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Top Story Youth 

Summer Resources for Youth

Michael

It’s summer in New York City! Here are some resources to help you have fun, enjoy free activities, and stay safe.

Recreation: Free summer programs, events, and activities

There are many outdoor venues where children can play and have fun safely in New York City this summer. One of this year’s highlights for children is Little Island Park. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., Little Island Park is a new, free public park pier on the Hudson River near West 13th Street in Manhattan. It hosts arts activities and workshops that are free and open to families and visitors of all ages. Check out the park’s event calendar to stay informed about upcoming workshops and events.

Every Saturday from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, join Rocking the Boat for an afternoon of rowing on the South Bronx waterfront. The program is free and open to the public (no reservations needed). Community members can also try their hand at sailing on select weekends. Learn more about the free public programs on the South Bronx waterfront here.

Every Saturday at Pier 26 in Downtown Manhattan, you can kayak on the Hudson River. To reserve a spot, you must register in advance.  

Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy organizes two-hour basketball clinics for youth ages 7-17, led by KING Hoops, NYC’s premier youth basketball organization. Kids can learn basketball basics as head coaches lead participants through drills and games. Clinics run on Tuesdays from June 8 through August 31, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Advanced registration and waivers are required, although walk-up registrations can be accommodated as space allows.  

Youth ages 8-17 can get free tennis lessons twice a week in more than 36 parks throughout the five boroughs through CityPark Tennis. Learn more and register here.

An extension of the Public School Athletic League (PSAL), the Big Apple Games offers sports and activities for NYC public school youth. All NYC middle and high school students are eligible to participate. PSAL sports include badminton, baseball, basketball, cricket, double Dutch, fencing, flag football, football, gymnastics, handball, lacrosse, soccer, softball, stunt, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track & field volleyball, and wrestling. Check here for additional eligibility requirements.

Urban Farm organizes farms exploration days for all ages every weekend in Randall’s Island Park, Manhattan.

New Yorkers of all ages can enjoy free admission to the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden every Wednesday. However, you’ll need to secure your entry with an advance reservation through the Bronx Zoo and Botanical Garden websites.

Beaches and Pools

NYC beaches are open! Lifeguards are on duty daily, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit the NYC Heath Department’s New York City Area Beaches page for water quality advisories or closures before you head to the beach, or text BEACH to 877-877 to receive real-time opening, closing, and water quality information.

Dozens of free Parks Department pools are open in all five boroughs from 1 p.m. through 7 p.m. daily (with a break for pool cleaning between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.). Find an outdoor pool near you by clicking here.

Summer Learning

If you are looking for a free summer program to enroll your child in, there is still time to apply for Summer Rising, New York City’s academic and enrichment program for students in grades K–12. For more information, visit schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/summer.

Tips for Staying Cool in the Summer Heat 

Whether you are indoors or outdoors, remember to drink water frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty. Call 911 immediately if you experience or see someone else experiencing the following symptoms of heatstroke:

  • Hot, dry skin
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Trouble breathing
  • Confusion, hallucinations, disorientation

Also, get vaccinated to safely enjoy all that the summer has to offer. The COVID-19 vaccine is widely accessible in New York City, and people 12 and older are eligible to get one. Please visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine for the most up-to-date information about the vaccine and where to get one.