Friends, New York City in summer dazzles with rooftop panoramas, food markets and long, sun-soaked days. From iconic observatories to hidden night bazaars.

With an extensive range of family-friendly activities and attractions, the city offers something for everyone. Dive into this guide that outlines the best summer activities that will let you soak up the sun in the Big Apple!

Empire Views

Ascend the Empire State Building, open daily 11:30 AM–11 PM. General admission to the 86th-floor deck runs $48–$53; for fewer lines, express passes cost $92. Sunset tickets (4–5:30 PM) provide golden-hour vistas. Purchase online in advance to skip queues. The nearest subway stop is 34th Street–Herald Square (Lines B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W).

Food Markets

Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM–6 PM, Smorgasburg transforms Williamsburg Pier 5 and Prospect Park's Breeze Hill into America's largest open-air food market. With 80+ vendors, expect artisanal tacos for $8, Korean fried chicken for $12 and vegan ice cream for $6. Admission is free; metro to Bedford Avenue (L) or Parkside Avenue (Q) stops nearby.

Central Park

This 843-acre oasis offers endless summer fun. Rent a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse ($20/1 hour) from 10 AM–5 PM, or join a 90-minute walking tour ($35) departing at 10 AM and 2 PM from the park's south entrance. Sheep Meadow's lawn is perfect for picnics—grab deli sandwiches for $10 nearby—and Bethesda Terrace hosts free live music on summer weekends.

Shakespeare Park

Shakespeare in the Park's traveling "GO PUBLIC!" series brings free performances to all five boroughs. Check the Public Theater's website in May for lottery and standby ticket details—same-day distribution begins at 11 AM for evening shows. Seating is general admission; arrive early (2–3 PM) to secure a spot and enjoy nearby food trucks offering snacks for $5–$10.

Harbor Cruise

Dine on a 3-hour Bateaux New York Premier Dinner Cruise ($250–$300 pp) departing Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers. The glass-enclosed yacht sails at 7 PM, serving plated salmon, plus dessert; soft drinks and coffee are included. For a budget alternative, the New York Dinner Cruise ($120 pp) offers a buffet spread aboard a classic paddlewheel boat.

Lady Liberty

Hop the Statue City Cruises ferry from Battery Park ($24 pp) for round-trip access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Admission includes the grounds and Ellis Island Immigration Museum; reserve pedestal tickets ($44) online to climb 215 steps inside Lady Liberty's base. Ferries run every 30 minutes from 9 AM–5 PM; expect security screening before boarding.

Night Markets

Summer nights glow with pop-up bazaars. The Brooklyn Night Market at East River State Park (Fridays & Saturdays, 5–10 PM) hosts 60+ vendors selling dumplings for $6, empanadas for $5 and bubble tea for $4. Uptown Night Market (Randall's Island, Saturdays, 5–11 PM; $5 entry) and Chinatown Night Market (Doyers Street, Thursdays, 6–11 PM; free entry) each feature live performances and family-friendly vendors.

Yankees Game

Catch America's pastime at Yankee Stadium. Tickets begin at $39 for weekday games and $55 for weekend matchups. The 2 PM Sunday game offers family deals—box seats from $60. Take the 4 train to 161st Street–Yankee Stadium station for direct access. Don't miss enjoying a classic hot dog and soda for about $12 while cheering on the Bronx Bombers.

Skyline Decks

For cutting-edge views, visit The Edge (Hudson Yards; $41 pp, open 10 AM–10 PM) and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (near Grand Central; $54 pp, open 10 AM–9 PM). The Edge's angled glass floor juts over Manhattan's west side, while SUMMIT blends immersive art with panoramic cityscapes. Purchase timed-entry tickets online at least 48 hours ahead to secure preferred slots.

Festivals Fun

Summer pulses through NYC's street festivals. The Feast of San Gennaro (Little Italy, mid-September; free entry) features sausage sandwiches for $8 and live music nightly. Tennis fans can snag US Open tickets (Arthur Ashe Stadium; late August–early September) starting at $125 for ground passes. For jazz lovers, the SummerStage concert series offers free performances in Central Park's Rumsey Playfield—check the schedule for headline acts.

Coastal Escape

Trade skyscrapers for seaside breezes at Coney Island. Board the Q train to Stillwell Avenue; beach admission is free, and sunbed rentals run $10/day. Thrill-seekers can snag $5 ride wristbands after 6 PM on select summer nights. Don't miss Nathan's Famous hot dogs ($4 each) and a stroll on the 2.7 km boardwalk, ending with sunset views over the Atlantic.

Conclusion

New York City in summer sparkles with rooftop vistas, riverside sails, free theater and seaside thrills. With clear costs, schedules and transit tips, every adventure—from dawn at the Empire State to dusk on Coney Island—is ready to unfold. Which NYC summer experience will you dive into first?