As the winter ands cold weather finally comes to a close in the tri-state area, you’re probably ready to get outside and enjoy some summertime fun. Summer sizzles in NYC with endless activities and events. New York is always an exciting city, but summer brings the freshness of the outdoors in parks, rooftop cafes, and hot nightspots. Get out and enjoy the awesome (many free) things to do this summer in NYC.
SummerStage
Every June 1 to September 24, New York’s city parks rock with premier concerts by the hottest artists of the year, and they’re all free! The events include dance parties, live theater, ballet, an outdoor opera series, and of course musical concerts by everything from New York hip hop artists to big-name indie-rock bands. They make summer the perfect time to soak up the city’s culture with gratis programming. The center of the action happens at Central Park’s Mainstage, and events spread across parks in all five boroughs. Tickets are only needed for affiliated benefit shows.
Ample Hills Creamery
This crazy scoop shop takes a favorite summer to another level with inventive ice cream flavors that range from simple like maple-bacon or chocolate malted to sensational such as The Munchies: a frozen concoction of pretzels, potato chips, Ritz crackers, and mini M&Ms. The special flavors are all made with Battenkill Valley Creamery milk, healthy cage-free eggs, and organic cane sugar. Customers also get a show along with their treats through the production-room window as they sit at the L-shaped marble counter and watch the frosty delights being made.
Central Park’s North Woods
Leave the sultry concrete jungle behind and head to Central Park’s North Woods in the northwest corner. It’s the city’s “wildest” escape where fallen trees are left in the beautiful ravine to provide homes to fauna and food to flora. The area has a natural feel that’s rare in the big city. Go hiking, bird watching, and join in hands-on activities presented by Central Park Conservancy educators.
The High Line
Get the best of both worlds at one of the city’s favorite places for stunning city views integrated with nature. The High Line is an almost two-mile-long railroad-turned-walkway that winds through Midtown Manhattan. Pass through beautiful gardens, the Gansevoort Woodland, Chelsea Grasslands, Chelsea Grasslands, the Wildflower Field, the Sundeck and Water Feature, and more. Visit the site June 1-September 30 from 7a.m.to 8 p.m. daily.