Nobody wants to be stuck with bored kids in the middle of a sweltering New York City summer, and luckily, nobody has to be! There are endless opportunities for exploring in the city and not just for adults! These seven activities below will thrill children of every age, and they’ll have mom and dad feeling excited as well. It’s really a win-win for everyone!
Kids NYC Summer: SeaGlass Carousel (Financial District)
This masterpiece opened in August 2015, and it’s the coolest carousel you’ll find in New York City (if not the entire world!). 30 fiberglass fish are illuminated with color-changing LED lights, so a ride on this beauty feels like taking a stroll under the sea. At only $5 a ticket, you might even want to join the kiddies on this breathtaking carousel. The Battery Park, 212-344-3491, seaglasscarousel.nyc
Kids NYC Summer: RiverFlicks for Kids (West Village)
Head over to Pier 46 in Hudson River Park any Friday between July 8th and August 19th to enjoy RiverFlicks for Kids screenings. There’s free popcorn, or you can pack your own picnic to indulge in while enjoying the cool breeze coming off of the Hudson River. All films are rated PG, and they range from classics like The Princess Bride to newcomers like The Peanuts Movie. Pier 46, hudsonriverpark.org
Kids NYC Summer: Coney Island (Brooklyn)
It’s easy to spend an entire day hanging around Coney Island with the kids. Take a spin or two on The Cyclone (built in 1927!), grab some hot dogs at Nathan’s, get a little sun on the beach, and end the evening with a plethora of carnival games. Seriously, this place is a kid’s dream! 100 Surf Ave., 718-372-0275, coneyisland.com
Kids NYC Summer: Astoria Park Pool (Astoria)
Just because most New Yorkers don’t have their own pools doesn’t mean that there aren’t places to cool off around the city. The Astoria Park Pool is a total blast, and it can hold a capacity of 2,178 swimmers! This scenic pool was build in 1936, and it has both a kiddie pool, as well as a deep end for older swimmers. 19th St. and 23rd Dr., 718-626-8620, nycgovparks.org
Kids NYC Summer: Bronx Zoo (Bronx)
Image: Richard Toller/Flickr
If you’re looking for a zoo to take your children to this summer, the Bronx Zoo is the one to visit. It’s the largest zoo in New York City, and it has the most animals. Giraffes? Yup. Gorillas? Definitely. Lions, tigers, and bears? Uh huh. If you want to avoid the $20-$30 ticket fee, Wednesdays are donation only. This zoo is big, so make sure you wear comfy sneakers! 2300 Southern Blvd., 718-220-5100, bronxzoo.com
Kids NYC Summer: Children’s Museum of Manhattan (Upper West Side)
Children's Museum of Manhattan photo: Facebook
Frolic! is the latest addition to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, where kids can rock and roll while playing in a pop-up play space. Check the site’s calendar to see what events are happening daily, including sponge painting, H2O science labs, and leaf impressions. Who said learning couldn’t be fun? 212 W. 83rd St., 212-721-1223, cmom.org
Kids NYC Summer: First Discoveries For Toddlers At Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Brooklyn)
Image: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Swing by Brooklyn Botanic Garden any Tuesday (which just so happens to be their free admission day) between 9:30 and 11:30 in the morning with your little ones to participate in First Discoveries For Toddlers. Kids can plant seeds, touch worms, read stories, and create special nature crafts while exploring the different garden activity stations. 990 Washington Ave., 718-623-7200, bbg.org