Amid the many pleasures of summer, parents also face the stress of figuring out what to do with kids during the two long months between the end of one school year and the start of another.
Gothamist scanned the city for free options to keep kiddos entertained during the sweltering days ahead. Archery, hiking, canoeing — some of the staples of an outdoor getaway are available right here for free. Welcome to summer (camp) in the city!
Nature lovers and sports fans
- Have a ball: The City Parks Foundation has free soccer, tennis and golf lessons once or twice a week in all boroughs from early July to early August, plus daily fitness activities. Register in advance online. The parks department also organizes outdoor fun and activities at playgrounds across the city through the drop-in Kids In Motion program, along with other workshops and events. (Insect exploration anyone?)
- Hit the water: Free kayaking abounds. In Manhattan, hit the water at Pier 26 and Pier 96. Volunteer-run Kayak Staten Island is free on dates throughout the summer. In Queens, there’s Long Island City Community Boathouse and the Community Boathouse in Rockaway. In Brooklyn, try Brooklyn Bridge Park, Red Hook Boaters or the North Brooklyn Community Boathouse.
- Go fish: At the Dana Discovery Center on 110th Street, kids can borrow fishing poles and corn kernel bait for free catch-and-release fishing on the Harlem Meer. Fishing is also available at Hudson River Park.
- Take a hike: Follow a trail, join a group through the parks department or explore the city’s 20,000 acres of forests, wetlands and grasslands through the Natural Areas Conservancy, which hosts free trail maintainer trainings and tours.
- Relax: Scenic Wave Hill in the Bronx and its lush gardens have free admission on Thursdays.