NYC
The weather in New York City might be sticky and humid in summer, but events around town are plentiful and often inexpensive. Here are some ideas for things to do in the Big Apple during months when schools are out and those heavy city coats are nowhere to be found:
1. Shakespeare in the Park. Seeing a show at the lovely Delacorte Theater in Central Park is an experience for which many would give an arm and a leg; fortunately, all you have to do is show up early on the day and wait in line (usually for a couple hours). It’s pretty much the only way to get tickets, but the good news is it’s free! There’s a limit of two tickets per person and you should be prepared to kill some serious time – bring some munchies and a deck of cards along with a fun group of people, and you won’t regret it come curtain call.
2. Summer Film Festival in Bryant Park. Also free, this series of outdoor film screenings has a good selection for 2012 and isn’t too far away from other attractions in midtown, which you’ll no doubt be passing through anyway on your trip. Classics include Roman Holiday, Rebel Without a Cause, the Adventures of Robin Hood, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. The lawn opens at 5pm – expect your bags to be inspected on your way in.
3. See the Yankees play. Baseball season brings with it the leisurely enjoyment of the all-American pastime, here again to offer genuine (albeit pricy) fun in the sun. If the ticket prices seem a little steep, you could catch a minor league game with the Brooklyn Cyclones or the Staten Island Yankees instead.
4. Water sports. Rent a kayak for free with Downtown Boathouse, which has multiple locations and offers river outings on the weekends. No reservations – just show up and follow all the rules!
5. Eat up the summer. Grab a smoothie from Jus near Union Square (or Thompson Cafe on Thompson Street, Taim at Waverly Place, or One Lucky Duck at E 17th). Apples and berries are ripe in summer and thus perfect for picnics. New York has loads of restaurants with outdoor patios or balconies; Patroon, Shake Shack, Dos Caminos, and Hudson River Cafe are pleasant ways to treat yourself.
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July 11, 2012 by Viator
Free Things To Do, Things To Do