Rockaway Beach Rocks

Located in Queens, Rockaway Beach took a hit from Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Sandy took the boardwalk, homes, and memories. Fast-forward to today, Rockaway Beach is still in recovery but has come a long way since the devastating hurricane.

Rockaway Beach, an 11-mile escape, includes the beach, boardwalk, shops, and Gateway National Recreation Area. Rockaway Beach has become a surprising hot spot for younger generations. Many label themselves as “hipsters.” Surfers, skaters, musicians, and others populate the area.

The foodie culture is only a piece of what makes this place so cool! Take a bite out of something sweet and delicious at CitySticks, or wiggle your way up to the Rockaway Taco stand.

A free public arts festival is open from June 29 through September 1 and sponsored by the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy. There is a special component to the festival, which is a group exhibition that celebrates the efforts of the surfers and artists in rebuilding their neighborhood.

Rockaway Beach is located at Beach 3 St. to Beach 153 St. and Boardwalk to Atlantic Ocean in Queens. To get there via public transportation, get on a Far Rockaway-Mott Ave.-bound A train and exit at Beach 67 Street.

Click HERE for more info from the NYC Park Dept. and click HERE for more great beach suggestions!

Play On! Studios

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! 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! 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! 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&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;

Gaga Madness

Gaga is the hottest new sport in NYC. We've taken the fun of GAGA and pushed it into overdrive. Energetic coaches, pumped up music, sideline commentary, gear giveaways and more. Stay active and keep fit with this new craze that's sweeping the city.