Top 25 family-friendly things to do in NYC this summer (2026)

A young child in a striped swimsuit and sunhat plays with a shovel and Hello Kitty bucket in the sand on a lively beach. — Image by Julio Jose Tottil from Pixabay

A Guide to the Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in NYC This Summer

The best summer activities in New York include flying kites, visiting the pool, going on family staycations, watching classical movies, and riding the free Staten Island Ferry. These affordable, family-friendly summer activities in NYC keep the kids active and engaged throughout the summer. Besides, it is important to have a good family bond time, especially during the enjoyable warmth and extended daylight of summer.The time spent doing fun summer activities in NY makes the city feel even more special than usual. There are endless things to do with the whole family all across the city on any budget, like watching a free outdoor movie under the stars, meandering around your favorite museum, or making a splash at a local public pool.

The warm weather and long days of summer make New York City feel even more special than usual. There are endless things to do with the whole family all across the city on any budget, like watching a free outdoor movie under the stars, meandering around your favorite museum, or making a splash at a local public pool.

Too Long, Didn’t Read

Summer Activities in NYC: Visit MoMA PS1, the Bronx Zoo, the New York Aquarium, and The Whitney on free museum days.
Iconic NYC summer spots: Explore Central Park, walk the High Line, visit Grand Central Terminal, browse the New York Public Library, and ride the Staten Island Ferry.
Classic Summer Experiences: Enjoy Shakespeare in the Park, watch outdoor movies, and see fireworks displays.
Things to Do This Summer in NYC: Swim at free NYC pools, explore playgrounds, hike nature trails, fly kites, picnic at waterfront parks, visit museums, attend library storytimes, take advantage of kids-eat-free dining days, and participate in hands-on learning at the Intrepid Museum or AMNH’s Gilder Center.

Where It’s Happening: Across all five boroughs, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

The summer season in New York City is a fun time for families, with many adventures, iconic sights, and events to discover. Whether it’s your first visit to the Big Apple or you’re a long-time New Yorker, the city comes alive with activities that promise fun for everyone.

We’ve put together a comprehensive NYC Summer Bucket List for families and kids, with a mix of free activities and outdoor activities to keep everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, engaged and happy all summer!

1. Head to Long Island City MoMA PS1, where you’ll find exhibitions, performances, events, and more, perfect for families looking for things to do in NYC this summer. Admission is free for New York State residents. For other visitors, tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and free for kids 16 and under.

2. Take a dip in one of the many free outdoor NYC Parks pools.

3. Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Roof Garden and check out its latest exhibition, The Roof Garden Commission: Jennie C. Jones, Ensemble. The project investigates the sound and structural possibilities of stringed instruments.

4. Visit the New York Aquarium for free admission after 3:00 pm on Wednesdays. Timed tickets are required and must be reserved online at 3:00 pm on the Monday before the Wednesday you plan on visiting.

5. It may take effort, like standing in line and going online for lottery tickets, but seeing Shakespeare in the Park is entirely worth it! It’s one of those timeless NYC summer experiences that reminds you why live theater is so magical.

6. Visit the Bronx Zoo on Wednesdays for free admission; you must reserve your tickets (up to 4) online by 5:00 pm the Monday prior.

7. Plan a staycation at the TWA Hotel. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a meal before or after a flight or stay for a night or a few, this hotel promises a genuine New York adventure, ideal for families.

8. Walk the High Line, examine the plants, and experience this calm urban oasis that New Yorkers love. Check out our guide to visiting the High Line.

9. Visit the iconic Flagship New York Public Library at Fifth Ave. and 42nd Street to check out books and admire the Beaux-Arts architecture, a must for families looking for things to do in NYC this summer. Kids will need to keep the noise to a minimum, but it’s worth the visit as part of your New York summer activities.

An orange Staten Island Ferry sails across the water, carrying passengers on multiple decks under a cloudy sky. — Howard Cameron, Pexel

10. Hop on the free Staten Island Ferry and enjoy a gorgeous view of the Statue of Liberty and the Lower Manhattan skyline.

11. Take advantage of the many restaurants that offer kids-eat-free days, a fun and budget-friendly option for families looking for things to do in NYC this summer.

A smooth, organic interior space with curved white walls and large skylights letting in natural light, resembling a cave or dome. — Photo Credit: Iwan Baan

12. Enjoy exhibitions, immersive experiences, and more at the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. It’s part of the American Museum of Natural History and included in admission; however, some exhibitions cost extra, so we recommend reserving tickets in advance. Visit amnh.org for more information. If your kids love science and imagination, this is a fun and inspiring addition to your summer bucket list.

13. Fly a kite in Central Park, then stay a while to explore the jewel of NYC. From rowboat rides on the lake and picnics on the Great Lawn to carousel rides, playground adventures, nature walks, and visits to the Central Park Zoo, this iconic green space has something for every age and interest.

14. Visit the Little Island off of Pier 55 for a unique public park experience. This small island uses stunning architecture and landscaping to create a peaceful escape from busy city life.

15. Kids under 18 are free at The Whitney, where they can discover works by Edward Hopper, Alice Neel, and more, making it a great addition to any summer outing in New York.

A classic brass clock sits atop an information booth, glowing warmly inside a grand hall with tall windows in the background. — Photo Credit: Marcus Herzberg, Pexels

16. Tour Grand Central Terminal and take in its stunning details, from the celestial zodiac ceiling in the main concourse to the opal-faced clock atop the central information booth. Spot the oak leaf and acorn motifs throughout—a tribute to the Vanderbilt family—and test out the whispering walls near the Oyster Bar. Before you go, grab a bite or browse the shops in the lively dining concourse.

17. If you want to get the family outdoors this spring, you will find a variety of kid-friendly hiking trails in and around NYC. From scenic walks along the Liberty Walkway in Jersey City, offering views of the Statue of Liberty, to nature explorations in the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, these trails provide opportunities for both leisurely strolls and educational experiences, making them perfect for family outings. Check out these great spots to explore.

18. If you’re looking for fun things to do in NYC this summer with kids, then this place deserves a top spot on your list. For the ultimate family day out, Slide Mountain at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park is a dynamic playground featuring two-story slides built into an artificial hill. It offers thrilling rides and climbing structures for adventurous kids. It’s a perfect spot for energetic play with views of the harbor.

19. Check out the gorgeous views and enjoy a picnic at the new Pier 57 (largest) rooftop at Hudson River Park. It’s a perfect stop for families looking for summer activities to do in New York.

20. Visit a local library for storytime. One of the best play spaces for kids also happens to be a great way to cool off on hot summer days.

A spacious, modern hall with white floors and dramatic ribbed arches, filled with natural light and scattered people below. — Photo Credit: Pierre Blache, Pexel

21. Visit The Oculus, the stunning centerpiece of the World Trade Center complex. This striking feat of architecture features a soaring white rib-like structure that resembles a bird in flight. This transportation and shopping hub dazzles visitors with its airy, light-filled interior and dramatic design, guaranteed to leave you oohing and aahing.

22. Take a break from the city hustle and enjoy Greenbelt Staten Island’s 2,800 acres of nature, hiking trails, and more.

Fireworks burst in the night sky over a city skyline, illuminating the water below and creating colorful reflections on the surface.

23. Is there anything that captures a New York City summer better than fireworks in the sky? Remember to pick your spot to watch the spectacular Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display.

24. Pack a picnic and watch a free movie under the summer stars, with NYC park events. Visit nycgovparks.org for this summer’s lineup.

25. Summer is the perfect time to visit the Intrepid Museum with kids, thanks to its outdoor exhibits, hands-on STEM activities, and special seasonal programming. From exploring aircraft on the flight deck to attending family-friendly events, there’s plenty to keep young minds engaged and entertained. Make sure to check intrepidmuseum.org for the full event schedule.