Summer-y (low cost) things in NYC

With the summer buzz in the air, life has been filled with (low cost!) outdoorsy activities around here! I thought life would be grand no longer having to bundle up a little one in the cold months, but I had no clue what was in store trying to put sunscreen on a squirmy toddler who loves to hide by the couch! Not to mention, Sundae and Pickle lick it right back off of her... esh! 

Here's our current summer fun round-up, if you'd like to see... 

CONEY ISLAND 

So listen, everyone has their own opinions on this beach... but it's just so darn iconic! Not to mention, the new Q Line addition is steps from our front door and takes you all the way there! No train changes OR steps (read: very stroller friendly!). A part of me will always love Coney Island thanks to Uptown Girls. 

 

 

 

 

ROCKAWAY BEACH 

This beach has come a long way! After Superstorm Sandy damaged this beach, I took a tour with city officials and met those impacted by the damage for work. It was devasting. Today, the boardwalk is beautiful, you can order food and frozen sangria (!) steps from the beach and music! Also, there is a new ferry that takes you directly to the beach from Pier 11 in lower Manhattan... it is the same price as a subway swipe, has bathrooms, a changing station for little ones and concessions on board! 

 

 

 

MUSEUM MILE 

This was our first year to attend Museum Mile. We packed a dinner and ate at The Met fountains with performances going on next to us. Then we walked down the middle of 5th Ave (the streets close down!) and hopped in line for the Cooper Hewitt Museum. All the museums are free on this day, so we got to explore the Jazz Age exhibits and play in the garden at no charge! Elle thought it was hilarious to run wild in the museum. 

 

  

 

 

 

PHILHARMONIC in CENTRAL PARK

The entire city comes out for this free event each year. We packed a picnic dinner, blanket and arrived early to grab a spot on the VERY crowded Great Lawn. Our friends trickled in and we laid around listening to the city buzz and the lovely music... it's so relaxing! 

 

 

ROOFTOP PICNICS 

Ahhh, my favorite. Our little building has a charming rooftop and we love, love, love to pick-up Elle from school and lounge around on the roof, have picnics and play games. It's communal - so often fun to chat with others in our building. All part of the NYC experience. 

 

If you can't tell, I'm so happy the warm weather has arrived!