Summer Fun Guide for NYC Kids in 2021 | MommyPoppins - Things to do in New York City with Kids

Coney Island's shores are easy to get to, and action packed from the rides to the waves. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks

How to Get to NYC Beaches by Ferry or Train

Hop on the subway, bus, or ferry to hit 14 miles of city-owned beaches.

City of Water celebrates NYC's long history as a port and water-bound metropolis. Photo courtesy of the Waterfront Alliance

100 Free Things to Do in NYC this Summer With Kids

Free activities for every day of summer vacay: No one can complain they're bored with this list!

Head to Haffen Pool in the Bronx to beat the heat and enjoy its Cool Pool paint job..

The Best Free Swimming Pools in NYC for Families

When summer heat hits, visit one of our favorite FREE city pools to cool down.

Catch some thrills at Hurricane Harbor, the water park at Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari.

Best Water Theme Parks Near NYC for Families in 2021

Beat the heat with these 14 family-friendly water parks less than two hours away.

Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun

NYC Summer Camp Guide

Find a great summer camp in NYC for your kid with our guide to nature camps, STEM camps, dance and...

The Domino Park spinklers put a smile on faces young and old. Photo by Jody Mercier

The 25 Best Spraygrounds and Sprinklers For NYC Kids

Hit one of these ultimate NYC splash pads with your kids to cool off on hot days.

Six Flags Great Adventure makes for an action-packed day of amusement park fun.

Best Amusement Parks Near NYC Reachable by Public Transportation

Car-free New Yorkers can reach these theme parks by bus or train.

Hit the shores at one of our favorite NYC beaches, Jacob Riis, for summer 2021 fun. Photo by Sara Marentette

C'mon Summer: 50 Things We Can't Wait to Do During Summer 2021 in NYC

It's been too long since we enjoyed a summer full of fun, but we're ready with these picks.

Enjoy a magical night at the Skyline Drive-In on the Greenpoint waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Skyline Drive-In

Drive-In Movie Theaters in and Near NYC For Summer 2021

Enjoy an old-school movie night at one of these NYC pop-ups or suburban theaters.

There's plenty for New Yorkers to love on Governors Island. Photo by Julienne Schaer

Governors Island in 2021: Best Things To Do With Kids

Governors Island, the seasonal treat that gets better every year, opens May 1 with tons of fun.

Enjoy the spacious shore and freshwater at Fahenstock State Park's Lake Canopus. Photo courtesy of I Love the Hudson Valley

Swimming Lakes Near NYC for a Family Dip During Summer 2021

Take a dip in the great outdoors at these family-friendly swimming lakes near NYC.

Even if it's cloudy and raining outside, you can create sunshine and rainbows inside.

50 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day

Try one of these boredom-busting activities to turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.

Grab a picnic and head to Owl's Head Park for the lush green grass! Photo courtesy of NYC Parks

10 Underrated NYC Parks to Visit Now

Looking for some fresh air and social distance? Try these off the beaten path picks.

Enjoy the spacious shore and freshwater at Fahenstock State Park's Lake Canopus. Photo courtesy of I Love the Hudson Valley

Swimming Lakes Near NYC for a Family Dip During Summer 2021

Take a dip in the great outdoors at these family-friendly swimming lakes near NYC.

Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide

If your idea of a great family vacation is making your kids deliriously happy, then you've come to...

Kids learn soccer skills and the fundamentals of the game as part of the Free Football for All program sponsored by NYCFC and Fidelis Care. Photo courtesy of Fidelis Care

Free Summer Sports and Outdoor Programs for NYC Kids

We rounded up all the info on FREE sports programs for kids this summer.

Set up a picnic in one of the huge meadows at Central Park. Photo by Jody Mercier

10 of Our Favorite NYC Picnic Spots With Built-in Entertainment

Take lunch or dinner outside with the kids at one of these great spots for spreading a picnic...

Bishop's Orchards is a gorgeous spot for berry picking.

Where to Pick Your Own Blueberries, Raspberries, and Blackberries Near NYC in 2021

It's berry picking season, and these farms are the cream of the crop.

NYC Beaches, Pools, and Water Parks Guide

Water parks, swimming pools, sprinklers and beaches—there are lots of ways to cool off in New...

Kids can join parents in kayaks at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo courtesy the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse

Free Kayaking, Canoeing, and Rowboat Options in New York City

Check out these spots where you can kayak, row, or canoe for FREE this summer.

Visit the rides along the Coney Island boardwalk. Photo by Julienne Schaer for NYCgo

Best Things to Do in Coney Island With Kids: Luna Park, Aquarium, Beach, Mermaids

There's always something to do on Coney Island in the summer.

Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide

NYC is a big concrete jungle, yes, but we've also got almost 30,000 acres of parkland. From grand...

Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.

Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids

Find a great weekend getaway from NYC for the whole family with this guide to the best day trips...

Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide

The East End encompasses the Hamptons and the North Fork, both wonderful places to spend relaxing...

Ways to Stay Cool this Summer in NYC

Camelbeach is a perfect place to keep cool with a toddler on a hot sunny day.

Best Water Parks for Toddlers Near NYC

Smaller waves and slides make these parks just right for tots. READ MORE

Splash through the fountains in Williamsburg's Domino Park. Photo by Jody Mercier

50 Fun Things To Do to Cool Off in NYC This Summer with Kids

Feeling the summer heat? We've found 50 ways for kids to stay cool in New York City. READ MORE

The kid-friendly splash pad at the Fountain of the Fairs is made even sweeter when the ice cream truck cruises by.

See the Mega Splash Pad in Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Be warned: The magical mist is hard to resist on a hot summer day. READ MORE

Kid-friendly—and foodie-friendly—Jacob Riis Beach is a quick trip from the city. Photo by Sara Marentette

Best Beaches Near NYC: A Guide for Families

Here's how to get to our favorite beaches nearby (and who has the best food). READ MORE

Kids can join parents in kayaks at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo courtesy the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse

Free Kayaking, Canoeing, and Rowboat Options in New York City

Check out these spots where you can kayak, row, or canoe for FREE this summer. READ MORE

Grab a cone at Oddfellows Ice Cream and go for a stroll.

14 Great Ice Cream Shops in NYC for a Cool Summer Treat

These 14 local scoop shops are ready to help you beat the heat. READ MORE

Fun Things to Do with Kids this Summer in NYC

Explore the South Street Seaport at City of Water Day. Photo by Ian Douglas

Best July Summer Festivals and Fairs for NYC Families

Here's where to find the best family fests and fairs in July. READ MORE

The Redhawk Native American Arts Council has already put on a kid-friendly performance at Lincoln Center's Restart Stages. Photo by Richard Termine

Best Outdoor Summer Concerts and Performances for NYC Kids in 2021

Here are our top picks for mostly free, alfresco entertainment this summer. READ MORE

Hit the shores at one of our favorite NYC beaches, Jacob Riis, for summer 2021 fun. Photo by Sara Marentette

C'mon Summer: 50 Things We Can't Wait to Do During Summer 2021 in NYC

It's been too long since we enjoyed a summer full of fun, but we're ready with these picks. READ MORE

Enjoy a magical night at the Skyline Drive-In on the Greenpoint waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Skyline Drive-In

Drive-In Movie Theaters in and Near NYC For Summer 2021

Enjoy an old-school movie night at one of these NYC pop-ups or suburban theaters. READ MORE

Summer Fun in NYC Parks

Head to Haffen Pool in the Bronx to beat the heat and enjoy its Cool Pool paint job..

The Best Free Swimming Pools in NYC for Families

When summer heat hits, visit one of our favorite FREE city pools to cool down. READ MORE

Sandbox Village at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6 is a sand city with playhouses and and a water spray area. Photo by Diana Kim

Best Destination Sandboxes at Local Parks for NYC Kids

These mom-approved sandboxes are sure to keep your tot entertained for hours. READ MORE

Kids learn soccer skills and the fundamentals of the game as part of the Free Football for All program sponsored by NYCFC and Fidelis Care. Photo courtesy of Fidelis Care

Free Summer Sports and Outdoor Programs for NYC Kids

We rounded up all the info on FREE sports programs for kids this summer. READ MORE

Little Island, aka the floating park, is now open to New Yorkers. Photo by Michael Grimm

Little Island Opens Bringing New Park, Live Entertainment to Manhattan's West Side

Little Island is more than a park. This innovative green space is a community hub. READ MORE

There's plenty for New Yorkers to love on Governors Island. Photo by Julienne Schaer

Governors Island in 2021: Best Things To Do With Kids

Governors Island, the seasonal treat that gets better every year, opens May 1 with tons of fun. READ MORE

Explore the seaside Rockaway Park. Photo by Malcolm Pinckney

10 Waterfront Playgrounds in NYC

Enjoy a play date with a view at these waterfront parks. READ MORE

At-Home Fun This Summer in NYC

This patriotic pop is bursting with watermelon, coconut, and raspberry flavors. Photo by Mommy Poppins

8 Fun Popsicle Recipes to Make with Kids

Make frozen treats inspired by July 4th, cake batter, hot cocoa and more.READ MORE

Learn how to make homemade ice cream for a tasty activity with the kids!

How to Make Ice Cream At Home in 5 Easy Steps

Whip up homemade ice cream in a bag or a mason jar!READ MORE

A cheap roll of tinfoil, an incline of some sort, and water is all you need for a tinfoil river. Photo by Ally Noel

25+ Water Games for Kids To Play All Summer Long

Splish-splash! We've got 25+ fun water games to try with the kids. READ MORE

Make a small business by opening a lemonade stand.

Ultimate Summer Play List: 100 Fun Activities for Kids

Get the summer fun started with 100 (mostly) FREE ways to pack more play into your day.READ MORE

Theme and Water Park Fun

Hershey Park lets you preview its rides for 2-3 hours of bonus park time the night before you visit.

Amusement Park and Water Park Discounts: How to Score Ticket Deals at Theme Parks Near NYC

Hit the rides and slides without breaking the bank this summer. READ MORE

Catch some thrills at Hurricane Harbor, the water park at Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari.

Best Water Theme Parks Near NYC for Families in 2021

Beat the heat with these 14 family-friendly water parks less than two hours away. READ MORE

Visit the rides along the Coney Island boardwalk. Photo by Julienne Schaer for NYCgo

Best Things to Do in Coney Island With Kids: Luna Park, Aquarium, Beach, Mermaids

There's always something to do on Coney Island in the summer. READ MORE

Enjoy the tot-friendly water features at SplashDown Beach. Photo courtesy the park

Best Amusement Parks for Preschoolers in and Near NYC

Try one of these amusement parks perfect for the pint-sized set in or near NYC.READ MORE

Six Flags Great Adventure makes for an action-packed day of amusement park fun.

Best Amusement Parks Near NYC Reachable by Public Transportation

Car-free New Yorkers can reach these theme parks by bus or train. READ MORE

Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide

If your idea of a great family vacation is making your kids deliriously happy, then you've come to...READ MORE

Day Trips and Summer Travel

Olana has beautifully landscaped grounds to explore. Photo by Diana Kim

36 Summer Day Trips from NYC to Take as a Family

Get out of town to take advantage of the fun outside the five boroughs. READ MORE

Bear Mountain State Park offers a great first hike for kids. Photo by Samara Sweig

Easy New York State Park Hikes in the Hudson Valley

These kid-friendly trails are perfect for exploring nature with the whole family. READ MORE

Bring your babes to Long Beach Island. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May

The Jersey Shore boasts some of the most beautiful beaches anywhere. Here are the best. READ MORE

Enjoy the spacious shore and freshwater at Fahenstock State Park's Lake Canopus. Photo courtesy of I Love the Hudson Valley

Swimming Lakes Near NYC for a Family Dip During Summer 2021

Take a dip in the great outdoors at these family-friendly swimming lakes near NYC. READ MORE

Mongaup Camp attracts plenty of families thanks to its lake-front location and friendly park rangers. Photo courtesy of the site

Family-Friendly Campgrounds Near NYC for Summer 2021 Camping

You'll be a happy camper after visiting one of these nearby campsites. READ MORE

Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.

Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids

Find a great weekend getaway from NYC for the whole family with this guide to the best day trips...READ MORE

Archives

Free Outdoor Movies in NYC This October

Good news: The free summer movies extend into September this year. READ MORE

Best Things To Do in NYC in September 2021 With Kids

Say so long to summer and welcome the fall with these fun family-friendly events. READ MORE

25 Indoor Places to Play in NYC to Beat Summer's Heat

Too hot to hang outside? Here are our top indoor picks, AC included! READ MORE

10 Play Fountains Where NYC Kids Can Get Totally Soaked

Kids can splash, wade around, and get wet at these fountains around the city. READ MORE

Summer Streets Returns Saturday: Explore Car-Free NYC With Kids

Summer Streets returns for a pair of Saturdays this August. Here's what to do with kids. READ MORE

End of Summer Checklist: 40 Things To Do in NYC Before School Starts

Pack in all the best warm-weather activities the city has to offer before Labor Day. READ MORE

Summer Activities