July events calendar for kids in NYC

What does it take to be counted among the best ice cream shops in New York? The quality of the ice cream, for one. The creativity and variety of flavors, for another. But more than that, you need to have the right disposition: Ice cream is the ultimate childhood treat, the stuff of lasting memories. In other words, the ice cream shops on this list know they're scooping up magic.

 New York might not have the sidewalk cafés of Paris or the beachfront tavernas of the Greek islands, this city has some fantastic outdoor dining—if you know where to look. Some of the best family restaurants in NYC and the best fun restaurants in NYC have outdoor spaces where you and your kids can enjoy a little fresh air. 

The new Stranger Things immersive experience—now open inside the Brooklyn Navy Yard—is grandiosely epic. At 35,000-square-feet, it is a huge undertaking that's co-produced by Netflix and Fever—the company behind a number of other experiential destinations. Although immersive shows seem to be all the rave these days, there's something different about this particular production, which actually requires the participation of audience members to move forward and includes a life-like reproduction of the TV series' Starcourt Mall that doubles as a unique retail hub at the end of the 45-minute show.

The heat is on! Looking for things to do with kids in NYC that will keep them cool? For a thrilling activity that also beats the heat, check out these water parks in NYC and beyond. NYC-area water parks offer adrenaline-pumping adventure with super-fast water slides, thrilling wave pools and more. For the not-so-adventurous, there are lazy rivers and plenty of side pools for simply staying cool. Get ready to make a splash and create fun summer memories!

Curious about all of the things to do on Governors Island? Hop aboard the ferry! Located in the heart of New York Harbor, one of our go-to family attractions offers scenic views, a country environment and a plethora of outdoor activities for kids and adults (like one of the coolest kids' playgrounds NYC—with mighty impressive slides). This year, things will look a little different: Governors Island will open at limited capacity for passive recreational activities like biking, hiking, walking and bird watching starting July 15. It'll be open on weekdays from 10am–6pm and weekends from 10am–7pm. Beginning Saturday, July 18, The Trust for Governors Island will offer free ferries to all New York City Housing Authority residents.

This is a golden age of playgrounds: In recent years NYC has completely transformed what playtime is like for a city kid, introducing creative playgrounds to every corner of the Big Apple. There are so many gorgeous playgrounds to visit in NYC, and our list will help you set off on a fabulous adventure!

When the summer heat strikes, you can always head for a water playground. The city's best water playgrounds for kids are unmatched—these cooling play zones are an essential part of a New York summer.

New York is a wonderful biking town! From protected bike paths on the Bronx waterfront to the low-key cycling in Battery Park City, we'll help you find the best bike trails for families in NYC.

Our guide to the best NYC parks for kids will help you make the most of your sunny afternoon! Simply put, these parks amazing. Some have the best playgrounds NYC families need to visit, others have the best water playgrounds in NYC. Go to these parks and you'll find the best bike trails for families in NYC, and even some of the best hiking trails for NYC families to explore. 

Let this upcoming summer forever be (unofficially) remembered as the season of the roller rink. Following the arrival of a groovy roller skating rink at Rockefeller Center, Central Park has announced the launch of a similar, new immersive, musical and theatrical experience at its own Wollman Rink starting June 16. Woohoo! The ongoing happening is officially dubbed The DiscOasis and it will stay put through October 1.

Just because you live in the Big Apple doesn't mean you can't spend time in the great outdoors. There are amazing family-friendly hikes close to NYC—in fact, the Bronx River Greenway and Inwood Hill Park are right in the middle of the city! So: Check the weather, pack a picnic and make plans to visit mother nature with the fam. These hiking trails are great for children of all ages, from toddlers out for a stroll to bigger kids looking to go for a scramble.

Pack the beach umbrella and slather on the SPF: It's summer, and a trip to one of the best beaches for kids in NYC and beyond guarantee a fun summer afternoon for the whole family. The sand and the sea are the main draws, but the best beaches for kids in and around NYC have plenty of other activities and amenities the whole family will enjoy. The food concessions at the Rockaways are some of the best outdoor restaurants in NYC  while the amusement parks and the New York Aquarium at Coney Island are not to be missed!

It's a berry good idea to go strawberry picking in New York! Not only will you have fresh fruit for the kids' lunchboxes, but you'll be more inclined to whip up that delectable cake that the whole family's been dreaming about. (No birthdays required.)

While it's practically impossible to resist a sweet summer strawberry, let's not let the popular fruit hog all of the attention: Blueberry picking in New York—and the surrounding area—is just as delightful, and if you're craving homemade sweets, stop by your local farm for a bushel of berries!

What's sweeter than peach picking near NYC? If you have a hankering for fresh produce and want to spend some time outdoors with the kiddos, check out these local farms in your area for PYO hours and rules—many of which have changed this year. Not only will you head home with a bushel of fruit, but the adventure makes for a great day trip.

What better way to escape the city than by spending the day at one of the best cherry-picking spots close to NYC?  After all, going to a PYO farm is guaranteed summertime fun for the fam. The kids get to be active and snacky, while the grownups can do their best to save enough fruit to make a crumble at home.

When you're living in NYC it's easy to forget that the Concrete Jungle is surrounded by some truly spectacular nature. Let this serve as a reminder that you're just a hop, skip and an E-ZPass toll away from a weekend of hiking, and swimming, and campfires, and s'mores, and restful slumbers under the night sky! Our curated list of kid-friendly campgrounds is perfect for those of us new to camping with the family. These campsites are easy to access and have loads of amenities, but will still give you that surrounded-by-nature feeling that feeds your kid's sense of adventure.