<— “FLOWER” from hands4learning.com

This summer, be sure to take time to stop and smell the flowers!  Some families have a very different schedule in the summertime – school is out, so students and teachers all have time off.  New York City has so much to offer over the summer – like Baby Fingers classes!
One of our favorite family places to play in the city was always Hippo Playground in Riverside Park, near 91st Street. We also love the Great Lawn in Central Park – when our kids were little, Mariner’s Playground in Central Park near 85th St. was a favorite.  The sprinklers are usually on in the park, between Memorial Day and Labor Day – a great way to cool off after some intense swinging and sliding!  (and a great way to wash of the residue from the sandbox).  The playground at 59th near Central Park South was re-done over the last several years and has some amazing updates.  The Central Park Zoo and the Carousel are also not to be missed!
For some indoor fun, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is always fun for the 8 and under crowd.  The Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art offer a pay as you wish policy, and have exhibits for all ages.  The Cloisters is a fabulous place to wander in the gardens and learn about jousting!  Some of these places, like the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, has free admissions once a week.
There is row boating in Central Park (rental fee), kayaking in the Hudson River (free), swimming uptown in Central Park (Lasker – where you can ice skate in the winter), a mini-pool in Thompson Square Park (east village)….
Free concerts and carnivals for all ages can be found in each of the five boroughs, and Bryant Park (behind the main public library in midtown) boasts free lunch time Broadway performances.
We are going on our 7th summer away at camp – I work there and my kids are campers. It is a welcome change of pace for us, though sometimes I miss summers in the city. Whatever you do, wherever you go, take time to stop and smell the flowers.  Enjoy each day, savor every moment.