30 Jun

NYC Best Things to do Summer 2021

Summer 2021 is shaping to be one for the record books in NYC. People are excited and ready to explore the wonderful activities and attractions New York City has to offer. With everything opening up, there’s fun to be had all over the city. We’re happy to see more people visiting The Leo House as well as New York City. Take a look below at the list of “NYC Best Things to do Summer 2021” we’ve procured of long-time favorite summer pastimes in New York City as well as some new ones that are sure to please a crowd of all ages. If you’re interested in planning a trip to NYC for Summer 2021, consider making The Leo House your home-away-from-home during your visit.

NYC Best Things to do Summer 2021

See Live Music

The Rooftop on Pier 17

One of the coolest music venues in New York City, the The Rooftop on Pier 17 offers an experience you’ll never forget. Go to listen to your favorite artists and stay for the most gorgeous views of New York City. The Summer Concert Series 2021 lineup includes Blues Traveler, Rufus Wainwright, Jason Mraz, Lord Huron, David Gray and more.

Forest Hills Stadium

The Forest Hills Stadium calendar of events includes impressive performances throughout Summer 2021. The headliners so far include Halsey, Brandi Carlisle, Bright Eyes, Wilco, Rancid and My Morning Jacket. It is a 14 minute subway ride from Penn Station using the E, F, M or R trains. Forest Hills Stadium is located at 1 Tennis Pl, Forest Hills, NY 11375.

SummerStage

Summerstage is back for Summer 2021 with live and in-person concerts in New York City’s Central Park. There is not a large live schedule as of yet but keep checking axs.com to see who is playing and to get tickets for Summerstage here. So far, shows include Galactic, Bastille Day Celebration, Gloria Gaynor and Dawes. You can also watch Summerstage Anywhere to see performances broadcasted online.

New York City Opera

If you’ve always been curious about the opera, now is your chance to experience it live from a beach chair in Bryant Park. Did we mention it is free of charge as well? New York City Opera is holding two 90-minute operas this summer – “Carmen” on July 2 and Rigoletto on September 3. See the show in Bryant Park between 40th and 42nd streets and 5th and 6th avenues. Call 646-981-1888 or visit nycopera.com for more information.

Check Out Little Island

A new park that emerges from the Hudson River on Pier 55 at West 13th Street, near Chelsea and the West Village. Featuring a mushroom-like support platform, this new park called “Little Island” features gardens, overlooks, a 700-seat ampitheatre and great places to relax with friends in nature. Every Wednesday at 6pm, Little Island will host “Sunset Sounds” concerts. Entering the park requires a free ticket reserved in advance. Visit littleisland.org for more information.

Visit New York Botanical Gardens

Looking for a family-friendly day trip? New York Botanical Gardens has been taken over by contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s large-scale and super colorful sculptures. The exhibition runs from now through the end of October and provides immersive eye-candy for all ages. Some of her amazing sculptures include Dancing Pumpkin (2020). Masks, social-distancing and tickets are required for timed entry. Adult tickets cost $35 and children tickets cost $15.

Go to the Beach

Whaaaaat?? There are beaches in and around New York City? Yes there are! Almost all of NYC’s boroughs host beautiful beaches that are easy to access by public transportation. Take a trip to the famous Coney Island for a beach day with tons of other things to do such as an aquarium and Luna Park. Or you could take a trip to Rock-Rock-Rockaway Beach and sing the classic tune from the Ramones all day.

Ride Around NYC on the Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is free and it runs twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. See gorgeous views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline like you’ve never seen it before.

Check Out Free Puppet Shows in Central Park

If you have children, a free puppet show is a great way to spend your day as you stroll through Central Park. CityPark’s roving PuppetMobile presents “Puppet Time” starting June 3, 2021. Puppeteers will present a live and family-friendly marionette variety show featuring songs from past Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre productions including Pippi, Peter Pan, Princess, Emperor & The Duck and more.

See a Mets Game

There is nothing like attending a baseball game in the summer at Citi Field. There are plenty of home baseball games to choose from at the beautiful Citi Field Stadium, which offers an experience in itself. Don’t forget your camera because there are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the ballpark, including a massive baseball glove you can sit in as well as an enlarged Coca-Cola beach chair. View the schedule here and select a home game which is highlighted in dark blue. If you go during a weekend night, you may be able to score some free giveaways on behalf of the game sponsor for the evening. It is easy to get to by taking the NYC subway using the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point Station and walk from there.