SummerStage: This is one of the biggest perks of living in New York City, and well worth the impossibly long lines. SummerStage is a free performing arts festival that brings artists such as Chairlift, Yo La Tengo, and PJ Harvey to Central Park’s outdoor amphitheater, as well as a number of smaller parks around the city.
Jazz Age Lawn Party: At the Jazz Age Lawn Party, you can dress up in the garb of the 1920s, try old fashioned cocktails, and listen to live Jazz courtesy of Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra. Travel back in time to watch lively jazz performances and dance the Charleston. You can pack a picnic dinner or buy food from a number of on-sites vendors and trucks. Tickets are $55.
Kickball: If you’re looking for a fun way to exercise, how about a game of kickball? If you’re not interested in the commitment of joining a league, you can play as a free agent by emailing fun@brooklynkickball.com and adding your name to the roster. If a team needs a substitute, they’ll invite you to participate in a match. Locations, times, and fees will vary depending on the team.
Ice Cream: Nothing says summer better than a big bowl of ice cream. For great, fresh-made ice cream, go to Ample Hill Creamery, where you can watch the dessert being made while you wait. Ample Hills has a rotating menu of flavors, which includes both classic flavors and more inventive concoctions such as Sweet as Honey (with pieces of honeycomb candy), Mexican Hot Chocolate (dark chocolate with cinnamon and chili flakes), and Snap, Mallow, Pop (marshmallow ice cream and Rice Krispie clusters.)
Rooftop Cinema Club: For about $20, you can catch a good movie and a gorgeous look at the New York City skyline at the same time. The Rooftop Cinema Club has two locations, one in Brooklyn and one in Manhattan. This summer’s lineup includes both recent hits like Hidden Figures and Rogue One, and old favorites like The Big Lebowski and Back to the Future.
Luna Park: Located on Coney Island, Luna Park is New York City’s largest amusement park, with more than 50 rides and attractions. Entrance is free, and you can choose to pay-per-ride with Luna Card Credits, or buy a full-day pass, so you can plan to spend a full day, or just a couple of hours.
