No visit to New York in the summer is complete without spending time in Central Park. You can take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride through the park or row or paddle a boat around the lake. Catch a free performance of Shakespeare in the Park, or attend one of many free SummerStage concerts given by well-known artists and musical groups. Whether you want to enjoy a picnic, roller blade, ride a bike or just take a stroll, Central Park is a great escape from the asphalt and concrete of Manhattan on a hot summer day.
Visiting one of the many museums in New York is a great way to escape to the cool indoors during the summer. According to NY.com, a New York travel guide, several museums offer discounted or free admission on certain days. Besides the big players, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Guggenheim, the Museum of the City of New York and the Skyscraper Museum will captivate your curiosity. Kids and sweltering summer days can add up to crankiness. Keep your little ones happy by letting them explore the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Young and old alike will enjoy the four floors of fascinating interactive exhibits at the Sony Technology Wonder Lab, where you can design a computer-generated world or program a robot.
Summertime in New York means street festivals. Manhattan is home to countless ethnic neighborhoods, many of which celebrate their heritage during the summer. In Little Italy, Mulberry Street turns into a vibrant summer street fair with authentic food, children's events, concerts and contests, such as pasta eating and clam shucking. In August, Harlem plays host to "Harlem Week," with more than 100 special events celebrating the culture and heritage of Harlem. A local favorite is "Uptown Saturday Night," where guests can dance the evening away to music from jazz to the electric slide.
Most free concerts and plays in Central Park during the summer are well-known and well-attended. Check schedules for information on how to get tickets and other admission information. The best way to get around in Manhattan is by taking the subway. Stops are plentiful, and subway maps are easy to read. Contrary to what you might have heard, while most New Yorkers are often in a hurry, they are happy to stop and give directions and offer help with a simple please and thank you.
