What to Do on a Hot Day in NYC? Here Are 25 Things to Get You Started

If ice cream isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of frozen popsicles, shakes or boozy treats out there. Head over to Tipsy Scoops for a Mango Margarita Sorbet or catch La NewYorkina at a local market for a Chamoyada (a sweet and spicy shaved ice combo). As long as you’re getting a sweet (and cooling) treat in your belly while you’re in the hot sun.

The best way to stay cool? Catching them waves, of course. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at surfing, head over to Rockaway Beach. The Locals Surf School offers lessons for all ages—whether you’re a beginner or ready to brush up on your skills. Once you sign up, you’ll be provided a board and wetsuit. So, are you ready to hang ten?

Good news, all the New York public libraries are open again, so pick up a book and relax for a bit. If we had to choose one to chill out in, it’s the NYPL’s main branch, aka the Stephen A. Schwarzman building. Check out the famous Rose Main Reading Room or sign up for a one-hour tour of the whole place and learn about its history. Seriously, it’s gorgeous, huge and always ice cold. Sounds like a win-win to us.

Once the sun is down,staying outdoors to catch a flick seems like a more viable option. There are free summer movies in every borough (like Shaun of the Dead at Brooklyn Bridge Park or Spiderman Into the Spider-Verse at Pelham Bay Park) to lay your blanket down and enjoy the show. But if you can’t bear to be without AC, stay cool in your car after pulling up to the Skyline Drive In for an evening flick.

Take in the breathtaking view of the city and enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar. We promise you’ll catch a breeze (or at least shade for a bit) at the very top of these cool spots. Visit the Magic Hour for their insane cocktails, Public Hour for their 360 view of the Manhattan skyline or JIMMY at the Modernhaus Soho Hotel for a dip into their pool.

When life gives you 90-degree weather, make frosé (aka frozen rosé). These amazing slushy cocktails are made with sugar, water, lemon juice and, of course, a bottle of rosé. If making frosé is not your forte (sorry had to), try a Brazilian Breezer (a pineapple-infused tequila and coconut rum mix) or a frozen Aperol spritz instead.

While everyone else is out in the Hamptons, it’s a great time to check out usually crowded museums like the American Museum of Natural History, the Whitney and the Met. Or, if you want to check out more interactive museums, reserve a ticket at the Museum of the City of New York, the Museum of Ice Cream or the Spyscape (aka a fun spy museum) for the whole family.

Calling the outdoorsy, adventurous types. Skip the boat trip and try kayaking to get you closer to the water. Look into the Brooklyn Bridge Boathouse, The Downtown Boathouse and Kayak Staten Island, to name a few. Get a group together and experience the Hudson River, the NYC skyline or just a nice time paddling away. You’ll get a workout and maybe even a nice breeze—just don’t forget the sunscreen. Plus, did we mention all these spots are completely free? (Just reserve ahead of time to secure a time.)

Immerse in a story (or two!) and support the local bookstores in your neighborhood. Check out Book Culture (there are three locations to choose from), head to Queens for Astoria Bookshop or the Bronx for The Lit. Bar. What better way to chill than with a good book in your hands?

The best way to cool down is by taking a trip to the beach. Once you get past the sand and dip your toes in the water, you’ll be relieved. There are plenty of beaches in the city (like Rockaway Beach and Coney Island) but beat the crowds and check out the underrated beaches near NYC. Our favorites to catch some waves (or spend time in the shade) are Asbury Park and Long Beach.

Whether beaches aren’t your thing or you don’t have time (or funds) to travel outside of the city, opt for a pool day instead. While the free pools across the city are fine, treat yourself to the exclusive spots (and feel like you just stepped into a 5-star resort for the day). Head to the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge where their rooftop pool has a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline, buy a $65 day pass and enjoy the perks of the Dream Downtown or dip into an indoor pool at Park Hyatt.

You can bike just about anywhere in the city but Governor’s Island is a biker’s dream. The island is 172 acres of open space. Ride through car-free lanes while passing by the best view of the skyline (and Statue of Liberty). Bring your own bike (or Citi bike) or rent one right when you get off the ferry. And if you’re there on the weekdays, you’ll get a free hour of biking, so you can explore for less.

Outdoor dining is back in full force. Make a reservation and dine in style. Try a glazed lobster at Temple Court on Ten or enjoy the open-air garden at Le Crocodile. But, if you’re a major foodie that wants to try your hands at small bites, consider food markets like Smorgsaburg, Queens Night Market and Bronx Night Market. We can’t promise shade but the food will keep you sane for a few hours.

Get in touch with nature but skip the tents you used to build with the ‘rents as a kid. Glamping is the new wave and some spots are just a ferry ride away. Enjoy time away from the bustling city and book a stay at these top-notch cabins. The Eastwind Hotel & Bar offers chic cabin options in the Catskills while Outliner Inn lets you stay in a retro bubble surrounded by so many animals.

When all else fails, get the hell outta Dodge--um, NYC--and spend the rest of the summer upstate. Outside of the Big Apple there are scenic areas to check out. We go to Orient for the beautiful beaches, Lake George for hiking and Montauk for the food. Sorry NYC, but we'll see you guys in September.