Summer Fun Guide: Our Favorite Beaches Around NYC

Point Pleasant Beach; photo by Matthew Bietz

The Return Of The Hipster…
Months after Superstorm Sandy wrecked havoc in the neighborhood, Rockaway Beach in Queens has reopened with four boardwalk islands at Beach 86th, 97th, 106th, and 116th Streets. Traditionally, we’ve recommended the area in the upper numbers, around 103rd, for quieter fun in the sun. Gourmet fare like lobster rolls and arepas should be returning, not to mention a brand new wine bar for parents.

…And The Return Of The Campy
Another comeback story to celebrate: Most of everyone’s favorite Coney Island attractions have been restored in time for the summer 2013 season—plus a few new Luna Park rides. Hop aboard the historic wooden Cyclone coaster, catch a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game at MCU Park, and marvel at a magic show that takes you through the ages. This is also a great spot to enjoy dogs and fries as you people watch!

A Blast From The Past
On the Point Pleasant Beach slice of the Jersey Shore, you’ll find a mile-long boardwalk (dubbed Jenkinson’s) with an old-timey but not-too-cheesy vibe. Buff lifeguards cruise the beach on those groovy dune buggies, candy apples practically sell themselves, and mini golfers roam free.

The Swimmer’s Paradise
The world-class swimming hub in Wantagh, Jones Beach, boasts 6.5 miles of ocean beach, a gentler bathing area ideal for little ones, and two swimming pools. This stretch is also great for the avid shell collector or marine pet seeker, ripe with large horseshoe crabs along the shore. When you’re ready to towel off, head to the boardwalk for a round of miniature golf or visit the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center.

Worth The Trek
While it lacks in proximity, Robert Moses Beach at Fire Island makes up for it in spades by being calmer, cleaner, and less crowded than its more conveniently located counterparts. Offering five miles of beautiful ocean beaches, as well as amenities like chair and umbrella rentals, concessions, and restrooms with showers, this beach is the perfect summer daytrip destination.

More from our SUMMER FUN GUIDE:
11 Top Water Parks Within Driving Distance
Local Fishing, Kayaking, And Sailing
Editor’s Picks: Camping For Families
(Inter)Active Fun In Parks & Zoos
Garden Oases, Animal Encounters, And Good Learnin’

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Cucu's PlayHouse

<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">Interactive, live-streaming music and movement class in Spanish for babies, toddlers and preschoolers!<br />Join us every day from Monday through Saturday at 1:30 pm EST to sing, dance and play together while learning Spanish from your home.</div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> </div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">This class is part of a Spanish Immersion Program where your child will be introduced to basic concepts like the animals, colors, numbers and letters. All of these through the universal language of Music. Each session is fun, interactive and engaging.<br />A selection of Children Songs in Spanish guides the class from start to finish. Activities are related to the lyrics, in order to familiarize the children with the words and their meanings. Some of the songs encourage the children to dance. Nilda uses puppets, musical instruments, and props to teach children basic vocabulary through action and interaction, rather than through translation.</div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"><br />The classes are streamed on Zoom's webinar platform. Participants (children, parents, nannies) are able to join the video from their homes and interact with us in real-time, it is a fun and engaging experience.</div>

Play On! Studios

<p>Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games!</p> <p>Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun!</p> <p>Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show!</p> <p>During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we’ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us.</p> <p> </p>

Speakitaly NYC

<p>SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.  Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress. </p> <p>Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge.</p> <p>Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City… Who doesn’t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history & in the arts?</p> <p>Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor’s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"</p>