School’s out and summer is officially here! Historically, family vacations and summer are a perfect pairing, but sometimes getaways can be hard to schedule around work demands or budget constraints. As a result, more families are seeking alternatives to the traditional road trip, and are vacationing locally. With New York at your fingertips, the “staycation” (a stay-at-home vacation) is a wonderful option. Millions of tourists visit the New York metro area annually, and you’re already here — so start planning!
Take advantage of access to world-renowned sights and attractions. Whether it is art, science, or New York history that interests your family, go visit a local museum. Seeking an indoor escape from the summer heat? Consider local attractions, architectural gems, shopping, or a Broadway show.
Or, for some fresh air, visit a botanical garden, aquarium, or zoo. Governors Island is the perfect place to spend the day. Just take the ferry to the 172-acre island where you can ride bikes and have a picnic. On July 19, the newest development on the island, “The Hills,” will open for exploration and play.
Sporting events are always a fun activity to enjoy with kids. The summer offers professional baseball games by four teams: Major League Baseball’s New York Mets and New York Yankees, and the NY-Penn League’s Brooklyn Cyclones and the Staten Island Yankees. Take in a game played by the Women’s National Basketball Association’s New York Liberty, or a match at the United States Tennis Association’s grand-slam tournament, the U.S. Open (including Arthur Ashe Kids Day on Aug. 27).
A cost-effective way to see attractions in the city is to purchase a CityPass, which boasts a 40 percent discount on standard ticket prices. This is the perfect way to make the most of your staycation. You could even take it a step further by staying at a hotel overnight, where you can swim in the pool and order room service with the kiddos!
Here are a few of the city’s most popular museums and attractions. Pretend you’re a tourist and go visit!
Museums
9-11 Memorial and Museum [180 Greenwich St. between Fulton and Liberty streets at World Trade Center, (212) 266–5211, 911memorial.org]
Pay your respects to the victims of the 9-11 attacks and observe a moment of silence at the twin reflecting pools, where the names of every person who died are inscribed. Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 9 am–8 pm; Friday through Saturday, 9 am–9 pm. Last entry two hours prior to close. Not valid on 9-11. Memorial hours are daily from 7:30 am to 9 pm.
American Museum of Natural History [Central Park West at 79th Street on the Upper West Side, (212) 769–5100, amnh.org]
Explore human cultures, the natural world, and the universe, world-renowned dioramas, the 94-foot-long blue whale, and incredible dinosaur halls. Don’t miss Hayden Planetarium’s Space Show. Open daily, 10 am–5:45 pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum [1071 Fifth Ave. at 89th Street on the Upper East Side, (212) 423–3500, Guggenheim.org]
See Frank Lloyd Wright’s modern architecture and enjoy one of the world’s finest collections of 20th century art. Open Sunday through Wednesday and Fridays, 10 am–5:45 pm; Saturdays, 10 am–7:45 pm. Closed Thursdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum [Pier 86 at W. 46th Street and 12th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen, (877) 957–SHIP, intrepidmuseum.org]
Explore history, science, and service aboard the former aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, a National Historic Landmark. Open Nov. 1 through March 31, daily 10 am–5 pm; April 1 through Oct. 31: Monday through Friday 10 am–5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am–6 pm; holidays 10 am–6 pm. Last entry one hour prior to close. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Metropolitan Museum [1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd Street on the Upper East Side, (212) 535–7710, metmuseum.org]
One of the most visited museums and attractions in the city, admission includes same-day admission to The Met Breuer and The Met Cloisters. Sunday through Thursday 10 am–5:30 pm; Friday through Saturday, 10 am–9 pm. Galleries are cleared 15 minutes before closing. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and the first Monday in May.
Other sights
Empire State Building [350 Fifth Ave. at 34th Street in Midtown, (877) 692–8439, esbnyc.com]
Enjoy 360-degree open-air views during the day or a late-night view of the world’s most dazzling city skyline. Open daily 8 am–2 am. Last elevator leaves 45 minutes before close. Special holiday hours apply.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck [30 Rockefeller Pl. between Fifth and Sixth avenues, (877) 692-7625, topoftherocknyc.com]
Experience panoramic views from interior and exterior decks on the top three floors of this legendary art deco skyscraper. Open daily, 8 am–midnight. Last elevator ascends at 11 pm. Hours may vary on holidays.
Tours
Circle Line (Pier 83, West 42nd Street at 12th Avenue in Midtown, circleline42.com)
Experience magnificent views of the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, The United Nations, and much more. The Beast speedboat ride available May through September. Special schedule Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day and July 4. Closed Christmas Day.
Other links:
Arthur Ashe Kids Day: Arthurashekidsday.com
Brooklyn Cyclones: www.brook
CityPass: Citypass.com
Governors Island: Govisland.com
New York Liberty: Liberty.wnba.com
New York Mets: NewYork.Mets.mlb.com
New York Yankees: Yankees.mlb.com
Staten Island Yankees: www.siyan
U.S. Open: Usta.usopen.org
Shnieka Johnson is an education consultant and freelance writer. She is based in Manhattan where she resides with her husband and son. Contact her via her website: www.shnie
