Fun Things to Do This Summer - NYC Parks

Concerts, yoga, kid's activities, movies under the stars, and more!

When the weather turns warm, it's only natural that we want to enjoy the great outdoors and find things to do that involve the sun and some fun. Or, even make the most out of the star-lit night sky and a romantic stroll while eating some ice cream. It's entirely up to you.  Some of us might commune with nature courtesy of the backyard garden patio of our favorite restaurant, doing brunch, or date night. And, there's nothing wrong with that.  But, just because you're in the Big Apple, doesn't mean that you can't get close to some lush green grass, flowers and trees. Not at all. In whatever neighborhood you happen to reside in, you'll be able to find a park nearby and the great news is that most of them offer a wealth of outdoor activities that are sure to pique your interest

When the weather turns warm, it's only natural that we want to enjoy the great outdoors and find things to do that involve the sun and some fun. Or, even make the most out of the star-lit night sky and a romantic stroll while eating some ice cream. It's entirely up to you.  Some of us might commune with nature courtesy of the backyard garden patio of our favorite restaurant, doing brunch, or date night. And, there's nothing wrong with that.  But, just because you're in the Big Apple, doesn't mean that you can't get close to some lush green grass, flowers and trees. Not at all. In whatever neighborhood you happen to reside in, you'll be able to find a park nearby and the great news is that most of them offer a wealth of outdoor activities that are sure to pique your interest.

For the purposes of this particular article, we will focus our attention on three of the most beautiful, welcoming and unique parks that the city has to offer; Manhattan's Bryant Park as well as Astoria Park and Socrates Sculpture Park, both of which are located in Western Queens. You can't go wrong visiting any of them as each park has something different to offer in terms of activities available and ambiance. Many of the events, classes and workshops being offered outdoors are FREE while others may call for a nominal charge.  It's always best to check with the park's website or give them a ring on your cell in order to obtain the exact information you're looking for.

Bryant Park  -  Midtown Manhattan

Even though this gem of greenery is located in the midst of midtown Manhattan, surrounded by tall, imposing office buildings, once you are here, it's easy to forget the cares of your day. Bryant Park is a veritable oasis that is tucked away behind the historic New York Public Library. There are lush, thick bushes, flowers in full bloom and huge, shady trees just about everywhere the eye can see. It's no wonder that nearby office workers seek out the calming environs of Bryant Park in order to recharge their batteries during lunch hour or after work. One can even get in some serious bird-watching here since many different varieties of our winged friends inhabit the park. There's an outdoor reading room, chess tables, food kiosks and, of course, the world-famous Great Lawn. Not to mention a Parisian-style carousel ( merry-go-round ), that's perfect for families with kids or, dare we say it, couples who want to do something a little adventurous to kick off date night.

This Summer, Bryant Park has a full slate of activities and events that you'll certainly want to check out!  A great way to unwind from the stress of your workday is to participate in their Dance Party. This event takes place on weekday nights, starting at 6 PM. Gather by the fountain and get ready to move with the music. From six until seven, a professional dance instructor will give you a crash course on different dances. One evening it could be swing music; another, the bachata or salsa. Then, when the clock strikes seven, a band will start playing and you can actually practice the moves you just, hopefully, learned.

Yoga, juggling and Tai Chi classes take place in different sections of the park and, let's not forget about one of their most popular offerings, Broadway in Bryant Park. Taking place once a week, from 12:30 till 1:30, these performances by the cast of legendary Broadway shows such as Moulin Rouge: The Musical to Come From Away and Phantom of the Opera, present the ultimate lunch-hour getaway.

 The Park is now celebrating the 30th season of their iconic  Movie Nights on the Great Lawn.  What could be better than sitting on a picnic blanket with the one you love or a group of friends and watching a movie on the big screen, with the Manhattan skyline lit up all around you?  This year's sterling line-up of flicks includes Dreamgirls, School of Rock, the timeless classic Roman Holiday, 48 Hours and Zoolander. You might also wish to take in a performance, on the Upper Terrace, of the American Symphony Orchestra. Don't worry, the performances are not as high-brow as it sounds. The musicians play in small groups and offer their interpretations of a wide variety of American musical styles and genres.

Bryant Park is located at the core of the Big Apple, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues from 40th to 42nd streets. Their website is www.bryantpark.org and, during the Summer, the park is open from 7 AM until 10 PM.

Socrates Sculpture Park  -  Long Island City

Probably THE most visually unique park in all of NYC, Socrates Sculpture Park was founded in 1986 by sculptor Mark Di Suvero.  Mr. Suvero envisioned this five-acre parcel of land, on the waterfront, facing Manhattan, as an outdoor art gallery that would showcase the works of both new and established artists.  In 1998, Sopcrates was thankfully designated as an official New York City public park, thereby ensuring that the land would be protected for generations to come. Socrates does not have a permanent collection. Instead, the park usually presents three major exhibitions each year; the Spring / Summer Exhibition, the annual Socrates Fellowship series and the Broadway Billboard visual initiative. By the way, the Park's founder named his

 " child" Socrates as a tribute to Astoria's large Greek community.

Most of the works of art that are exhibited are actually built on-site. While walking amidst these tranquil surroundings the public can witness the process of creating the amazing sculptures and various other artistic installations.  Mark Di Suvero wanted art to be accessible for everyone and his dream has been realized. 

In addition to the stunning exhibitions, visitors to Socrates can enjoy a wide array of events including Sunset Meditation, which takes place on Tuesday evenings at 7 PM, from May 2nd through the end of August. Brought to you by the good folks at Mindful Astoria, Sunset meditation will definitely restore your inner peace. Participants are requested to bring a yoga mat, a cushion of some kind, or a blanket. Socrates is proud to participate in the Metropolitan Opera's Summer Stage series, which is a recital tour that makes stops at some of the city's most iconic parks. This program will feature rising stars in the world of opera such as Erika Baikoff, Cierra Byrd and Thomas Glass. You DON'T want to miss this!

If you thought that kayaking was something you can only do by traveling upstate, then think again.  In partnership with the Long Island City Boathouse, Socrates Sculpture Park offers free lessons in kayaking and canoeing from May 13th through September 16th. Everyone meets up at Socrates' beach at Hallet's Cove, weather permitting. No prior boating experience is required and all of the necessary equipment is provided.  Looking for something a little bit different to do with the kiddies? Then you must check out Groove NYC's Dance for Kids, which occurs on Wednesdays, July 12th through August 9th, from 11 AM to 12 PM. The mission of Groove NYC is to encourage children, from five to ten years of age, to express themselves through movement. Utilizing music, dance, mindful movement and meditation, Maria Gutierrez and her team want to bring people together and celebrate the joy of authentic expression.  Attention parents and babysitters: YOU will get as much out of this magical hour as will the children! So, come prepared to have fun.

Considering the beautiful surroundings and the all-pervasive good vibes to be found here, there is no better setting for a yoga class than Socrates. Seasoned instructors Jennifer Batson and Yojaida Estrella offer complimentary Vinyasa yoga classes from May 6th through October 15th on Saturdays. There are two sessions available; 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 11 AM to noon.

Currently, the park is featuring Ebb of a Spring Tide, an exhibition by artist Mary Mattingly. Ms. Mattingly's work has to be seen to be believed. It is truly amazing and you will enjoy every minute that you spend looking at her creations.

Socrates Sculpture Park is located at 32-01 Vernon Blvd. and their phone number is (718 ) 956-1819. The park's website is www.socratessculpturepark.org.

Astoria Park  -  Astoria

This gorgeous park has a great deal of history behind it. Covering nearly sixty carefully landscaped acres, Astoria Park dates all the way back to the year 1913. Generations of Astorians, as well as visitors from other parts of the city, have flocked to this oasis, which is situated alongside the East River, in order to escape the heat of Summer.  The site that Astoria Park occupies was originally a Native American settlement called Pot Cove. After the Dutch and English came to America, though, the land was gradually occupied and, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the area was home to several wealthy businessmen who built their estates here. Developer Augustus D. Juilliard began buying up and demolishing these mansions and estates in the late nineteenth century, with an eye on creating a huge public park.

With nearly sixty acres, Astoria Park contains numerous tennis courts, a bocce court, a soccer field, a running track and a skate park.  The enormous swimming pool was constructed in 1936 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration. A long-time favorite of local families, the pool is being renovated, with plans to re-open in 2024. The pool hosted swimming trials for not just one, but three Olympic games in 1936, 1952 and 1964.

In 2007, local residents, concerned about the garbage that could be found along the shoreline and throughout the park itself, formed the Astoria Park Alliance. Their mission is to keep Astoria Park clean and protect the environment. You can join one of their volunteer groups should you wish to get involved. It's a productive way to spend a day. The Alliance sponsors an annual Astoria Park Musical Walking Tour. Sounds interesting, right?  You can bring a picnic lunch, relax and then stroll around the park. At various designated points there will be live music. And you'll have the opportunity to view the works of local artists as well as participate in nature activities.

The Central Astoria Development Coalition also has some outdoor treats in store for you at the park. Look out for their much-anticipated Independence Day celebration. This event has been something that the community looks forward to for thirty-nine years!  This Summer, the celebration takes place on Thursday, June 29th and features a performance by the Swingtime Big band and, of course, fireworks by Grucci. Bring your date or the family and enjoy Movies on the Waterfront, taking place on the lawn, situated near Shore Blvd. between the Hell's Gate bridge and the pool. Save the dates; July 1st, August 7th, August 14th and August 21st. Yet another central Astoria Development Coalition event is their exciting Waterfront Concert series. Performers vary from year to year, but musical genres in the past have included classic rock, doo-wop, jazz, folk and so much more. For 2023, the dates to mark on your calendar are July 13th, 20th and 27th and August 3rd.

The Park is located at 19-19th Street and their phone number is (212) 639-9675. For more info or to contribute your talents to keeping the park clean, log on to the Alliance's website at www .astoriaparkalliance.org.  This is the perfect opportunity to connect with Astoria Park in a very meaningful way. Email Jennifer Sellers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..