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  • A woman with a drink on a balcony at The Benjamin Hotel in NYC

Summer Activities in NYC

The Benjamin Hotel has created a curated list of fun Summer Activities in New York City for you to discover with family and friends.

Serve Up NYC at the US Open

It’s time for one of the most exciting sporting events in New York City at the US Open Tennis Championships. Experience the US Open like never before with our VIP package which includes tickets for two to the US Open, round-trip car service and a signed tennis racket.

Mingle at Sun Sets at the Met

Discover The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Sun Sets, a weekly music series with a rotating lineup of DJs from the city’s dance music world. Visit the Sun Sets series on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:30-8:30pm through September, and no reservation are required.

Be wowed at Speakeasy Magick

Hosted by Todd Robbins who specializes in mild carnival-sideshow shocks, Speakeasy Magick is a moveable feast of legerdemain where audience members are visited by a series of performers.

Dior + Balenciaga: The Kings of Couture

The Museum at FIT features fashions by the two most important couturiers of the mid-20th century, Christian Dior and Cristóbal Balenciaga with 65 garments and ensembles and is the first exhibition to showcase the work of these legendary designers, side by side.

Explore Hudson Yards

Take in the scene from thrilling new heights at Edge — the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Climb Vessel, the interactive centerpiece of Hudson Yards. Or visit The Shed, a new center for art and inspiration. Hudson Yards is unlike anything ever built before.

Seaport Cinema

From blockbusters to indie films and unbeatable views – enjoy a wide range of movies screening on The Rooftop at Pier 17. Relax on the turf with a selection of snacks, beverages and enjoy an outdoor film with an incredible city skyline as your backdrop.

Museum of Art & Design

Garmenting: Costume as Contemporary Art examines work by international contemporary artists, from established names to emerging voices. By making or altering clothing for expressive purposes, these artists create garments, sculpture, installation, and performance art that transform dress into a critical tool.

Little Island 

Experience nature and art in a unique urban oasis on the Hudson River at Little Island. The park features a lush, seasonal landscape with rolling hills, winding pathways and dazzling views coupled with programming that includes music, dance, theater, poetry, comedy and art workshops.

Carnegie Hall Tours

Get to know the concert hall that has inspired great artists for more than a century. Take a private or public guided tour of Carnegie Hall and experience the history and magic of this legendary New York City landmark.

Broadway

Celebrate the nominees and winners from the 2022 Tony Awards. From Best Musical Winner A Strange Loop, to Best Performance Actor Myles Frost for portraying Michael Jackson in MJ: The Musical – there’s so much to enjoy on Broadway this summer.

Intrepid Museum’s G-Force Encounter

Feel the power and exhilaration of flying a supersonic jet plane. Climb into the two-person cockpit, grab the controls, and fly your very own aircraft with 360 degrees of movement. Show off your moves as the newest flying ace.

Elevate Your Senses

See the New York City skyline from over 100 stories above the streets – the highest point in the city. Take in breathtaking 360° views from the comfort of an indoor climate-controlled space at One World Observatory.

James Bond Exhibit

Discover your inner spy at the James Bond Exhibit at SpyScape. This exhibit takes an inside look at how 007 movies were made, and you’ll also be able to get up close and personal with James Bond’s most iconic tech gadgets including his actual Aston Martin DB5 that appeared in many movies.

Tugboat Ride on W.O. Decker

Take an exciting 75-minute ride on the last surviving New York-built wooden tugboat W.O. Decker, recently named “Tugboat of the Year” by the Steamship Historical Society of America. Cruises will explore New York Harbor.

Paris Theater

The legendary Paris theater is the longest-running arthouse cinema in NYC and is Manhattan’s only remaining single-screen cinema. Check out many of the great films featured this summer.

Heart of the Park
Join Central Park Conservancy as they provide insider knowledge on the historical and architectural elements that make this urban landscape a national treasure. Tour some of Central Park’s most famous landmarks, including Conservatory Water, Loeb Boathouse, Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Cherry Hill, the Lake, and Strawberry Fields. Prepare to fall in love with New York all over again!

Artechouse: Life of a Neuron

Step into the human brain and discover what makes us unique at the cellular level. Experience the next dimension of storytelling while exploring how the brain shapes the universal human experience.

Arcadia Earth

Immerse yourself in underwater worlds, fantasy lands and inspirational art installations at Arcadia Earth. Step into this awesome experience inspired by planet earth.

Museum of Ice Cream

Be transported to an ice cream wonderland when visiting the Museum of Ice Cream that transforms concepts and dreams into spaces that provoke imagination and creativity. MOIC is designed to be a culturally inclusive environment and community, inspiring human connection and through the universal power of ice cream.

Macy’s 4th of July Firework Show 2022

On July 4, beginning at 9:25pm, the iconic Macy’s 4th of July Firework Show will be taking place! The extravaganza will last 25 minutes and feature, Ray Chew, one of showbiz’s most respected music directors, who conducts the orchestra through a rousing set of patriotic standards & of-the-moment pop sounds for the perfect sonic backdrop to our Fireworks show. Plus, catch amazing vocalists, a military band & more stars.

Little Island at Pier55

Explore Manhattan’s new park – Little Island at Pier55 floating above the Hudson River. Discover lively performances, self-guided audio tours of the park’s landscape and free art activities in The Glade with the family. And don’t forget to stop by the Play Ground to enjoy some delicious food and drink offerings.

Harry Potter Flagship Store

Visit the world’s largest Harry Potter store located in the Flatiron District. Across the store, there will be 15 different themed areas as well as a number of photo opps inside and of course Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merch to take home.

Governors Island

This summer take the ferry to the city’s urban oasis, Governors Island located in the NY Harbor. Experience transformative public art, unforgettable events, cultural and educational programming and recreational activities for all ages.

Madison Square Garden

Experience a show stopping performance at the iconic Madison Square Garden or better known as MSG.

Bansky: Genius or Vandal Exhibit

This renowned exhibition is coming to New York and definitely one to not miss out on! Dedicated to the famous and enigmatic British artist “Bansky” the exhibit lets visitors dive into the controversial artistic universe, of the most influential creator of present time and features more than 100 genuine, authenticated artworks by Banksy from private European collections.

The Met Cloisters

The Cloisters, also known as the Met Cloisters located in Fort Tryon Park, is the perfect day escape this summer. Roam the halls with fascinating exhibits from the European medieval art and architecture period, with a focus on the Romanesque and Gothic periods.

Mini Golf in NYC

Play Manhattan’s only outdoor 18-hole mini golf course with the family! Take in city skyline views of downtown NYC and than enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants in Tribeca.

City Winery

Experience nightly concerts at City Winery’s new flagship location at Pier 57. Enjoy wine, great food and amazing music while taking in views of the Hudson River.

The Greens at Pier 17

Ultimate outdoor dining retreat, The Greens, returns – and things are looking up! This summer deserves its own rooftop moment so come dine at your own mini lawn or patio table with unrivaled Lower Manhattan skyline views.

Bryant Park: Picnic Performances

Enjoy the return of Picnic Performances at Bryant Park presented by Bank of America showcasing twenty-six live and in-person music, dance, and theater events produced in partnership with a diverse and storied lineup of New York City’s performing arts institutions.

Bronx Zoo

Check out the wildlife and exotic animals at the Bronx Zoo. With so much outdoor space and exhibitions, you can spend hours exploring.

Belvedere Castle

Located in Central Park, explore this hidden gem tucked away with a spiral staircase to live out your fairy tale fantasies. Kids will love it, plus enjoy breathtaking Central Park and city views from the multiple levels of the castle.

Bryant Park

A great spot to relax and catch your breath after exploring Midtown. This park is situated right next to the New York Public Library and close to Grand Central Station. Let your kids ride the famous Carousel and after enjoy a nice walk around the park.

Color Factory

Brighten up your day with a visit the the Color Factory! View exciting exhibitions and immersive experiences in this over the top colorful sensation.

High Line

Walk the high line along the west side in New York City. Take in water views of the Hudson River while also immersing yourself in history and art along the way.

Brookfield Place

Shop to you drop and than enjoy an al fresco lunch or dinner at one of the outdoor restaurants located along the Hudson River. Take in views of the Statue of Liberty while walking the West Side Highway or watch the boats go by.

Central Park Zoo

Another great zoo to explore in the city. A little bit smaller than the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo is located right in the park with exciting animal exhibitions and a playground for the little ones.

Dumbo, Brooklyn

Take a bike ride over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge to the trendy neighborhood of Dumbo. Shop, explore and dine in this urban oasis. Or take your bikes and plan a picnic at Brooklyn Bridge Park and end the day taking in the NYC skyline and sunset.

Museum Mile

Explore Museum Mile located on the Upper East Side along 5th Avenue. Discover priceless exhibitions and over 1,000 of paintings, prints, photographs and artifacts. From the Museum of Modern Art, The Guggenheim to the Museum of the City of New York, you will not get bored.

The Jewish Museum“Modern Look: Photography and the American Magazine”

Explore how photography, graphic design, and popular magazines converged to transform American visual culture from 1930 to 1960.

Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock Observation Deck is full of incredible sights and discoveries. Take in 360-degree spring views of iconic landmarks and the city skyline.

Statue of Liberty

Explore the grounds of the iconic Statue of Liberty located on Liberty Island for the day. Ride the ferry over and marvel at this historic landmark.

Shakespeare in the Park

Witness large scale productions of Shakespeare’s famous works at the outdoor Delacorte Theater. Since its inception over 45 years ago, the Theater has hosted notable performances including James Earl Jones in Othello, Meryl Streep in The Taming of the Shrew, and Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice.

The Loeb Boathouse: Central Park

Located on the eastern edge of Central Park Lake, charter your own rowboats, or enjoy a personal Gondola ride offering visitors an ideal way to explore one of the Park’s most significant landscapes.

Harbor Line Cruise: Cocktail Cruise

Enjoy savory cocktails while you watch the city pass by relaxing in your private seating area surrounded by large windows. Take in endless views of the city’s skyline as well as iconic landmarks all while sipping on a delicious cocktail.