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Find your fun in NYC this summer

Raise your fun factor this summer with our guide to the best events and activities in town—and how to kick the good times up a notch
By Time Out in association with Crocs
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Summer is full of opportunities for adventure—waterways to explore, trails to discover and gorgeous parks to plant yourself in for sunny afternoons (okay, that last one isn’t so adventurous—but we’re totally there). And we love all of that good stuff. This year, though, we want something more, and so Time Out is teaming up with Crocs to say no to standard summers. First, we’re helping you find your fun with dozens of great activities right near you; then, we’re telling you how to take that fun to the next level. Try these great fun-stuffed activities below and use the hashtag #FindYourFun to show the world your summer of good times.

Photograph: Michael Kirby

Grabbing lunch in Madison Square Park

Stuck in your midtown office building on a beautiful day? Hungry after expanding your mind at the Museum of Math? Well, take an extended lunch in this green oasis. Buy a savory burger from Shake Shack, or pack your meal and enjoy the current public art exhibit, a 40-foot tall sculpture, Big Bling, by Martin Puryear.

Make it more fun: Gorging at the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party in Madison Square Park on June 11 and 12. You’ll be pounding your Sienna Flats along the park’s paths to make sure you get a bite from each of the tasty, smokey vendors—some of which are restaurants from as far away as Dallas and Yazoo City, Mississippi. Shop now

Photograph: Lauren Spinelli

Frolicking on Governors Island

Ah, nothing says summer quite like this glorious car-free island—a 172-acre playground of public art, bike riding, historic sites, free hammocks and phenomenal views of Manhattan for visitors of all ages. Round-trip ferry tickets will only set you back $2, and the island is only open to the public during the warmer months, so get going!

Make it more fun: Strut the Charleston and swing dance the day away in your Isabella Sandals on June 11 and 12 during the annual Jazz Age Lawn Party. Come dressed in your best ’20s finery, and appreciate the live jazz musicians. Shop now

Photograph: Chris Lee

Attending a New York Philharmonic Orchestra concert

Not only is the New York Philharmonic one of the best orchestras in the country—it’s officially in the “Big Five” top orchestras—it’s also one of the nation’s oldest, dating back to 1842! Don’t expect any old concert from these classical stalwarts, though; they’ve been known to give both rousing renditions of symphonies by iconic composers—Beethoven, Mozart, Bach—and also amazing versions of movie themes, musical numbers and pop songs.

Make it more fun: See the ensemble for free when it plays Prospect Park on June 17. Conductor Alan Gilbert leads the orchestra through music by Broadway greats George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein and Richard Rodgers. Stick around afterward for fireworks as colorful as your Karin Floral Clogs. Shop now

Admiring Socrates Sculpture Park

For fans of public art, this Queens riverside park is compulsory. Artists create site-specific sculptures that transform the way visitors see the park and make the green space a more desirable a place for passing a summer day. This summer is the park’s 30th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, eight artists contributed pieces to the “Landmark” exhibit, open through August 28.

Make it more fun: Visit on June 21 to celebrate the summer solstice! Slip on your Yukon Mesa Clogs for a full day—in fact, the longest day of the year—of arts and crafts, special programs and a concert. Shop now

Photograph: Filip Wolak

Gorging on culture at Lincoln Center

Whether you’re an opera patron, a classical-music aficionado, a seen-it-all film buff, ballet megafan or musical-theater nerd, Lincoln Center is the home to some of the best award-winning performances and screenings for your preferred cultural outlet. During the summer, you deserve to treat yourself by splurging on tickets to artistic bliss.

Make it more fun: Instead of just enjoying live musicians from the audience, show off your own dance moves at Midsummer Night Swing, Lincoln Center’s annual two-week swing dance festival (June 28–July 9). Don’t worry if you think you have two left feet, because each night before the live music starts, instructors teach the room how to move those Karin Floral Clogs and properly shake, spin and dip. Shop now

Photograph: Dianne Brogan

Lunching at Pier i Cafe

Sip down a cold brew and enjoy the view at Riverside Park’s Pier i Cafe. From your spot beneath a shady green umbrella on the outdoor patio, you can enjoy a refreshing salad or maybe one of the venue’s fresh seafood options like a Maine lobster roll ($22) or grilled mahi-mahi tacos ($18).

Make it more fun: Burn off some of those calories by kayaking for free with Manhattan Community Boathouse at Riverside Park, 72nd Street every Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to wear your Swiftwater Clogs—you might just get wet. Shop now

Photograph: Courtsey the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Spending the day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

If a heat wave has you running for air conditioning, you can’t beat a full day (and then some) of art at the Met—its current complete collection of paintings, sculptures, artifacts and other pieces  is in the hundreds of thousands. The ample windows in the Temple of Dendur and the Sculpture Garden allow you to appreciate the bright sun and the priceless masterpieces of Egyptian and European art.

Make it more fun: Wear your Leigh Graphic Wedges and hit the museum’s roof after work. While you enjoy a cocktail from the bar or the sun setting behind Central Park, you’ll get to admire the current Edward Hopper– and Alfred Hitchcock–inspired exhibit “Psycho Barn,” an installation that brings a scary-looking farmhouse to the roof. Shop now

Photograph: Ari Scott

Laughing at an improv show at Upright Citizens Brigade

New York is known for having some of the best comedy in the world, and at the city’s two UCB theaters, you can see a mix of established greats and up-and-comers without breaking the bank. Known for it’s hilarious improvisers, UCB hosts several shows every night—most of which cost $5 to $10.

Make it more fun: Get cozy in those Yukon Mesa Clogs and strap in for 56 hours straight of silliness at the 18th annual Del Close Marathon. Every year, improvisers from around the city and beyond remember the legacy of the improv legend with this marathon of live shows. Delirious, slapstick ensues—and with a weekend pass, you can stay as long as you dare. Shop now

Photograph: Ethan Lercher

Spending an evening in Bryant Park

During these extra-long days, take advantage of those few hours of bonus sunlight after work with this beautiful midtown park. On any given night, the privately-operated public green space offers awesome free activities like yoga classes, poetry recitations, dance parties and, on a few days in early June, performances of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

Make it more fun: Race your Leigh Graphic Wedges to a spot on the lawn for the park’s famed Summer Film Festival. Each year, Bryant Park teams up with HBO to present several buzzworthy screenings. In past years, movies such as Ghostbusters, Back to the Future and Chinatown have been projected onto the big outdoor screen. Shop now

Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

Taking the Staten Island Ferry

Hear us out on this: We know it sounds a little pointless if you don’t already live in Richmond County, but aboard this vessel, you’ll see staggering views of the Statue of Liberty, lower Manhattan and the waterfront without spending a penny. Hit the deck to feel the breeze in your hair, and buy decently priced beer and snacks from the concession stand.

Make it more fun: Once you’ve crossed the river, go for a 10 minute walk in your Sienna Flats to the Richmond County Bank Ballpark to root for the Staten Island Yankees. Tickets start at just $12 for this minor league team—come on a night when they face off against the Coney Island Cyclones for some borough vs. borough action. Shop now

Photograph: Filip Wolak

Saying hey to sailors during Fleet Week

Cheer on the men and women who serve in the United States armed Naval Forces with the 28th Annual New York Fleet Week’s Parade of Ships on May 25. During the yearly celebration, members of the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard visit New York City, and they bring with them their fleet of ships and planes.

Make it more fun: Climb aboard one of ships during the free, open to the public tours. Bring your whole family in your Swiftwater Clogs to salute the friendly officers. Shop now

Photograph: Courtesy Dylan Johns

Spend a beach day in the Rockaways

Channel your inner patriot and celebrate Memorial Day weekend the American way: with a trip to the beach! The waters open for the season May 28, and you can expect music and amazing food to go with that sand at Riis Park Beach Bazaar in the Rockaways.

Make it more fun: Take that yummy summer feast down by the shore, and let those waves lick your Swiftwater Clogs—it’ll probably still be too cold for swimming, but that ocean breeze and open sky is heaven. Shop now

Photograph: Loren Wohl

See the next big thing at NYC Pop Fest

Play hooky or at least take off work a little early for the annual four-day music festival, which brings indie-pop bands from all around the world and highlights some local up-and-comers for nonstop good vibes. Friday’s offerings start at 3pm at Lower East Side music haven Cake Shop.

Make it more fun: Keep the grooves coming by migrating in your Isabella Sandals with the other music lovers to Brooklyn’s Baby’s All Right for more of the fest and the after party. Shop now

Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson

Chow down on seafood at Brooklyn Crab

Head to this sprawling waterside restaurant for amazing views of the harbor as you get your summer on with Maryland-style crab cakes, oysters, shrimp po’ boys and more.

Make it more fun: After the meal, strap on your Karin Floral Clogs and head to the restaurant’s backyard, Reed Park, to challenge your friends to a game of shuffleboard, miniature golf or the bean-bag toss. Shop now

Photograph: Shutterstock

Explore 85 acres of fun at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Under the iconic bridge, running along the East River is your destination for volleyball, public art, fishing, bocce and great picnic spots. Make sure to bring, or rent, some roller skates so you can appreciate the site of lower Manhattan whizzing by as you roll around the rink.

Make it more fun: Come at night and wear your Sienna Flats for an immersive performance experience NoFit State Circus: Bianco. This joint production of St. Anne’s Warehouse and Brooklyn Bridge Park will keep you on your toes as the circus performers lead you throughout the park to see amazing tricks and acrobatic feats. Shop now

Discover more fun activities

Photograph: Shutterstock

Hop aboard the tram to Roosevelt Island

Choose a bright, sunny day to see New York from a brand new perspective by taking the bright red tram to Roosevelt Island. From your spot in the the boxy aerial tramway, which costs only the swipe of a MetroCard, you can see out the windows sweeping views of Midtown East, the Upper East Side, the East River and Roosevelt Island.

Make it more fun: Once you land, bring a kite to Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park. The triangular, open green space on the island’s southern tip picks up a great breeze off the surrounding East River, which means the kids won’t have to run far in their Kids’ Swiftwater Clogs to get that kite into the air. Shop now

Photograph: Courtesy The PIT

Laugh for cheap (or free!) at the Peoples Improv Theater

Got a bad case of the Mondays? Head to Peoples Improv Theater (123 E 24th St, 212-563-7488) for the cure: Super Free Mondays. Starting at 7pm, the improv shows in the downstairs theater are completely free and, tickets to the more established acts are just $5 on the mainstage. The beers are also fairly priced, which can make the onstage antics all the more hilarious.

Make it more fun: Test your comedic stylings in your Leigh Graphic Wedges with the free weekly Basejam at 11pm, where everyone is welcome to step up and do some improvised scenes with strangers. Shop now

Photograph: Paul Wagtouicz

Forget your workday woes at Gallow Green

Atop Chelsea’s McKittrick Hotel (530 W 27th St, 212-904-1880), a multi-level performance space, sits one of the best rooftop bars in the city. While you won’t find happy hour deals, you’ll certainly find your after-work happy place with a cocktail at one of the rustic wood tables among the lush greenery.

Make it more fun: Make sure your Sienna Flats are on tight and head downstairs for Sleep No More ($85 and up, buy tickets in advance). You’ll be happy for your shoes as you explore the immersive theater experience, which transforms six floors into a choose-your-own adventure reimagining of Macbeth. Shop now

Photograph: Shutterstock

Check out great art in Central Park

In a city overflowing with public art displays, few loom larger than the 34- and 28-foot flower sculptures, Two Orchids by Isa Genzken. On a lovely spring day, bask in the glory of this temporary display at Central Park’s Doris C. Freedman Plaza (Fifth Ave at 60 St).

Make it more fun: Break in your Karin Floral Clogs by venturing further into Central Park (59th St to 110th St, 212-310-6600) to smell real flowers at the Shakespeare Garden—the beautiful four-acre garden that is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Shop now

Photograph: Shutterstock

Quench your thirst at The Well

Weekends should be a time for catching up with friends, but what to do when your pals are picky drinkers? The Well (272 Meserole St. Brooklyn, 347-599-1759) in Bushwick has you covered. Not only does it have a large outdoor beer garden with ample place to sit and stand, it also happens to have 60 brews on tap—great for even the snobbiest aficionado.

Make it more fun: If dozens of options just aren’t enough for you, then come May 6 for the Five Boro Craft Beer Festival at The Well. Stay comfortable, and balanced, in your Sloane Platform Flips as you sample from 100 exclusive small-batch beer options, all brewed from local companies like Grimm Artisanal Ales and Finback Brewery. Shop now

Photograph: Lauren Spinelli

Feel cultured at the Frieze Art Fair

For four days during the Frieze Art Fair, Randall's Island Park becomes a world-class alfresco museum. International artists import projects of all varieties—sculptures, paintings, multimedia—for the annual festival. Some of the exhibits are interactive, so be prepared to take part.

Make it more fun: Learn the story behind the magnificent pieces by signing up for an insider's tour to really get into the art. Make sure you don’t lag behind in your Sienna Flats. Shop now

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Chun Yip So

Eat a pie at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

New Yorkers love to brag about how good the pizza is here, and while there’s much debate on the absolute best ‘za, folks pretty unanimously agree that Grimaldi’s (1 Front St, Brooklyn, 718-858-4300) in Dumbo is up there with the best of them. Sold only by the pie, these coal-baked, thin-crust masterpieces are well worth the long lines. (No reservations)

Make it more fun: Don’t just take the train! Take advantage of the warm weather—and your Sloane Platform Flips—and walk for your supper over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The views are breathtaking, and the 1.1-mile stroll will build up your appetite. Shop now

Spend your Sunday funday frolicking in Prospect Park

Dedicate your next free day to hanging out off the grid in Brooklyn’s 585-acre park. Whether you’re chilling by the lake, picnicking under a tree or hiking along any number of trails looking for wildlife and blooming greenery, you’ll feel at peace away from the hubbub of the city.

Make it more fun: Give back to your beautiful park and join the volunteer corps on May 8 by helping to weed the gardens, paint the structures and mulch in your easy-to-wash (and comfortable) Swiftwater Clogs. Shop now

Photograph: Shutterstock

Ride the East River Ferry to Long Island City

Feel the breeze in your hair as you cruise down the East River—aboard this ferry heading to the popular Queens neighborhood. For a small fee ($4 on weekdays, $6 on weekends) you’ll get to see the city’s bridges and midtown from the vantage point of the river.

Make it more fun: Go on a weekend and work those new Isabella Sandals at the the LIC Flea & Food Market (5-25 46th Ave, Queens). Munch on food from excellent vendors like Grandpa Val’s BBQ and Mr. Guacamole while doing some serious treasure finding among the tables selling vintage goods. Shop now

Photograph: Anna Quinn

Go to the city’s newest green space

Attend the special sneak peek of Staten Island’s newest public green space Freshkills Park (228 Wild Ave, Staten Island). This Richmond County park, which will eventually span 2,200 acres (that’s three times the size of Central Park!) is the city’s largest park-development project in more than a century. During the “Discover Day” on May 15, catch a free shuttle from the Staten Island ferry to explore eight miles of hiking paths, bike three miles of trail through meadows, wetlands and forest, and see a public space come together.

Make it more fun: Pre-reserve your spot on the special kayaking tour. Don your Swiftwater Clogs for the voyage, which will show you the renewed wildlife growing along the water’s edges. Shop now

Photograph: Shutterstock

Grab a spot in Central Park near a phenomenal busker

The city is overflowing with exceptional musicians; you don’t have to travel far before you hear a two-piece jazz outfit, a soulful trumpeter, a guitar-playing troubadour or a classical violinist. The tunes are made all the more great by a beautiful spring day and people-watching.

Make it more fun: Dance your Sienna Flats off at a SummerStage concert in Central Park (Rumsey Playfield, enter at E 72nd St). The warm weather brings huge bands to the famed park, including British funk-soul band Rudimental and electric garage duo Gorgon City on May 18. Shop now

Photograph: Courtesy Hudson River Park Games

Hudson River Park Games

Enjoy a sense of camaraderie at the Hudson River Park Games on May 21. During the annual event, the piers along the 500-acre waterfront park (spans Battery Park City to 59th St) are filled with folks participating in team activities like races, volleyball and tug-of-war, while spectators munch on food from vendors and feel the the river breeze in their hair as they cheer on the athletes.

Make it more fun: Get in on the activities! You don’t have to be much of a team player to slip off your Karin Floral Clogs and do some yoga or learn how to trapeze. Shop now

Photograph: Eric Harvey Brown

10th annual Dance Parade

Watch the 10th annual Dance Parade conga its way down Broadway and East 8th Street on May 21. You’ll see 75 different styles of dance from cultures around the world—including Chinese, Caribbean and European traditions—presented live by parading professionals, amateaur enthusiasts and students.

Make it more fun: Join the dancers for Dance Fest afterward in Tompkins Square Park (7th to 10th Sts between Aves A and B) where you can waltz in your Isabella Sandals with free dance instruction of different styles. Shop now

Photograph: Shutterstock

Bird watch from your perch at the Belvedere Castle

This stone structure (79th St, midpark) offers not only some of the best views of the trees, where you might spot nesting songbirds and hawks, but also the expansive greenery and lakes of Central Park. From up here, you might just feel like royalty.

Make it more fun: Kick back your Leigh Graphic Wedges at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater (Central Park, enter at W 81st St), and watch a classic tale about royalty and Renaissance-era nobility with a free, critically acclaimed performance from Shakespeare in the Park—up first this season is Taming of the Shrew (opens May 24). Shop now

Photograph: Jessica Lin

Take a tourist day in Times Square

We may all take turns poking fun at our friendly visitors, but honestly there’s a reason why 50 million out-of-towners descend on Gotham each year: The sites are a ton of fun. While everyone else is getting out of town, take a day and brave the crowds to appreciate the bright lights, cheesy megastores and maybe even catch a Broadway show.

Make it more fun: Eating your way through the busy thoroughfare during Taste of Times Square (Broadway between 42nd and 47th Sts) on June 6. You’ll need your comfy Sloane Platform Flips as you sample offerings from more than 50 of the neighborhood’s restaurants during this annual block party. Shop now

Photograph: Julienne Schaer

Biking along Hudson River Park

While a bike ride in Gotham can be stressful—terrible traffic, unexpected street closures, jaywalking pedestrians—traveling up and down the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway can be serene. The beautifully maintained Hudson River Park, which spans from Battery Park City to 59th Street along the river, has a designated car- and pedestrian-free bike path. Bring your own bike or rent one from the park, and feel the breeze—with sailboats and lush parks to the west and, to the east, skyscrapers and neighborhoods.

Make it more fun: Take a break from pumping those Karin Floral Clogs for a competitive game of minigolf on the park’s Pier 25. The 18-hole course includes traditional Putt-Putt features, like a waterfall and other tricky obstacles. Even if you can’t ace the hole in one, the spectacular views and the low admission price ($5 per player) makes everyone a winner. Shop now

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Chris M. Morris

Smell the roses at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Nothing says spring quite like budding flowers, and Prospect Park’s gorgeous 52-acre Brooklyn Botanic Garden (990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, 718-623-7200) has a plethora of greenery to choose from. While it might seem overwhelming to explore the entirety of the conservatory’s grounds, the Cranford Rose Garden is not one to be missed. Since 1928, tens of thousands of blooms—one of largest collections in North America—represent countless varieties of the perennial favorite.

Make it more fun: Plan your visit to BBG on April 30 or May 1 (or both!) for the annual Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival. Don your Isabella Sandals to get in the spirit as you frolic among the hundreds of pink-flowered trees and celebrate Japanese culture with delicious food, live music and artistic demonstrations from the East Asian country. Shop now

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Corey Harmon

Picnicking in Central Park

New Yorkers cherish their few perfect spring days after the frigid cold finally thaws and before summer’s sweltering humidity takes over by bringing a blanket or towel to a nice spot on Central Park’s lawn (59th St to 110th St, 212-31-6600). Pack a homemade feast or bring take out from a nearby restaurant, and sprawl out in the sun-soaked Sheep Meadow, or, on a warmer day, a shady spot among the trees and wildlife in the Ramble.

Make it more fun: Work off some of those cheese and wine picnic calories with a romantic boat ride on the lake. If you and your beloved can stop staring into each other’s eyes long enough, you’ll see views of the park’s lush greenery, bridges, and—peeking out above the tree line—the city’s shiny skyscrapers. Be sure to wear your waterproof Swiftwater Clogs; all that paddling might splash some lake into the vessel. Shop now

Photograph: Shutterstock

Unwinding at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden

There’s nothing better for shaking off a stressful day at the office than a cold brew with friends, but a full pitcher of beer at a picnic table beneath some large trees and twinkling, hanging lights at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave, Queens, 718-274-4925)? Now that’s what we call living. This large Astoria mainstay is well known for both its extensive draft selection and Czech-inspired menu, which includes pork schnitzel and pierogi.

Make it more fun: Kick back those Leigh Graphic Wedges and get in touch with your competitve side at Game Night, which the beer garden hosts every Monday through Thursday. You’ll feel like a kid again playing classics like Operation, Cranium, Scattergories and Taboo. Shop now

Photograph: Pedro Feria Pino

Catching a movie at Nitehawk Cinema

Don’t let April showers rain on your fun parade. At this Williamsburg cinema, not only can you get tickets to some of the best major blockbusters and action franchises, but you can also see smaller, well-curated indie flicks as well. The in-theater service, with cocktail, dinner and artisanal popcorn on the menu, makes this spot a movie buff's heaven.

Make it more fun: Sure you can see a new release, but why not go for a tried-but-true classic during the April Brunch series: When Nature Attacks. Reserve a spot at noon on weekends for the brunch menu and flicks like Earthquake and The Poseidon Adventure that will leave you shaking in your Yukon Mesa Clogs. Shop now

Photograph: Shutterstock

Getting your thrills at Luna Park

A trip to Coney Island isn’t complete until you scarf down a Nathan’s Famous hot dog then ride a stomach-turning Luna Park roller coaster (1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn; 718-373-5862). Scream “whee!” as you’re jolted every which way on new rides like the Endeavor, or stick to a classic, the wooden Coney Island Cyclone, which has been operating since 1927 (yep, that’s 89 years ago).

Make it more fun: After all that excitement, take a break of fresh sea air on the beach. Your Swiftwater Clogs will protect your feet from the sharp shells while letting those icy waves cool you off, making you long for summer. Shop now

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Dan DeLuca

Strolling midday through Bryant Park

Let’s face a fact: It’s hard to take some time to yourself when you work in Manhattan. That’s why it’s important to use your designated lunch break for some much-needed alone time away from the office. Few places in midtown make for a greater oasis than Bryant Park (40th St to 42nd St, 212-768-4242), where the ample benches, large granite fountain and 100,000 daffodils are a welcome break from the surrounding urban jungle.

Make it more fun: Make sure your Karin Floral Clogs are on tightly for a competitive game of table tennis. The park’s Ping-Pong tables, paddles and balls are free to use, provided you and your competitor sign up for a 10-minute time slot, which means all that pent up aggression you feel for your cubicle neighbor can be unleashed on the ball and not at work. Shop now

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Angela N.

Getting lost at the MoMA

Considered to have one of the best modern and contemporary art collections in the world, the Museum of Modern Art is worth a visit no matter the time of year. That being said, something about the spring makes Monet’s “Water Lilies” all the more serene, and many guests are tempted to stay a while in the museum’s Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, where works by Picasso and Matisse are on display.

Make it more fun: Slip on those Sienna Flats for the “Edgar Degas: Strange New Beauty” exhibit. You’ll need the comfortable shoes as you take your time examining the Parisian modern artist’s 120 Monotype prints. Shop now

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Shinya Suzuki

Sampling the food vendors at Williamsburg Smorgasburg

The city’s foodies are salivating with the return of Smorgasburg to the East River State Park on Saturdays. Dozens of food vendors gather to sell food inspired by cuisines from around the globe, with dishes from Colombia, India, China and beyond. Don’t skimp on dessert either: Blue Marble ice cream, Biteme cheesecakes and Dough doughnuts are just the tip of the iceberg.

Make it more fun: Ride the sugar high and stroll your Sloane Platform Flips over to Brooklyn Bowl (61 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn; 718-963-3369). It might be known for its concert calendar, but with 16 lanes and family-friendly hours every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5pm, it’s also a great place to knock down pins. Shop now

Photograph: Liz Clayman

Explore Flushing Meadows–Corona Park

The city’s second-largest park is quite the doozy. As the former grounds to not one, but two, World's Fairs (1939 and 1964), the 897-acre Flushing Meadows–Corona Park (Grand Central Pkwy to Van Wyck Expwy, 718-760-6565) is the epicenter of Queens’ cultural institutions. While roaming the grounds, you’ll come across the Queens Zoo, Queens Botanical Garden, Arthur Ashe Stadium (home of the U.S. Open), New York Hall of Science and Queens Museum. If you’re just planning on taking it easy though, forget the museums and try fishing in Meadow Lake.

Make it more fun: Kick back your blue Swiftwater Clogs and root for the home team at nearby Citi Field, home of the Mets. The 2015 National League Champions are back in Queens for the season, and they’re hoping to bring the World Series back to the borough—and take the championship they lost months ago. Shop now

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