New York with kids
New York in Summer with Kids: Beaches, Free Pools and Beating the Heat
Summer in New York is hot, loud and full of free fun: city pools and beaches you can reach by subway, sprinklers in every park, outdoor movies and concerts, and fireworks on July 4.
The trick with kids is timing: outdoors in the morning and evening, air conditioning in the middle of the day. This 3-day plan works that way. Check each official website for hours and dates.
Day 1 · Beach day at Coney Island
Sand, rides, an aquarium and a boardwalk dinner.
-
Morning
Coney Island Beach (opens Google Maps)
A wide free beach at the end of the subway, with lifeguards in season (usually Memorial Day to Labor Day). Swim only where lifeguards are on duty.
-
Midday
New York Aquarium (opens Google Maps)
Sea lions, sharks and penguins, right on the boardwalk: shade for the hottest hours.
-
Afternoon
Luna Park and the Wonder Wheel (opens Google Maps)
Kiddie rides for little ones, the Cyclone for the brave. Go later in the afternoon when the sun eases.
-
Evening · Dinner
Dinner on the boardwalk
Hot dogs, fries and sea air as the sun goes down.
Day 2 · Parks, sprinklers and a cool museum
Central Park early, the museum at midday, a pool or sprinklers in the afternoon.
-
Morning
Central Park before the heat (opens Google Maps)
Most Central Park playgrounds have sprinklers in summer: bring swimsuits and towels.
-
Midday
The Met (with air conditioning) (opens Google Maps)
Knights in armour, an Egyptian temple and mummies, in blissful air conditioning. Kids under 12 go free.
-
Afternoon
A free city pool (opens Google Maps)
New York's outdoor pools are free from late June to mid-September (11am–7pm, closed 3–4pm in 2026). Bring a padlock for the lockers and read the pool rules (what to wear and bring) before you go.
-
Evening
An outdoor movie (opens Google Maps)
Free outdoor movies run in summer in Bryant Park and many neighbourhood parks: bring a blanket and come early.
Day 3 · On the water
A free ferry, an island of hammocks and a waterfront evening.
-
Morning
Staten Island Ferry (opens Google Maps)
Free, breezy, and right past the Statue of Liberty. Sit on the right side going out.
-
Late morning
Governors Island (opens Google Maps)
A short ferry from Lower Manhattan to a car-free island with slides, hammocks, bikes and lawns.
-
Lunch · Lunch
Lunch on the island
Food stands and picnic lawns; bring water.
-
Evening
Brooklyn Bridge Park (opens Google Maps)
Water play at Pier 6, Jane's Carousel and the skyline at sunset.
Summer highlights to plan around
- July 4: Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks are the biggest in the country. Pick your viewing spot early (or watch on TV with tired kids).
- Shakespeare in the Park: free plays at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, with free tickets given out on the day and by online lottery. Best for older kids.
- Free summer concerts and shows: SummerStage, Lincoln Center's summer festival and outdoor movies all across the city.
- Beaches by subway: Coney Island and Brighton Beach (Brooklyn) and the Rockaways (Queens).
Beating the heat
- Plan the day around the sun: outdoors before 11am and after 4pm, museums in between.
- Sprinklers are everywhere: most city playgrounds have them; bring swimsuits and a change of clothes.
- Water and hats: carry refillable bottles; there are drinking fountains in most parks.
- The subway is hot: platforms can be stifling, though the trains are air-conditioned.
Make it a game
A Play Your Trip book turns your summer plan into an adventure: every stop a quest with a coin to collect, every place one tap from the map. Play the demo.
Questions
Are New York City pools free?
Yes. The city's outdoor pools are free and usually open from late June to mid-September. In 2026 they were open 11am to 7pm with a cleaning break from 3 to 4pm.
Which beaches can you reach from NYC by subway?
Coney Island and Brighton Beach in Brooklyn and the Rockaways in Queens. Lifeguards are on duty in season, usually from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Is New York too hot in summer for kids?
It can be hot and humid, especially in July and August. Plan outdoor time for mornings and evenings, and air-conditioned museums or a pool in the middle of the day.