32 Fun Things to Do in Summer in NYC
Looking for the best things to do in summer in NYC? Well, you’re in the right place! Summer is a love-hate relationship for us, and we’ve learned how to make the most of the city during the hottest months.
New York City is incredible year-round, but summer is when the city really comes alive. Parks are packed, rooftops are open, restaurants spill out onto the sidewalks, and there are outdoor concerts, festivals, movie nights, and events happening all over the city.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a local looking for something new to do, summer in NYC gives you so many ways to enjoy the city outside. From relaxing in parks and getting out on the water to seasonal events and some of our favorite summer events, here are the best things to do in summer in NYC!
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Things to Know About Visiting NYC in Spring
There are so many great things to do in NYC in Spring. But first, let’s talk a bit about the season, and what you can expect overall.
🌤 Is Summer a Good Time to Go to NYC?
Summer is honestly not our chosen time to spend a ton of time in the city, as we spend more time traveling and staying in New Jersey during from June to August.
The weather in summer can be nice some days, but others it can be extremely hot and humid, a bit intense if you’re looking to enjoy sightseeing and spending time outside in general. Temperatures typically range from the mid-80s to high-00s Fahrenheit, making it uncomfortable during the day sometimes. However, nights, early mornings, and late afternoons are often extremely enjoyable, with plenty of places to enjoy.
Crowds are higher from tourism, but there are much less locals in NYC, especially during the weekends – since they are often time on vacation or spending weekends at the beach. That being said, summer boasts some really fun activities
🌸 What to Do in Summer in NYC
While the weather is sometimes intense, summer in NYC thrives off the incredible events and activities that happen. Rooftops and outdoor dining are available, streets are closed down for more pedestrian access, and there are endless parades, festivals, and exhibitions to take advantage of.
Some of the best free things to do in NYC happen in summertime, and you could easily fill your entire calendar with fun things to experience throughout the season.
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Things to Do in Summer in NYC
Now that you know what experiencing summer in New York is like, let’s explore all of the fun things to do in summer in NYC!
🍴 1. Enjoy New York’s Rooftops & Outdoor Dining
Summer is the best time to take advantage of NYC’s rooftops and outdoor dining, especially when you get a day that isn’t unbearably hot. I particularly love doing this in the evening, when the temperature drops and you can sit outside with a drink or dinner while enjoying the city lights.
You’ll find everything from sidewalk cafés and restaurant patios to rooftop bars with amazing views. If you’re visiting during summer, I’d definitely plan at least one evening where you don’t have a strict itinerary and can find somewhere nice to sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere.
🧘♀️ 2. Do Yoga at The Edge
If you already want to visit The Edge, you can make the experience even more interesting by taking a yoga class there. Yes, you can actually do yoga hundreds of feet above Manhattan, and I couldn’t think of a better combo.
It’s definitely not your average yoga class, and the views make the it. aninsanely surreal experience. Classes and availability vary, so you’ll want to check the schedule in advance.
🌊 3. Enjoy the Piers and Waterfront
The is nothing like being on the water when it’s hot out, especially in New York. The piers and waterfront areas let’s you get away from the stuffyingess of the chaotic streets, and enjoy the weathwer rather than having it suffocate you.
With a light breeze and scenic views, these areas of the city are perfect for hanging out, snapping photos, and even grabbing a drink. There are even boats that have bars and restaurants on them!
🚶♀️ 4. Walk or Bike During Summer Streets
Summer Streets is one of the coolest things in New York to take advantage of if your trip lines up with it. On select Saturdays, certain streets are closed to cars, giving pedestrians and cyclists much more space to enjoy the city.
It’s a completely different feeling when streets that are normally packed with traffic are suddenly filled with people walking and biking instead, and it makes it feel a bit European.
🚲 5. Bike the Hell Gate Path on Randall’s Island
If you want to get away from the crowds for a few hours, head over to Randall’s Island and bike along the Hell Gate Path.
You get some nice views of the city while being surrounded by a lot more greenery than you’ll find in Midtown. It’s also a good way to spend a summer morning before the heat really kicks in.
🛍️ 6. Browse Summer Markets
NYC has so many incredible outdoor markets throughout the summer, from Union Square and Washington Square to smaller ones in Brookyn. Each week the locations and vendors change, so there’s always something new to find and enjoy!
You’ll find everything from food and drinks to vintage clothing, handmade products, artwork, and small businesses. It’s also a nice way to explore different neighborhoods rather than spending your entire trip around the major tourist areas.
🌙 7. Visit the Queens Night Market
The Queens Night Market is one of my favorite recommendations for people who want to experience a completely different side of NYC. It’s a huge open-air night market behind the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, with more than 100 independent vendors selling food, art, merchandise, and other goods, along with cultural performances.
The market runs Saturday evenings from 4 PM until midnight, and the 2026 summer season runs through August 22 before returning in September. It’s also known for keeping food prices pretty affordable, so you can try a bunch of different things without spending what you would at a typical NYC restaurant.
📸 8. Do a Flying Dress Photoshoot
Summer in NYC is the perfect time for a flying dress photoshoot! From peaceful sunrise sessions with pleasant temperatures to dreamy sunsets, it’s truly one of the best ways to capture the beauty of the city in a dramatic way.
This summer, Flying Dresses New York is also offering something really special! There are World Cup flying dress photoshoots featuring flag dresses representing different nations, which is a really fun and unique way to celebrate the tournament while getting some incredible photos. Not only that, they’re also great for all of the different ethnic celebrations throughout the summer.
Want a beach backdrop? There are also Jersey Shore photoshoots, just a short ride away from the city!
✨Book your photoshoot in advance as summer slots fill up quickly, especially on weekends!
🤑 9. Enjoy the Free Events in NYC
One of the best things to do in summer in NYC is to keep your eyes peeled. There are so many awesome free events across the entire city, many of which are suitable for all ages.
From pop-up inflatable parks and vintage markets to ethnic festivals, there is always something to look forward to in New York. Each weekend has several events, so there truly is never a dull moment – and it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg!
🏛️ 10. Take a Free Tour of the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building
The David N. Dinkins Municipal Building has opened its historic cupola to the public for the first time, giving visitors a completely new free viewpoint over New York City. The new Centre 360 experience takes small groups more than 500 feet above street level for panoramic views of Lower Manhattan and all five boroughs.
And yes, it’s completely free. Public visits began June 11th 2026, and reservations are required. Considering how expensive NYC’s observation decks can be, getting a new skyline viewpoint without paying for a ticket makes this a particularly cool addition to a summer itinerary.
🎶 11. Check Out What’s Happening at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center has a full lineup of summer events, and each one is different. They host everything from music and dance to more unusual events like silent discos. Check their summer calendar before your trip because the programming changes throughout the season.
🚌 12. Take The Ordinary’s Free Brooklyn Bus
The Ordinary did something pretty random in 2026: they launched a completely free bus connecting Domino Park in Williamsburg with Prospect Park. The idea was to solve one of Brooklyn’s more annoying transportation gaps, since getting between the two areas by subway can mean going through Manhattan.
The bus was running from May 26th through June 9th, and we’re hoping they bring it back for the upcoming years!
⛵️ 13. Take a Boat Cruise
Summer is easily the best time to get out on a sailboat around NYC. You can find different sailing experiences throughout the season, from daytime sails to sunset cruises.
The skyline looks completely different from the water, and sunset is our favorite time to do it. If you’re celebrating something or want a more romantic evening, we’d definitely look at the sunset options.
🌅 14. Take a House of the Dragon Sunset Sail
Speaking of sunset sails, here’s a unique one in particular you can take this summer. If you’re a House of the Dragon fan, you can combine the show with a sunset sail around NYC. Themed events like this are exactly why it’s worth looking at what’s happening during your specific travel dates.
Even if you’re not a huge fan of the show, being out on the water around sunset with the Manhattan skyline is a pretty great way to spend an evening.
⛴ 15. Ride the NYC Ferry
Want to explore the city by water but want a more affordable alternative? Riding the NYC ferry is the city’s best kept secret, and also our favorite of all of the transportation options in New York. It’s particularly amazing during the summer when you can escape the heat and enjoy the breeze as you soak up the sun and skyline views.
For just slightly more than riding the subway in NYC you can hop on the ferry and have amazing views, fresh air, and less people.
Here’s How to Get Around NYC Like a Local – It’s More Fun & Budget-Friendly!
Explore the city like never before – it’s fun, affordable, and there are more options for moving around than you probably thought.
🏝️ 16. Take the Ferry to Governors Island
Governors Island makes for an easy summer escape from Manhattan. Take the 8-minute ferry over, rent bikes or walk around the island, have something to eat, and enjoy the views back toward the city.
You get a little bit of greenery, waterfront, history, and some of the best skyline views without having to travel very far, making it feel like a little getaway.
⛺️ 17. Go Glamping
Not only is Governor’s island a nice little getaway, but it can also be an awesome staycation. Collective Governors Island offers upscale tents, cabins, and suites just an eight-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, surrounded by 172 acres of car-free parkland and some pretty incredible views of the harbor and Manhattan skyline.
This is very different from traditional camping. Depending on the accommodation, you can have a private bathroom, air conditioning, private decks, and much more of a hotel-style setup while still sleeping under canvas. There are also experiences like sunrise yoga, stargazing, live music, a spa, and sunset drinks on the island.
🏖️ 18. Spend the Day at a Beach or Pool Club
You don’t have to leave NYC to have a pool or beach-club day. There are several places around the city where you can spend an afternoon swimming, getting drinks, and pretending you’re on vacation for a few hours.
Dream Beach Club by Tao at Dream Downtown is in Chelsea and has a glass-bottom pool, imported sand, daybeds, cabanas, a full-service bar, and DJs. Pool passes and reserved chairs are available, making it a fun choice if you’re looking for more of a party atmosphere.
Sephora Summer Club at The William Vale is another option for summer 2026. This is Sephora’s first Summer Club, combining pool culture, wellness, and beauty experiences at The William Vale in Williamsburg. The activation runs May 22nd through September 7th, 2026, so you have a pretty large window to fit it into a summer trip.
🏊♀️ 19. Swim in NYC’s Floating Pool
NYC has been working on a floating pool, where in summer, you can actually go swimming while surrounded by the city. It’s unique, and the perfect way to cool off with the summer heat.
While it was supposed to launch summer 2026, it looks like the project has been extended and should be set to launch in 2027.
🏖️ 20. Spend the Day at Watermark Beach
If you’re looking for a beachy atmosphere without committing to a full day outside the city, Watermark Beach is the perfect spot. This is one of those places that offers something special each season, but always something fun and exciting.
Summer is a beach theme, so sou can spend the day by the water, grab food and drinks, and enjoy a little vacation feeling without actually leaving NYC.
🛶 21. Go Kayaking
Another great way to enjoy the outdoors during the summer it to join a water activity. We personally love kayaking because it’s a small workout with great views, and you can actually go kayaking in NYC without paying for an expensive tour.
There are free kayaking programs available during the months of May to October, and they’re one of the best things to do in summer in NYC.
🚣♀️ 22. Row a Boat in Central Park
Renting a rowboat on the Central Park lake is one of our favorite classic summer activities in NYC. It’s peaceful, it’s pretty, and you’re still right in the middle of Manhattan.
I’d go earlier in the day or closer to sunset rather than in the middle of the hottest part of the afternoon. And if you’re visiting as a couple, this is a pretty cute date activity.
🛥️ 23. Take a Ride on a Hot Tub Boat
Looking for one of the most unique things to do in summer in NYC? You can actually rent a boat and sit in a hot tub while cruising around the city’s waterways.
This is super fun for a group of friends, a birthday, or a bachelorette party, or can be great for a romantic date night.
⚾️ 24. Enjoy a Baseball Game
Baseball season is in full swing, and the evenings are perfect to enjoy the games. Both the Mets and Yankees play here, so you have the opportunity almost any day of the week to check one out!
💡 Mets tickets can go as low as being under $10!
🏓 25. Play CityPickle at Hudson Yards
If you’ve been wanting to try pickleball, CityPickle at Hudson Yards is a fun place to give it a shot.
You can book a court and spend some time playing before exploring Hudson Yards, one of out favorite little corners of the city. This would be particularly fun if you’re looking for an activity with friends and want to do something active instead of just sightseeing or bar hopping.
🎉 26. Party at Pacha
Pacha is one of the most iconic club brands in the world, and it’s now back in NYC with a new location in Brooklyn. The new Pacha is in East Williamsburg at the former Brooklyn Mirage space, bringing major DJs and electronic music back to the city.
There are different events happening throughout the summer, particularly on weekend nights, so if you’re looking for an epic night out, this is definitely one to put on your bucket list. The lineup changes depending on the night, with everything from big-name international DJs to house and electronic music events.
🏳️🌈 27. Celebrate Pride in NYC
NYC is one of the best places to visit in June, and Pride is a huge part it The Pride March is the main event, but there are also parties, performances, community events, and celebrations happening throughout the city throughout the entire month.
NYC has a long history with the LGBTQ+ community, so experiencing Pride here is particularly meaningful. Even if you don’t attend the parade itself, you’ll see Pride events happening all over the city throughout June.
🌇 28. See Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge happens twice a year when the setting sun lines up with Manhattan’s east-west streets, creating an incredible view between the buildings, and an awesome photography opportunity.
The exact dates change each year, so check the calendar if you’re visiting around late May or July. It gets very crowded at the most popular viewing spots, so don’t expect to be the only person who knows about it!
🏛 29. Enjoy Free Museums (Or Pay What You Want)
If it’s really hot outside, then one of the best things you can do is cool off by enjoying an indoor activity. Also, visiting museums and exhibitions are one of the best things to do in NYC when it rains, which can happen quite often in the summertime.
There are quite a few museums that are always free, have specific free-entry hours, or offer pay-what-you-wish admission. Some options are specifically for NYC residents, while others are available to everyone during the season, so make sure you check the requirements before you go.
Here are some of the options to look into throughout the city:
🗽 Manhattan
🍕 Brooklyn
🌉 Queens
🦏 The Bronx
🌊 Staten Island
💡 If you’re an NYC resident, there are even more ways to get free museum admission through programs like Culture Pass and IDNYC, so it’s worth checking what you qualify for before paying for admission.
🎨 30. Visit Immersive Experiences & Unique Exhibitions
If you’re looking for something a little different from walking through a traditional museum, NYC has some really cool immersive exhibitions and interactive art experiences.
These are more about stepping into the artwork and experiencing it through sound, movement, light, or even your other senses, so they can be particularly fun if you’re traveling with kids, friends, or someone who isn’t usually interested in museums. I Personally love them as a photographer, and they’re some of the most unique activities in NYC.
Here are a few unique exhibitions to look out for this summer:
🎈 Balloon Museum: DAYDREAM – Air Becomes Art – Open at the Tin Building in the Seaport, this immersive exhibition uses large-scale inflatable installations and interactive works to turn air into art.
🌊 ARTE Museum New York – Located at Chelsea Piers, ARTE Museum combines massive digital projections, soundscapes, scents, and interactive installations to create immersive environments. The current exhibition includes works inspired by nature, Korea, water, flowers, and more.
🫧 Clinamen – This installation by French artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot takes over the Wade Thompson Drill Hall at Park Avenue Armory, with floating ceramic pieces moving through pools of water and creating their own gentle sounds. It runs through August 9, 2026.
👗 Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses – At the Brooklyn Museum, this exhibition showcases more than 140 of Iris van Herpen’s haute couture creations alongside contemporary art, design, and scientific objects. It explores the relationship between fashion, the body, technology, and the natural world, and runs through December 6, 2026.
🍴 31. Enjoy Restaurant Week
Restaurant week is an annual event that locals look forward to each summer, with restaurants across the city offering promotional menus. Despite the name, NYC Restaurant Week is much longer than a week though!
The summer 2026 program runs from July 20 through August 16, with more than 600 participating restaurants across all five boroughs. There are more than 45 cuisines represented across more than 70 neighborhoods, so this is a great opportunity to try somewhere you’ve been wanting to visit at a lower promotional price.
This is a particularly good summer activity because you can use Restaurant Week as an excuse to explore restaurants in neighborhoods you might not otherwise visit. Rather than picking a restaurant just because it’s famous, look through the participating list and find somewhere you’ve genuinely been wanting to try.
🚐 32. Take a Summer Day Trip From NYC
As a local to the area, I tend to spend less time in NYC during the summer, and more time in its surroundings. One of my favorite things to do in summer in NYC is to actually enjoy the beaches, wineries, and waterfalls of New York that are nearby.
Here are some of our favorite summer day trips from New York City:
Experiencing the Best Things to Do in Summer in NYC: Final Tips & What’s Next
Summer isn’t necessarily when we would choose to spend the most time in New York. The heat and humidity can make walking around the city pretty exhausting, especially when you’re trying to pack a lot into one day. But summer also brings an incredible number of events, parades, outdoor activities, and seasonal experiences that you simply won’t find at other times of the year.
We hope this guide gives you some ideas for making the most of your time in NYC during the summer, whether you’re visiting for a few days or you’re a local looking for something different to do.
Before you go, here are a few final tips to keep in mind:
☀️ Be prepared for the heat and humidity. Don’t underestimate how hot NYC can get in July and August. Plan breaks, stay hydrated, and don’t feel like you need to spend every minute outside.
📅 Plan around the events you want to attend. Parades, Summer Streets, outdoor movies, free performances, and other seasonal events happen on specific dates, so build your itinerary around them if there’s something you really want to experience.
🌙 Take advantage of the evenings. Once the temperature drops, NYC becomes much more enjoyable. This is a great time for rooftops, outdoor dining, sunset sails, waterfront walks, and nightlife.
💰 Look for free activities. There are so many free events, performances, museums, movies, and outdoor activities happening throughout the summer that you can have a packed itinerary without spending a fortune.
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👀 What’s Next?
Now that you know all of the fun things to do in summer in NYC , here are some other guides to help you plan your trip:
✈️ How to Get from EWR to NYC
🛫 How to Get from LGA to NYC
🛬 How to Get from JFK to NYC
🍸 22 Christmas Bars in NYC
🍴 17 Christmas Restaurants in NYC
🏨 Top 10 Hotels in NYC for Christmas
🎅🏻 29 Christmas Activities in NYC
⛸ 13 Ice Rinks to Check Out This Season
🎄 The Top Christmas Trees in NYC
✨ 8 Best Locations for Christmas Lights in NYC
🪟 The Best Window Displays in NYC
🎁 Where to Find the Best Christmas Decorations in NYC
🌷 Guide for Spring in NYC
📆 Unmissable Spring Events in NYC
☔️ What to do on a rainy day in NYC
📆 The best time to visit NYC
⭐️ 18 Things to do in NYC for first-time visitors
⚾️ Things to do in NYC in Spring
📆 52 Fun Things to Do This December in New York
🎅🏻 The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Christmas in NYC
🍝 30 Cool Restaurants in New York City You Need to Try
🌸 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC
💧 The 19 Best Waterfalls in New York
❄️ Visiting NYC in Winter
📸 16 Favorite Instagrammable Places in NYC
💝 The Best Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in NYC
🤑 10 Things to Do in NYC for Free
📖 The Ultimate New York City Travel Guide
🚇 How to Get Around NYC Like a Local
💃🏻 Doing a Flying Dress Photoshoot in NYC
So are you ready to enjoy all of the fun things to do in summer in NYC? We hope this guide helps you senjoy the season to the fullest.
Looking for more info about visiting NYC? Don’t miss out on our other New York travel guides! Also, make sure to join to our newsletter so you can get updates on our most recent articles every week, along with exclusive discounts on our shop.
Ready to start planning the most magical trip to NYC? We can help! As locals, we love designing customized New York itineraries and also can take care of all of the stressful travel arrangements. To learn more, take a look at our travel planning packages.
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