I experienced more than 20 New York City summers. I have fond memories of trips to the museum and long strolls through the park. Though I’ve lived abroad for a few years, I still bring my kids back to visit every year during the early summer (the best time because July and August get so hot and muggy!) When I think of 5 things to do in New York City during the summer, I am happy to visit both sites I grew up with as well as those that have just come up in the last few years. The city is full of wonderful sites and this is a great list for visitors of all ages.
Little Island
Little Island is one of the coolest public parks anywhere. This artificial island at Pier 55 within Hudson River Park is a space to see public art (music on the floor!) to catch great views of New Jersey as well. This newer addition to the Meatpacking District on the West side is by the intersection of West Street and West 13th Street.
Staten Island Ferry
This is the only free public transportation in NYC and the one with the best views too. The Staten Island Ferry travels a little over 5 miles between Manhattan and Staten Island 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. But the best part: the iconic views of the Manhattan skyline and close-up views of the Statue of Liberty.
American Museum of Natural History
We visit this museum almost every single year! It is crazy to think I’ve been visiting the American Museum of Natural History as a child and now bring my kids too. Of course we wonder at the 94 foot blue whale (from 1969!) But the museum has definitely evolved with beautiful interactive exhibits like the butterfly vivarium and the Invisible Worlds immersive exhibit. My kids particularly like the gemology section and Gilder Center Insectarium with 18 species of live insects and games too.
Central Park and Shakespeare in the Park
Central Park is Manhattan’s green oasis. I grew up walking in and around the 843 acre park. I’ve brought my kids to Central Park Zoo, the small but cool playground, and the scenic Bow Bridge. But really they just loved meeting friends in the park and running around. Someday I’d love to bring them to Shakespeare in the Park too.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art or Met is definitely New York’s most famous museum. Some people are just happy to sit on the iconic museum’s steps and people watch. But step inside and explore an excellent Egyptian section, view famous European paintings (including one of the fewer than 50 Vermeer pieces in the world) and one of the coolest costume institutes around.
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