following link provides all the information you need to know about the Natural History Museum.
- MoMA: This is the most important museum of modern and contemporary art in the world. Its popularity lies not only in the value of its collections but also in offering a complete experience suitable for all ages. The following link provides all the information you need to know about MoMA.
- MET: Its collection brings together works of art from over 5,000 years of history from around the world. The MET is a temple for travellers with the soul of Indiana Jones! The following link provides all the information you need to know about the MET.
- Guggenheim Museum: Well worth a visit not only for its magnificent collection of modern art but also for its spectacular architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. A true icon of the 20th century. The following link provides all the information you need to know about the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
- Brooklyn Museum: one of the largest museums in the country, housing an interesting collection of valuable American antiques and art. The following link provides all the information you need to know about the Brooklyn Museum.
- Madame Tussauds: If you fancy having some fun, head to Madame Tussauds to see its hyper-realistic wax figures. They are amazing! Without a doubt, one of the best museums in New York to visit with the family because the kids will have a blast. The following link provides all the information you need to know about Madame Tussauds.
If you want to know more about New York's museums, don't miss the article on the 10 best museums in New York, where I explain why they are the best and tell you in detail everything you can see in them.
6. Take a trip to Coney Island
If you're travelling to New York in the summer, whether as a couple, with friends or with children, one of the best things to do in Brooklyn is to book a trip to Coney Island, the neighbourhood where New Yorkers go to enjoy the beach when the weather is nice and relax outdoors.
Visit the boardwalk
Walking along the promenade, feeling the Atlantic breeze on your face and smelling the ocean air, is one of the things I like most about Coney Island. It's an incredible feeling! The other is Luna Park, a mix between an amusement park and an old-fashioned fairground that retains its special vintage charm and many of its original attractions, such as the Cyclone roller coaster and the Wonder Wheel Ferris wheel.
Be amazed by the attractions of Coney Island
Nearby, there is a show that attracts a lot of attention from visitors: a freak show, which became very popular in the 1920s and 1930s by presenting the public with surprising acts or exhibiting nature's oddities.
The freak show is different every season, and although some tricks are repeated, you will feel like you are reliving the past among giants, bearded women, dwarfs and other typical characters.
Another very entertaining attraction to see in Coney Island, especially with the family, is the New York Aquarium, the only aquarium in New York located on the seafront. Its aim is to show the public the importance of preserving aquatic ecosystems.
Here you can see sharks, penguins and sea otters, among many other species. When you enter the New York Aquarium, check the feeding times for the animals and don't miss it if it coincides with your visit. Children will love seeing it!
7. Explore other New York islands in summer
Many of them are easily accessible by underground, ferry or cable car and are a real oasis in a city of skyscrapers.
- City Island: Less well known than Governors Island, this is a place with a seaside feel, with dozens of restaurants specialising in seafood, ideal for a good meal and a pleasant stroll.
- Randall's Island: Located on the East River, major outdoor music and film festivals are held here during the summer months. It also has waterfront trails for cycling or walking, as well as several sports centres where you can play golf, tennis and more.
- Roosevelt Island: A very quiet island where you can go for a walk to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. There are several small parks and viewpoints by the water, perfect for taking beautiful photos of your trip and letting the children play outdoors for a while. You can get there by cable car. In my article on how to ride the Roosevelt Island cable car, I tell you more about this excursion.
- Liberty Island and Ellis Island: Take advantage of the summer to take a ferry tour to Liberty Island and Ellis Island and learn about the history behind the Statue of Liberty, along with the Liberty Island Museum and a guided tour of the Liberty Island grounds.
8. Enjoy the best summer cinema in New York!
As soon as the good weather arrives, you want to spend more time outside doing outdoor activities. When the summer temperatures rise, the city's parks and gardens become a refuge for New Yorkers to escape the intense heat.
What could be better than relaxing in the shade of leafy trees and enjoying a night of summer cinema? It's one of the experiences I enjoyed most during my stay in New York.
If you love cinema, you're in for a treat, as there are various festivals organised in the Big Apple every week during the summer, giving you plenty to choose from. Here are some of the highlights:
- Bryant Park Film Festival: Held on Monday evenings, classic films are screened. You can bring some snacks for a picnic, although if you arrive early around 5 p.m., you can get a free cone of popcorn. The curtain opens at 8 p.m.
- Central Park Film Festival: Takes place during one week in August and is organised near Sheep Meadow, on the esplanade between the meadow and 72nd Street. Doors open at 6:30 pm and there is a DJ to liven up the atmosphere until the film starts at 8 pm.
- Movies with a View: Held in Brooklyn Bridge Park on Thursdays, in the park below the Brooklyn Bridge. Classic and modern films are shown on a giant screen with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background. There are also food and drink stalls.
- Roosevelt Island Outdoor Summer Movie Series: South of the cable car, a movie screen is set up in Southpoint Park where you can watch films after watching the sunset. Access is available from 7 p.m.
- Hudson Riverflicks: At Pier 63 in Chelsea, at 23rd Street along the Hudson River, this festival is held every Wednesday in the summer, showing recent blockbusters. The screening begins around 8:30 PM and free popcorn is handed out to attendees.
9. Take a dip in New York's swimming pools!
The best way to beat the summer heat in New York is to cool off with a dip in the cool water at one of the public swimming pools scattered throughout the city. Sounds great, right?
From late June to September, New York's public swimming pools open their doors so that both New Yorkers and tourists can spend a sensational summer day sunbathing, relaxing and splashing around in the water without paying a penny.
Make a note of these three public swimming pools in your diary because you won't want to miss out on this summer experience:
- Pop-Up Pool: Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, this pool has breathtaking views of Manhattan. It also has an artificial beach where you can sunbathe. Afterwards, you can take a stroll through Brooklyn Bridge Park, one of the most beautiful gardens in the city. It is located at 150 Furman St.
- Astoria Pool: Located in Queens, this is the largest swimming pool in New York. It has beautiful views of Triborough Bridge, Hell Gate Bridge and Manhattan. It also has sports facilities for playing tennis and a restaurant area. It is located at 19th Street & 23rd Drive.
- Lasker Pool: Located in the heart of Central Park, this pool is perfect for a quick dip if you get too hot during your walk in the park. If you can't swim, there are free lessons for both children and adults. Interestingly, in winter it becomes an ice rink. You'll find it in Mid-Park between 106th and 108th Streets.
Other ways to cool off in New York
If you're still in the mood for a dip after leaving the pool, you can also visit one of the beaches in Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn or the Bronx. You can even tour the New York coast on a jet ski, sailing along the Hudson River from New Jersey.
10. Visit Governors Island in summer
Manhattan is a very tempting island full of great tourist attractions for travellers and a long list of things to see and do, but in summer too. It's hard to leave, but it's worth getting away from the epicentre of New York to explore its small satellite islands, which are a hive of activity during the summer and a real oasis of tranquillity in the concrete jungle.
What to do on this island?
One of the best known is Governors Island, which is only open in summer and offers a wide range of cuisine and an interesting programme of festivals. It also has a new attraction called The Hills, an elevated park that offers a new perspective of the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn and Jersey City.
Another reason to visit Governors Island is the opportunity to spend a peaceful day in nature, taking advantage of the good weather to go hiking or cycling. Bicycles can be rented at the Blazing Saddles stand in the Colonels Row area. However, thanks to Bike and Roll, on Fridays in summer you can ride a bike completely free of charge for an hour to visit the island.
You can also kayak for free from June to mid-September. The Downtown Boathouse organises kayaking sessions for both adults and children, an activity that is sure to thrill them. Head to Pier 101, put on your life jacket and start paddling!
Speaking of children, if you go to Governors Island with your family, you have to take them to see Slide Hill, New York's largest slide on a large hill with a length of 17 metres. They'll be amazed!
From a cultural point of view, there is also a lot to do on Governors Island. Workshops, festivals and concerts are often held there. For example, the famous Jazz Age Lawn Party, inspired by the 1920s during Prohibition, where you can enjoy cocktails and dance the Charleston on a very original evening.