Summer Fun
Basics:
Swimsuit – depending on the age, either a float suit with adjustable buoyancy or “puddle-jumper” floaties
Rashguard – longer-sleeved suits that protect best from sun
Sun Hat – with tie and long back
Beach Towels (2/child) – reserve one for an end-of-the-beach-day-scrub
Sunscreen (check the use-by date and get a baby-friendly one)**
Swim diapers (even if kids don’t go in the water these are good)
Wipes
Water bottle/cup – Yeti or
Your family can enjoy summer in New York without running a money faucet! Here are PSP’s top picks for cheap and free events, classes, parks, and other adventures-in-waiting for your kids this summer.
Be sure to also check out PSP’s Summer of Independence Resource Package for tips on supporting your kids’ summer explorations and helping them become more capable, confident and resilient along the way.
If you're not already a member, join PSP
...
Home is the safest place right now, but as the weather continues to warm up and cabin fever hits in full force, venturing into the great outdoors is growing more and more appealing. NYC is already struggling with overcrowding in our much-loved parks, so if you want to maintain social distancing while enjoying the fresh air, hitting the trails can be a wonderful option. We hope this advice sourced from PSP members will help you stay safe while
...
This page includes tips and recommendations of where to hike close to NYC from members of the PSP Hiking and Camping Group, plus resources around the web they recommend.
Want to join the PSP Hiking and Camping Group? Head HERE. Not yet a member of PSP? Join HERE!
Lake Minnewaska is a favorite hiking destination for PSP members. Photo via here.
Looking for fun ideas on things to do with your toddlers and kids this summer? Here are some tips & suggestions that PSP members have shared. If you have more awesome ideas, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
...We've got a new and improved list for cheap (or free!) to do with kids of all ages in NYC in the summer.
Also, check out our NYC Family Bucket List for year round activities!
Explore playgrounds with water features and other awesomeness, from Washington Heights to the Rockaways!
Looking for ways to keep cool this summer? Also check out the PSP Best and Easy Meet-Up Map, where the BLUE icons denote playgrounds with water features!
Want to connect with a community who will splash and play with you? Join Park Slope Parents!
Park Slope Parents is known around town for bringing our giant bubbles and face stamps to events, and a few people have asked us for more information about how to make bubbles and rainbow paints happen on their own. We have info to help make you a super pro in no time!
We're giving you our secrets—so make it official by joining Park Slope Parents! As a PSP member, you'll be the first to know about events, members-only meet-ups, and so much more.
Craving some oinks, moos, and baaaa’s on your next family outing? Read on for PSP members’ advice on the best city-accessible spots to commune with some barnyard buddies.
Considering a day trip to the shore, but not interested in being jostled by hordes of maskless sunbathers? Before you make your getaway, read on for member reports and recommendations on the most and least crowded beaches.
After a dismally empty three months, NYC’s beloved playgrounds are once again up and running—but in the Covid era, even typically carefree activities like swinging from the monkey bars require an extra level of caution. These top tips can help keep your kids safe and keep you sane.
As the warm weather continues, our local area presents plenty of possibilities for Covid-conscious fun. Check out tips for planning, play, and safety below!
For a crash course on planning an awesome distanced meetup, download the Marvelous Meet-Up Tip Sheet; and for top hang-out spots, head to our interactive map of Best and Easy Meet-Up Spots!
"I got a great responses to my question about good foods for a hot weather food strike," shares a PSP member. "Some won't work for my pasta-hating, cheese-rejecting vegetarians, but I got several requests to post to list and I've included all responses below, from Mom to Two who subsist on breakfast and air..."
Our outdoorsy members share what they like best and least about camping with babies—and share a few tips about making a camping trip a success. We've also added PSP member ideas about how to hike with little ones, what to cook, and how to simplify a camping routine!
Sabrina and Samantha Van Putten had a recent adventure to Coney Island...
a PSP member shared that the NYC Guide is now available to download! "This indispensable guide is a collaborative effort between New York City
Agencies, museums, youth groups, libraries, arts organizations and cultural institutions. Many of these events are free or low cost.
And for some more PSP member suggestions of summer activities for kids, tweens and teens, go HERE.
NYC's outdoor public swimming pools open the Friday after NYC public schools start their summer vacation. Here is important information of what to bring, where to go, and more.
PSP member, blog writer and photographer Amber Ceffalio visited the aquarium & Coney Island last weekend, and post Sandy, is still an ideal outing for young ones.
