NYC ranked in top summer cities
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NEW YORK – NYC’s summer lineup makes it easy to enjoy the city without breaking the bank. Here’s a look at some of the city’s best free, family-friendly activities, from outdoor theater and movie nights to kayaking and cultural festivals.
Farmers & flea markets
What you can do:
New York City’s many markets and fleas offer everything from fresh produce and baked goods to unique items from local vendors. Here’s a look at some standouts:
People shop at Brooklyn Flea under the Manhattan Bridge on September 8, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Liao Pan/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
Brooklyn Flea NYBG Farmers Market 
People are seen shopping at greenmarket in Union Square, which has been open 4 days a week since 1976 and offers a wide range of products including fruits and vegetables, flowers and baked goods in New York, United States on Aug. 2, 2024. (Photo by S
Union Square Greenmarket Hester Street Fair Activities in the parks 
People attend a yoga event at Bryant Park in New York City, United States on July 24, 2024. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Bryant Park yoga
Bring your mat and friends and unwind in Bryant Park with an hour of complimentary yoga. Hosted twice a week, organizers hope outdoor mindfulness is the perfect outlet to ease stress and connect with the outdoors.
Sharon Washington (C) and cast bow during the curtain call at the free Shakespeare In The Park’s “Richard III” opening night at Delacorte Theater on June 30, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
Free Shakespeare in the Park
The Public Theater hosts Free Shakespeare in the Park, a one-of-a-kind celebration for theater fans in the city’s five boroughs. This year, the program is offering performances of comedy classic Twelfth Night at Central Park’s new Delacorte Theater.
Also, as a part of the Public Theater’s larger Shakespeare for the City program, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine will host a concert experience of Pericles from Aug. 28 through Sept. 2. Learn more here.
Public outdoor movie nights
Bring a blanket – and popcorn – to catch a showing of your favorite film while overlooking the NYC skyline. Several public parks offer screenings, like the Brooklyn Bridge Park every Thursday and Bryant Park every Monday. Click here for the complete list.
More outdoor adventures 
People paddle their kayaks in the Hudson River in front of Little Island as the sun sets in New York City on June 20, 2022, as seen from Hoboken, New Jersey. (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
Kayak the Hudson River
Feeling adventurous? Discover the harbors of NYC via kayak, complimentary of the Downtown Boathouse in Tribeca. Note that the boathouse doesn’t take reservations fpr ots free public kayaking lessons – so show up early!
A view of the Wonder Wheel at night with fireworks at Coney Island on August 23, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by Craig T Fruchtman/Getty Images)
Catch Coney Island fireworks
Watch a spectacular show as the sky lights up in Brooklyn’s Coney Island.