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. From outdoor concerts, films and festivals to alfresco diners and strolls along the boardwalk at Coney Island, soak up the sun and take advantage of the season’s gorgeous weather with the best summer happenings in New York City.
From music and art to food, cocktails and beyond, explore Pier17. The Seaport’s waterfront playground is perched over the East River with front-row seats to the Brooklyn Bridge and NYC skyline.
Spend a fun-filled day at Central Park and discover the rich history of the Bethesda Fountain, one of Central Park’s most beloved works of art which commemorates the opening of the Croton Aqueduct, which first brought fresh water to New York City.
The US Open is excited to welcome fans for the two-week tournament. Celebrate the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year in New York City
Enjoy the spectacular views of the Hudson River while discovering the wonders of medieval Europe through the art, architecture, and gardens at The Met Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Explore one of the newest attractions where visitors can experience nature and art in a unique urban oasis on the Hudson River.
Richard Gilder Center of Science at the American Natural History Museum
Awaken your inner child and ignite your love of learning as you explore the new wing at the American Museum of Natural History. Check out the massive new wing at the American Museum of Natural History. The architecturally stunning, 230,000-square-foot Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation is now open.
Shakespeare in the Park returns to the Delacorte Theater in Central Park and will bring Hamlet to life this summer – for free (June 8 – August 6).
Summer in the City: Lincoln Center
The ultimate summer festival, Summer in the City, returns to Lincoln Center for three months where Lincoln Center will turn into the ultimate go-to spot for summer fun, featuring hundreds of free events, thousands of artists, and from across the city for New Yorkers to browse and enjoy (June 14 – August 12, 2023).
Picnic Performances at Bryant Park
Bryant Park’s outdoor performing arts free festival, Picnic Performance, is back this summer and consists of 26 live music, dance and theater events in collaboration with renowned NYC institutions such as Carnegie Hall, NYC Opera, Classical Harlem, American Symphony Orchestra, etc. (June 1- September 14, 2023)
Theatre fans rejoice! Experience the ultimate three-day theatre extravaganza with engaging panels, programming and activities at BroadwayCon and don’t miss the opportunity to rub elbows with your favorite Broadway stars (July 21 – July 23, 2023).
Players of the nation’s fastest-growing new sport has opened 14 courts for daily play in Central Park’s Wollman Rink (April 7 – October 9, 2023).
The Roof Garden Commission: Lauren Halsey
American artist, Lauren Halsey, transformed the Met’s roof garden with inspiration drawn from Los Angeles. The installation is meant to be inhabited, explored, and create a sense of community (April 18-October 22, 2023).
Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty
As the Met Costume Institute’s 2023 exhibition and the theme of this year’s Met Gala, don’t forget to visit this iconic exhibit. Some 150 objects will explore the designer’s work and creative process with drawing always at the center. The show spans the designer’s his 65-year career at brands such as Chloe, Fendi, Chanel and his own company (May 5-July 16, 2023).
Van Gogh’s Cypresses New Met Exhibit
Van Gogh’s Cypresses is the first exhibition to focus on the trees—among the most famous in the history of art—immortalized in signature images by Vincent van Gogh. For the first time in more than a century, two of Van Gogh’s most beloved paintings—”Wheat Field with Cypresses” and “The Starry Night”—will be on display together in a new exhibition at The Met (May 22 – August 27, 2023).
Georgia O’Keefe Exhibition at the MoMA
This new exhibition at the MoMA features Georgia O’Keeffe’s works on paper. The artist used materials such as charcoal, watercolors, pastels and graphite to explore everything from abstract rhythms to nature’s cycles. In cases where the drawings became paintings, the final pieces are displayed alongside the more than 100 works on paper (through August 12, 2023)
Head to the High Line along the west side and walk across the 1.45-mile-long hybrid space of lush gardens and trails while taking in the impressive views of Manhattan and the Hudson River
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.
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.
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.
Immerse yourself in underwater worlds, fantasy lands and inspirational art installations at Arcadia Earth. Step into this awesome experience inspired by planet earth.
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 2023
On July 4, beginning at 8:00pm, 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.
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.
Experience a show stopping performance at the iconic Madison Square Garden, or better known as MSG.
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.
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.
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.
Check out the wildlife and exotic animals at the Bronx Zoo. With so much outdoor space and exhibitions, you can spend hours exploring.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.