Fun summer activities for kids in NYC

This massive attraction is the largest metropolitan zoo in the country. Spanning 265 acres, it has numerous exhibits, forests, outdoor activities and restaurants. Oh, and don’t forget about the 5,000-plus animals! There are lions and tigers and bears (both grizzly and polar), all residing in naturalistic exhibits. You can easily spend hours walking the tree-shrouded trails past exhibits named after continents (African Plains) or taxonomic class (World of Reptiles). The zoo also has premium exhibits for an additional fee, such as the Wild Asia Monorail and the Bug Carousel, but the sea lion feeding is completely free and highly recommended.

The more activities you can do outside this summer, the better. Why not take advantage of the warm weather, right? Riverdale Stables is located in the Bronx and dubs itself, “Where New York City Learns To Ride!" If you’ve never tried riding, grab some durable shoes (boots if you have them), and hit the saddle. Riverside Stables are open for lessons by appointment seven days a week. They also offer a summer program that is currently open for enrollment.

Take a foraging tour at Prospect Park, Forest Park, Central Park, and more parks throughout the New York tri-state region and beyond! You’ll learn about the common and mostly overlooked wild plants and mushrooms that are not only edible but also medicinal. They’re often considered “weeds,” but after a tour with “Wildman” Steve Brill and his daughter, Violet Brill, your family might think twice the next time they step into the local supermarket. You can take a tour of a local park and also gain a new skill!

You don’t have to vacation in New England to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. In case you haven’t noticed, New York has beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Ocean that are home to marine life. The American Princess Cruises are approximately 3.5 hours long and depart from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Pier 3. There’s a great chance you will see whales or dolphins while on the tour. Kids under five are free as long as their ticket is reserved ahead of time, which makes this a great option for families with your children.

Biking is the new walking, didn’t you hear? This 172-acre, car-free island is full of public art, historic forts and buildings, and brand-new park features. With multiple biking companies like Blazing Saddles, it’s easy to rent a bike, scooter, or surrey to explore Governor’s Island. You can take a simple trip to the island and upgrade it by making it a fun adventure for the entire family to explore a new and scenic part of New York. Governor’s Island is only a 7-minute ferry ride from Manhattan. Blazing Saddles is located on Hay Road, between Castle Williams and Colonels Row. Don’t forget your sunscreen and bug spray!

Let’s not forget that New York is an incredibly historical city. It’s easy to take advantage of the 140 landmarks in the city. Yes, there are that many. If you want to travel (or cruise) back in time, book a tour with Circle Line Sightseeing. You can sail around the Hudson and East Rivers to see the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building, and the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg bridges. Circle Line offers one, two, or two-and-a-half-hour-long cruises.

Alright, let’s run down some of New York’s best beaches. We have Rockaway Beach, Coney Island, and Fort Tilden Beach. That’s just in the city. There are also Long Island and New Jersey beaches that are a short drive or train ride away. If you are going to make a family outing to a beach, bring some towels, water, snacks, and all of your swimming essentials. If you want to avoid crowds, try to head out early in the day.

Every family needs a little healthy competition—emphasis on healthy. We’re not going to assume that you might end up in a heated match with your kid over miniature golf, but we also can’t assure you that it won’t happen. What we can assure you is that the views at Hudson River Park combined with it being Manhattan’s only 18-hole mini-golf course make it the perfect outing for a family looking to enjoy a fun group activity. Remember … it’s just a game.

You might be sensing a theme here. Manhattan is an island, but not everyone utilizes the benefit of being surrounded by water. Just because it’s a city doesn’t mean there aren’t a ton of activities based in nature. Summer is a great time to take advantage of water sports that are available like kayaking or paddleboarding. Manhattan Kayak Club is currently taking reservations for summer and they have options for beginners and advanced paddlers alike.

If the Bronx Zoo interests you then most likely, so will the New York Aquarium. You can view the Pacific octopus up close, see moon jellies and check out zombie worms, which apparently exist. But, just like the zoo, you must have a date-specific ticket before you arrive and masks are recommended. It’s also great for families with young children because kids two and under can visit the aquarium for free!

There are two types of people in this world: People that love amusement parks and those who … well, don’t. If riding roller coasters makes your stomach flip (in a good way!) then book a ticket to Six Flags Great Adventure ASAP. If you’re not into rollercoasters, you can still have a great time at their Wild Safari Drive-Through. You and your family will have a blast either way and the New Jersey amusement park is a short drive from the city.

We’re aware there are a lot of outdoorsy activities on this list. New York City is surprisingly full of rich outdoor activities that have nothing to do with dining or shopping. Who knew? There are even hiking trails that are accommodating for even your smallest family members. The next time you want to get your heart pumping, try going for a hike with your family instead of hitting the gym. It’s a great way to switch up the scenery.

There’s something nostalgic about a drive-in theater. There’s also something timeless about the act of grabbing a blanket, hopping in the car, and parking to watch a late-night movie. You can probably find one in almost every state in the country. They’re not specific to New York, but Skyline Drive-In airs a film and shows spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. If the movie doesn’t capture your attention, we’re confident the beautiful view of the city will.

Central Park and Prospect Park are the most popular places to find some greenery in New York. The next time you’re heading to one of the city’s beautiful parks bring a blanket and food for a little family picnic. It’s much more affordable than taking your entire family to eat at a restaurant and dare we say it’s more fun? Sure, going out to dinner is a treat but there’s something special about a day devoted to enjoying the weather and having a family picnic.

Monkey bars? So basic. Swings? Boring Check out one of the best NYC playgrounds, which put the playgrounds most adults grew up with to shame. Spots like Ancient Playground in Central Park, Beach 30th St. in Rockaway, and Slide Hill on Governor’s Island are sure to keep your children busy and let them get their energy out in a fun way. You can bring your kids, their friends, and while you’re at it, bring out your inner child.