Top Things to Do in New York City This Summer

There’s no denying it: New York City is a great place to spend the summer. Not only is it a perfect place to learn English, but there’s also plenty of excitement with many outdoor events and activities. During the summer, New Yorkers really take it to the streets:

4th of July Fireworks

Every year, Americans celebrate the anniversary of our independence from England on 4th July, and in New York City, the people certainly know how to do so in style. This is a fantastic day of barbeques, beach parties and music with a wonderful festival atmosphere.

The highlight, of course, is the night-time firework display over Brooklyn Bridge. Although it doesn’t get underway until 9pm, you’ll need to be in place by 5pm if you want to see the show. You’ll find the best viewpoints at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade and the east side of Lower Manhattan.

Street Fairs

One of New York City’s most endearing characteristics is the huge number of street fairs which spring up all over the city during summer, which feature countless vendors selling hand-made items, games for kids and much more. What better way to connect with a place than to mingle with locals on the streets of their own neighborhoods, enjoying the many delights on offer?

Lists of New York City’s street fairs are readily available; so, you can easily find where to go on any given day. Generally, they tend to get underway at around 11am-12pm and last until 6-7pm.

Ad-hoc Street Games

New York City is a large, bustling city of over 8 million inhabitants. Fortunately, that means there’s never a shortage of players if you want to start a pick-up game. So, no matter what you’re looking for (street hockey, basketball, skateboarding, roller blading, ultimate disk, etc.), chances are there will always be a few spontaneous games getting underway at any point in the city.

And these ad-hoc street games not only provide great fun and useful exercise, but they’re also a great way to meet local people. So, be ready to really get to know the soul of New York City.

Water Play Areas in the Park

Inevitably, New York City’s parks are some of its best loved features. Who wouldn’t love a green space in such a vast concrete jungle, right? But during the summer, water play areas make these parks that extra bit special.

New York City’s parks are just full of water features: sprinklers, fountains, ponds and beautiful spraying statues. And it’s no wonder kids love them so much; they are not only cool and refreshing on a hot summer’s day, but they also provide for endless of hours of fun. For parents looking for great family days out, few things beat letting your children run wild at a water play area in a New York City park.

So, if you are fortunate enough to be in New York City this summer, make sure you don’t miss out on these events and activities. After all, these are some of the things that make New York City such a fantastic city. So do as the locals do, and take it to the streets this summer.