Free and family-friendly: What to do in NYC this summer
New York City offers a wide variety of free outdoor events, markets and performances across all five boroughs.
These events are family-friendly and open to the public.
Activities include watching Friday night fireworks, attending morning yoga in the park and shopping at the city's flea markets.
NEW YORK - NYC's summer lineup makes it easy to enjoy the city without breaking the bank. Here's a look at some of the city's best free, family-friendly activities, from outdoor theater and movie nights to kayaking and cultural festivals.
What you can do
New York City's many markets and fleas offer everything from fresh produce and baked goods to unique items from local vendors. Here's a look at some standouts:
Location: 80 Pearl Street (Dumbo archway)
When: Sunday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Click here to learn more.
Location: New York Botanical Garden
When: Wednesdays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Click here to learn more.
Location: Union Square Park
When: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Click here to learn more.
Location: Pier 17
When: Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Click here to learn more.
Bring your mat and friends and unwind in Bryant Park with an hour of complimentary yoga. Hosted twice a week, organizers hope outdoor mindfulness is the perfect outlet to ease stress and connect with the outdoors.
Location: Bryant Park lawn
When: Tuesday at 10 a.m. and Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Click here to learn more.
The Public Theater hosts Free Shakespeare in the Park, a one-of-a-kind celebration for theater fans in the city's five boroughs. This year, the program is offering performances of comedy classic Twelfth Night at Central Park's new Delacorte Theater.
Location: Delacorte Theater in Central Park
When: Aug. 7 through Sept. 14
Click here to learn more.
Also, as a part of the Public Theater's larger Shakespeare for the City program, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine will host a concert experience of Pericles from Aug. 28 through Sept. 2. Learn more here.
Bring a blanket – and popcorn – to catch a showing of your favorite film while overlooking the NYC skyline. Several public parks offer screenings, like the Brooklyn Bridge Park every Thursday and Bryant Park every Monday. Click here for the complete list.
Feeling adventurous? Discover the harbors of NYC via kayak, complimentary of the Downtown Boathouse in Tribeca. Note that the boathouse doesn't take reservations fpr ots free public kayaking lessons - so show up early!
Location: Pier 26 Boathouse at North Moore Street
Click here to learn more.
Watch a spectacular show as the sky lights up in Brooklyn's Coney Island.
Location: Luna Park on Coney Island
When: Fridays through Aug. 29 at 9 p.m.
Click here to learn more.
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