School Is Out! Things to Do in NYC and Beyond This Summer While Social Distancing

As the country grapples with both a deadly pandemic and the tragic consequences of systemic racism, Socrates Sculpture Park will open an exhibition of new outdoor monuments this summer. ‘MONUMENTS NOW,’ seeks to address the role of monuments in American society – some of which have been removed in recent days – and presents artist-envisioned monuments highlighting underrepresented histories including queer, Indigenous, and diasporic narratives. Socrates Sculpture Park, as with all NYC Parks, has been open and operating during the pandemic. With Phase I reopening of the city, Socrates will begin installing and presenting ‘MONUMENTS NOW’ with the initial installation and presentation of Jeffrey Gibson’s project, ‘Because Once You Enter My House, It Becomes Our House’ on July 10th. Monuments are created by artists, but ultimately are valued and empowered by society. Throughout the exhibition, Socrates will engage the community through a “visible conversation” which will allow socially distant visitors to respond to the work through an on-site exchange and display process. Artist-curated online activations will also allow viewers to engage with the projects virtually.

Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure is now open from the comfort of your own car! Plan your visit on a weekday for the best reservation availability. Boasting 1,200 animals from six continents including elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes, and lions. Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure takes explorers on an exhilarating, interactive animal adventure. Guests can explore the most interesting and exotic creatures at a 350-acre preserve in Jackson, New Jersey. The journey takes nearly an hour and is done in your own vehicle!

Bike, hike, and picnic at city parks and beaches. One of our favs is the Newtown Creek Nature Walk, a quarter-mile, self-guided, waterfront nature walk is located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Richly planted with native trees, shrubs and other flora, the Nature Walk revives a long-inaccessible industrial shoreline for public use as a waterfront promenade.  City beaches are open for swimming on July 1 and in the meantime, walking, running, exercising, and access to the sand and boardwalk are still permitted during regular park hours.

Photo via Architect Magazine

Golf at Chelsea Piers Golf Driving Range or Mini Golf at Pier 25. Chelsea Piers Golf Driving Range is open with a socially-distanced golf experience. The Golf Club staff is committed to ongoing cleaning, disinfecting, and monitoring of social distancing on the driving range. Reservations are required. For additional information, click here for FAQs or email [email protected]. The 13,000 square foot, 18-hole professional-grade Mini Golf at Pier 25 features a waterfall, stream, pond, a cave, footbridge, and sand traps. Just remember it is cash only.

The Classic Harbor Line (CHL) is actively readying to set sail! Guests can book tickets now with greater ticket cancelation flexibility. Also, there have been many updates to operating practices that guests should review on their website. 

The Parking Lot Social will be coming to New York City, beginning on Wednesday, August 12 through Sunday, August 23. This limited-engagement event modernizes the traditional drive-in experienced through a supersized, multi-sensory attraction. With the ability to host up to 250 cars at each event, The Parking Lot Social represents the next evolution in the ‘drive-in’ experience and offers five nights of incomparable entertainment with the emphasis on having a fantastic night out while maintaining social distancing recommendations. There’s even a 52 foot  Tall Rainbow-Shooting Fire Hydrant and two, larger than life, inflatable ‘Parking Lot Social’ gorillas! For tickets and the complete schedule, visit: theparkinglotsocial.com

Sign up for Central Park’s Summer Guide. This free guide will enrich your summertime experience with engaging content to deepen your love for the Park and enhance your warm-weather explorations.