While staying local in the summer can be great—fewer tourists, crowds, and lines—it can also be H-O-T! But no need to sweat the climbing temps and sizzling weather reports!
From air-conditioned museums to boat rides to surf lessons, these 10 activities will keep you cool while having fun!
Ample Hills Creamery
Astoria / Brooklyn Heights / Gowanus / Hell’s Kitchen / Prospect Heights / Red Hook / West Village / Birth – 17 years old
Nothing is better on a hot summer day than a scoop of ice cream! Ample Hills Creamery churns small batch ice cream like no other. Enjoy classic flavors and try out creative new combos!
Bowlmor
Chelsea Piers / Hell’s Kitchen / 4 – 17 years old
When it’s too hot to play outside, take the fun indoors! Whether you keep score or throw up the bumpers, these bowling allies are a hit for the whole fam. Make a day out of it and enjoy tasty snacks and meals lane side and let the kids hit up the arcade for some extra fun.
Camp Olympia
Flatbush / Park Slope / Prospect Heights / 6 months – 12 years old
Looking for a place to just jump in and have some fun with your little fish? Visit one of three locations on Sundays for family open swim. Booking includes a family of up to four people. Lifeguard on duty at all times. Toys and flotation devices provided!
Liberty Cruise
Financial District / 4 – 12 years old
When the city streets are sweltering, a boat ride on the river is the perfect escape! Cruise the New York Harbor while getting a close look at the Statue of Liberty and the iconic Manhattan skyline right from the water. Kids under 4 ride free.
National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey
Hell’s Kitchen / 3 – 12 years old
Can’t make it to the beach? You can still dive into the ocean right in the heart of Times Square! This ground-breaking immersive entertainment experience uses cutting-edge technology to transport you on an interactive underwater journey across the ocean to encounter its greatest wonders and mightiest creatures.
New York Surf School
Arvene / 8 – 17 years old
Take a surfing lesson right in Queens! Learn to hang ten while getting an awesome workout. Learning to surf is a great way to build confidence and self-esteem for your kids and a GREAT way to cool off on a hot day.
RECESS
Dumbo / Birth – 6 years old
On a hot day, skip the playground and head indoors to a playspace instead. Recess features custom-made play structures designed for curious minds and busybodies to explore.
Rolled Ice Cream at I-CE-NY
Greenwich Village / 6 months – 15 years old
Instead of a cone, grab a rolled ice cream to cool off this summer! Choose from one of their flavors or create your very own tasty concoction.
SwimUrban
Lower East Side / Midtown East / Upper West Side / 6 months – 16 years old
Kids of all ages and abilities can dive into one of these great classes offered at multiple locations! At SwimUrban, they teach all ages across the spectrum, providing special education for children with learning disabilities.
3-Day Pass to The MET
Upper East Side / Birth – 11 years old
When a heat wave hits the city, book this awesome deal to spend three whole days exploring the (air-conditioned) MET! The booking provides 2 tickets to all three Met locations: The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters.
Want to discover and book more new activities in NYC? Check out all upcoming activities across the NY Metro for more Big Apple fun!