Summer Streets Makes Its Way to Manhattan

Summer Streets Makes Its Way to Manhattan

The coolest things about Summer Streets NYC are the car-free streets, free bike rides, fitness classes,  kids’ activities, and fun giveaways along the route.

Each year, Summer Streets gives New York families a rare chance to enjoy the city in a way they may have only dreamed of—without cars. With traffic cleared and streets converted into safe, open spaces, families can walk, bike, scoot, and play without worrying about vehicles. Summer Streets turns major roads into car-free zones and offers free fitness classes, cultural performances, and activities for kids. This year, it’s part of the citywide celebration marking New York City’s 400th anniversary.

Psst… Festivals, Parades, and Fairs Across NYC: August 2025

Bring the stroller for little ones, and scooters and bikes for older kids, or just enjoy walking the route. You can also use a Citi Bike for free. Lyft is offering complimentary Day Passes with promo code LYFTSUMMER25 on the Citi Bike app.

Too Long, Didn’t Read

• Car-free experience: Summer Streets opens major Manhattan roads to pedestrians, cyclists, and families for three Saturdays in August (2, 9, and 16) 2025.
• Route overview: The path runs from the Brooklyn Bridge to Dyckman Street, connecting Lower Manhattan, Midtown, Harlem, and Inwood.
•  What to expect: Free fitness classes, cultural performances, public art, lawn games, and rotating weekend activities.
• Family-friendly stops: The Grand Central “Grand Lawn” at 40th & Park offers seating, snacks, shade, and play areas for kids.
•  Free samples & giveaways: Sponsor tents along the route provide drinks, snacks, wellness resources, and occasional freebies.
• Photo opportunities: NYC DOT art installations and interactive sculptures create fun spots for family photos.
• Getting around: Families can walk, bike, scoot, or use free Citi Bike Day Passes with the LYFTSUMMER25 promo code.

Summer Streets gives New Yorkers a rare chance to enjoy the city without cars, with plenty of activities, rest areas, and family-friendly moments spread throughout the route. It’s an easy, relaxed way to explore Manhattan during the summer.

Manhattan Summer Streets

Summer Streets will take place in Manhattan for three consecutive Saturdays—August 2, 9, and 16. From 7 am to 1 pm, major thoroughfares will be closed to traffic and open to pedestrians, cyclists, and community activities. The route stretches from the Brooklyn Bridge all the way up to Dyckman Street in Inwood, connecting neighborhoods across Lower Manhattan, Midtown, and Harlem.

You can travel along Lafayette Street and Park Avenue between the Brooklyn Bridge and East 110th Street, and then continue across East 110th Street to Broadway. From there, the route moves north along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard from West 110th to 125th Streets and finishes on Broadway between West 110th and Dyckman Street. This route offers New Yorkers (and visitors) the opportunity to walk, bike, or run through the city without traffic, while also participating in events, activities, and rest stops set up along the way.

Each weekend, Summer Streets features different themed activations, sponsor booths, performances, and public art installations along the route.

Manhattan Route Highlights

Each event includes a range of sponsor tents offering free samples and information, which is always good for families on the go, especially in this hot weather. Parents can grab drinks like Smartwater or Vitaminwater from Coca-Cola, and pick up quick snacks including ALOHA protein bars or yogurt from siggi’s and Stonyfield Organic. If you or the kids are looking for breakfast or a midday bite, MUSH offers ready-to-eat oats, while RYZE will provide mushroom-based coffee for adults.

Some sponsors also focus on family wellness and support. Chamber of Mothers offers resources and products for parents, along with space for relaxation. Yerba Madre provides samples of its natural yerba mate drink, and Remitly shares tools for those sending money to family abroad. Many booths offer giveaways, so it’s a good idea to bring a small bag or backpack if you plan to collect multiple items.

At 40th and Park Avenue, the Grand Central Terminal “The Grand Lawn” rest stop offers a nice respite for families. There are places to sit, grab a bite, and let kids play simple lawn games, which is very useful if you need to regroup or take a snack break. For families with children, this can be a helpful stop to rest and recharge during a long walk or bike ride.

Along the route, NYC DOT’s public art adds visual interest and interactive elements. Installations like the life-sized NYC Art Stop Letters make for fun photo ops, and the “Collective Bloom” sculpture invites participation—great if your kids like hands-on activities.

There are also rotating features like the FIFA Skyline to Shoreline Road Tour, which may include music, games, or soccer-related activities depending on the day. If you’re planning to spend more than an hour or two at Summer Streets, these stops help break up the day and keep things interesting for kids. There are enough different things to see and do to keep everyone engaged without feeling like you’re rushing from one thing to the next.

Whether you’re out for a car-free walk, hoping to grab a few healthy snacks, or just want something different to do with the kids, Summer Streets is a relaxed, easy way to enjoy the city as the summer days dwindle away.

Psst… Kids’ Night Is Back This Summer with Free Broadway Tickets for 18 Shows!

Quick Detailed Table About Summer Streets

Simple Safety Tips for a Fun Summer Streets Day

Spending a morning at Summer Streets is fun and easy, but a few simple precautions can help you avoid stress and keep everyone comfortable, especially your kids. Most of these tips take just a minute but make a big difference once you’re out on the route.

• Stay visible: Dress your kids in bright colors so they’re easily spotted in crowds.

• Hydrate often: Bring water bottles and refill them at sponsor booths along the route.

• Use sun protection: Apply sunscreen before leaving home and reapply every two hours.

• Keep your kids close: Hold their hands in busy areas and remind older kids to stay nearby.

• Charge devices: Make sure your phones are fully charged. Give younger kids a small ID card with your contact info.

• Ride responsibly: If you’re riding a bike or scooting, stick to a steady pace and encourage your kids to follow simple bike etiquette.

• Pack light essentials: Bring a few basics like water, sunscreen, snacks, hand sanitizer, and a couple of Band-Aids, so you don’t have to rush around looking for things if you get thirsty, hungry, or get a small scrape during the day.

QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK 

Q1: What is NYC Summer Streets?

NYC Summer Streets. Summer Streets is an annual celebration of New York City’s most valuable public space, our streets. On select Saturdays from 7am to 3pm, the usual traffic noise and honking horns will be replaced by open streets teeming with walkers, bikers, runners, and performers.

Q2: What is the famous street in Manhattan?

The most famous street and the main artery of New York is Fifth Avenue. It connects the north and south of Manhattan. The Big Apple’s most famous street is Fifth Avenue, also known as Millionaire’s Row.

Q3: Do I have to pay to join Summer Streets?

NO! Summer Streets is totally free. You can walk right in and enjoy everything without a ticket.

Q4: Which part of the route is best for families?

Most areas are family-friendly, but some spots have more activities for kids. You can walk a little and stop wherever your kids get excited.