Best Things to do in NYC this Summer

NYC is heating up for the summer! Whether you’re looking for somewhere to make the most of the weather, or escape the heat for something fun indoors, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our list below for the best things to do in NYC this summer.

Swingers, NoMad

Swingers, the crazy golf club is the perfect spot if you’re looking to beat the heat and have some fun indoors.

Challenge your friends to a thrilling game of crazy golf, avoiding obstacles and aiming for a hole in one on three 9-hole crazy golf courses. 

Once you’ve finished your game, retire to the  Summer Spritz Bar, open from July 8th until September 1st. With a bespoke menu featuring four spritzes, we have transformed our Greenhouse Bar into a charming citrus green dream with a unique menu of refreshing spritzes perfect for summer. 

Plus, Summer Sundays at Swingers are extra special. From 23rd June, Sunday you can find all of the below:

•  $20 off peak pricing introduced for golf 
•  $24 golf x frozen cocktail 
• $70 Brunch Set –  includes bottomless cocktails for 90 mins 

Travel to Coney Island

Credit: Dana Andreea Gheorghe on Unsplash

Nothing encapsulates summer more than a trip to the beach! With a trip to Coney Island, you’re guaranteed to keep busy.

At Luna Park, you can enjoy the historic Coney Island skyline from the top of a roller coaster (it’s famous for being the location of the world’s first roller coaster), or zoom around the newly opened electric raceway.

Rooftop pools

Credit: Lifetime Locations

Cool off by the pool – whether you’re wanting a refreshing plunge in the water or just want to relax and sunbathe, there are a number of rooftop pools in NYC that are perfect for those warmer days.

Dream Downtown’s Dream Beach

Credit: Dream Hotels

This hotel’s glass-bottom pool overlooking the hotel’s lobby evokes a Hamptons oasis, featuring imported sand from the famed vacation destination and private cabanas equipped with flat-screen TVs. Unwind in the lounge with a cold drink before floating on an inflatable unicorn. 

The pool deck is open from 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday and Monday, 11 am to 10 pm from Tuesday to Thursday, and 11 am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday, weather permitting. 

Day passes for two people and two chaise loungers are available for $160 (Monday-Wednesday), $200 (Thursday and Friday), and $350 (Saturday and Sunday).

The William Vale

Credit: The William Vale

Exciting news for Williamsburg residents who love swimming, drinking, and tanning in style: The William Vale offers a 60-foot heated pool, open to the public every day during the summer from 8 am to 8 pm. This luxurious pool, the longest outdoor hotel pool in the city, provides a perfect setting to relax or socialize with friends, all within the heart of Brooklyn.

Indulge in the food offered in the delectable menu crafted by Chef Andrew Carmellini’s NoHo Hospitality Group, featuring classic bites and specialty cocktails.

To enjoy this relaxing setting, you can reserve a day pass for $160, valid for morning and afternoon sessions. For groups, options include a cabana for up to six people at $675, a daybed or lounge for three at $475, and a pergola for two at $325. Additionally, you can access the hot tub or sauna for 45 minutes for $60.

Somewhere Nowhere at Renaissance Hotel

Credit: Somewhere Nowhere at Renaissance Hotel

Touted as the tallest hotel rooftop with a pool in NYC, Somewhere Nowhere offers an immersive escape with breathtaking 360-degree views of Manhattan that you can enjoy right from the poolside.

This stylish venue features a diverse range of daily programming. Whether you’re in the mood for a lively pool party with world-renowned DJs, captivating live music, or a unique dinner experience complete with a magic show, Somewhere Nowhere has something for everyone.

To make the most of your visit, remember to book a reservation in advance. This is one spot you won’t want to miss on your next night out in the city!

Outdoor movie screenings

Credit: Seaport Cinemas

Nothing’s better than enjoying the longer summer evenings at an outdoor movie screening. Watch the sun go down, take a picnic, and watch a movie with your friends or partner – much better than being stuck inside struggling to find a movie on Netflix. 

A number of spots for outdoor movie-going open up over the summer – see some of our favorite options below:

Bryant Park – Opening at 5pm Monday nights throughout the summer, with movies starting at 8pm, Bryant Park is a great spot to watch a movie classic. If you’re looking to relax under the stars and watch movies like Titanic and Arrival, this is your spot.

Movies Under the Stars – A program running across multiple parks in NYC, Movies Under the Stars is showing movies almost every day this summer. All showings are family friendly, so you can bring along the whole family or reminisce over your childhood favorites. 

Film Works Alfresco – Head to the Hudson on Monday evenings for New York’s only English and Spanish language free outdoor cinema series. With screenings in English with Spanish subtitles, you can practice your language skills, or just sit back and enjoy your choice of movie from a diverse array of choices.

Visit Queens Night Market

Credit: Queens Night Market 

Queens Night Market offers a great selection of food, music, artisanal wares to browse. Boasting as NYC’s most affordable night market (as well as its first), Queens Night Market features over a hundred vendors, making it perfect for an evening of browsing, tucking into some delicious food, and enjoying live music.

Find the night market at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens on Saturdays from 4pm.

Kayak on the Hudson River

Credit: Hudson River Greenway Trail

If the warmer weather has you heading to the water, why not try your hand at kayaking on the Hudson River?

Head over to Pier 26 and visit the Downtown Boathouse for free and expert lessons to ensure you’re steady on the water and more focused on having fun than getting wet!

Go to a music festival

Credit: Nainoa Shizuru on Unsplash

Extending into October, SummerStage festival highlights legendary jazz musicians, powerhouse women, hip-hop visionaries, and global superstars.

With 85 free performances across 13 parks across the five boroughs, there’s plenty to see. It’s a great opportunity to see some big names in music free of charge, and soak up the sun with some friends.

Check out the lineup here.