Summer in the City — Youth Edition

A guide for NYC youth to get outdoors – stay safe, stay active, earn some cash and stay informed this summer
  1. New in NYC
  2. Getting support
  3. Summer programs, work, and more
  4. Free events and activities
  5. Beaches and Pools

Summer is back in NYC!

Get the most of our summer in the city with your and explore:

  • Short-term programs (such as camps, sports clinics, STEM, coding, etc.);
  • Free events and activities happening throughout the summer;
  • Volunteer, work experience, and other opportunities
  • City venues that are open such as pools, beaches, gardens, museums, etc.;
  • Other supports including COVID-19 updates, how to get free food, mental health & emotional support, and more.

New in NYC

 

Little Island Park

Open daily from 6am to 1am, Little Island Park a new, free public park pier on along the Hudson River near W.13th Street.

  • It hosts arts activities and workshops that are free and open to everyone.
    Events calendar
  • You can also explore the park’s landscape with a self-guided audio tour and learn about the unique variety of plants, trees, and flowers on the island.
    Audio tour and map
  • Every day through September 30, timed entry reservations will be offered every half-hour starting at 12:00 through the remainder of the day. Once you enter the park, there is no time limit to your stay.
    6:00 am to 12:00 pm: No reservations required for entry. | 2:00 pm and on: Free timed entry reservations required for entry.
    Reserve your free timed-entry tickets

 

Learn More about Little Island Park

Getting support

If you need help  feeding your family, extra cash for utilities, someone to talk to, or more, the resources below can help you and your family.

  • Emotional & mental health support
    NYC Well can help you, a family member or friend find someone to talk to in a crisis and find longer-term support.
    Call: 1-800-NYC-WELL | Text:  Well to 65173 | Chat: Chat online
  • Food and cash help
    • Cash Assistance: Get additional support to help pay for food and cash for other essentials.
      Get help
    • Community Meals: Free Take-Out & Community Meals available daily for all New Yorkers.
      Find meal locations
  • Employment
    Get help training for and finding a job with WorkingNYC.
    Explore programs and jobs
  • Covid-19
    Get back to doing what you love and keeping your friends, family and community safe by getting a Covid-19 vaccine (for ages 12 and older).
    Learn more about the vaccine | other pandemic resources

Summer programs, work, and more

Find short-term summer programs, including indoor and outdoor, such as sports clinics, academic programs, work experience and training, and more to keep you engaged.

Featured Program, Apply Today!

NPower

NPower is a free Information Technology workforce development program, which prepares young adults to begin entry-level careers in tech. The program includes:

 

  • 16 weeks of hybrid instruction and assistance with an internship, project-based work, or employment opportunities
  • Opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications CompTIA A+, Google IT certificate
  • Professional development training and job-readiness skills

Classes start August 16th

Apply for Fall Classes

Check out the programs below you can take part of this summer. New programs are added weekly.

  • Girls Flag Football

    • Girls Flag Football

      Girls, 10 – 17 years old, can learn, play and compete in the 2021 NYC Parks Flag Football season at St. Mary’s Park in the Bronx.

  • Out in Tech Mentorship Program (apply for Fall 2021)

  • Upward Bound College Prep

  • New York Youth Tennis & Learning

  • PSAL Summer

    • PSAL Summer

      Youth can participate in their choice of 20 sports this summer through the PSAL summer program.

  • Free Kayaking at Pier 26

    • Free Kayaking at Pier 26

      Enjoy free kayaking at Pier 26 in Downtown Manhattan every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday this summer.

  • NPower

    • NPower

      NPower offers young adults free 16 weeks of hybrid instruction and assistance with an internship, project-based work, or employment opportunities.

Free events and activities

Find free activities and events happening everyday through the summer

Featured this week

 

KUSAMA: COSMIC NATURE — New York Botanical Garden

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is one of the most popular artists in the world, drawing millions to experience her immersive installations. Exclusively at the NY Botanical Garden, explore her floral sculptures and other works as they take over the garden’s 250 acres landscape.

 

  • When: Get in FREE every Wednesday, 10am — 6pm
  • Where: 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx | Directions

 

Learn more

Beaches and Pools

Kids and families on the shore at South Beach, Staten Island

Beaches

NYC beaches are open! Lifeguards are on duty daily, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Brooklyn


Bronx


Queens


Staten Island

 

Pools

NYC’s dozens of pools are open!

  • Hours are from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. daily
  • There is a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m
  • Pools are open through September 12, 2021

 

Find a pool near you to cool off