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The underwater tunnel at the Ocean Wonders: Sharks exhibit is an eye-popping immersion into the seascape.

NYC's Coolest Museums & Attractions for Hot Days

In NYC, you don't have to look far to find world-class museums and family-friendly attractions. Our favorites for a summertime escape from the heat are listed below.

• New York Aquarium – Coney Island
  Why it's great: Swing by the awe-inspiring shark exhibit, and enjoy the rest of the beachfront attractions at the New York Aquarium.
  Tip: After your visit, cool off on the beach at Coney Island.

• Hudson Yards – Midtown West
  Why it's great: Bask in the spray of the fountains at Bella Abzug Park, go sky high at The Edge, or just enjoy industrial AC at the Shops at Hudson Yards while exploring this micro-neighborhood.
  Tip: Check out the performances at The Shed, which often has family-friendly programming.

• Escape to Legoland New York – Orange County
  Why it's great: Hit the road for all the theme park fun at Legoland New York, which has a water playground that's perfect for a hot day.
  Tip: Make it a vacation by staying at the Legoland Hotel.

• Snug Harbor – Staten Island
  Why it's great: The Staten Island Children's Museum has great hands-on exhibits for children, art workshops, and science storytimes
  Tip: Explore the gorgeous (and shady) grounds of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center when you're done with the museum.

• 5. TWA Hotel – Jamaica, Queen
  Why it's great: The TWA Hotel is a unique option to enjoy a staycation, with its awesome rooftop pool.
  Tip: You can book day passes to enjoy the pool without an overnight stay at the hotel.

Pergola Overlook is one of several scenic and shady spots.

• Wave Hill – Riverdale, the Bronx
  Why it's great: Wave Hill is a public garden and cultural center with curated gardens, and gorgeous views of the Hudson River. Admission is inexpensive, and kids ages 5 and younger enter for FREE.
  Tip: There's a lot of programming and events for families, such as family art projects, gardening classes, guided tours, and nature walks.

• SeaGlass Carousel – Battery Park
  Why it's great: One of the most unique carousels in NYC, a ride on SeaGlass Carousel in Battery Park feels like you're floating underwater.
  Tip: Head over to the destination-worthy Battery Playscape nearby.

• Children's Museum of Manhattan – Upper West Side
  Why it's great: Visit the Children's Museum of Manhattan's Dynamic H2O exhibit; it's impossible to stay dry at this water table!
  Tip: Save money on admission by booking online.

• Bowling – Multiple Locations
  Why it's great: Enjoy this old-school pastime at one of NYC's many bowling alleys and bask in a blast of AC.
  Tip: Many of the bowling alleys offer other fun activities like arcade games and laser tag.

• New York Hall of Science – Flushing, Queens
  Why it's great: When the temperature soars, sneak in some (educational) fun at the New York Hall of Science and see one of these magnificent exhibits.
  Tip: Don't miss out on the newest installation, CityWorks, which gives visitors an inside look at how the city moves.

• Bronx Children's Museum – Concourse, the Bronx
  Why it's great: The Bronx Children's Museum has a great big water table that kids love.
  Tip: The museum has Saturday Sensory Hour for kids who are neurodivergent.

• Area 53 – Multiple Brooklyn Locations
  Why it's great: Enjoy nearly a dozen activities at Area 53's indoor adventure park, including a ropes course, a climbing wall, roller rink, a ninja warrior course, laser maze, battle beam, skeeball, pool, foosball, air hockey, zip line, and slides.
  Tip: Book the Double Fun package on select nights to enjoy access to both the adventure park and the paintball field.

• Spyscape Museum – Midtown West
  Why it's great: Learn all about how to be a spy at the interactive Spyscape Museum that's both a museum and an escape room.
  Tip: For your puzzle-loving kids, visit during its weekly spy-themed crossword puzzles or pair your visit with access to Spygames.

• American Dream – East Rutherford, New Jersey
  Why it's great: The New Jersey mega mall is packed with kid-friendly attractions and amenities.
  Tip: With so many activities, choose two or three so as to make the trip manageable for the kids.

• New-York Historical Society – Upper West Side 
  Why's it great: Learn about NYC's past at the interactive DiMenna Children's History Museum at the New-York Historical Society.
  Tip: We love the interactive children's displays tucked into the basement here, and its library is a cozy spot to relax while you read from its well-stocked selection of children's books.

• The Met – Upper East Side
  Why it's great: This iconic NYC art museum has so much to offer families year-round.
  Tip: Start your visit on the ground floor at the art-and-science inspired play space, dubbed the 81st Street Studio.

The architecturally impressive, canyon-like Gilder Center is meant to invoke curiosity and exploration by all who enter its grand atrium.

• American Museum of Natural History – Upper West Side
  Why it's great: Head for the halls of the American Museum of Natural History, and particularly the Gilder Center, to see everything from a live colony of leaf-cutter ants to ancient, towering dinosaur remains.
  Tip: General admission is pay-what-you-wish at the ticket counters for residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

NYC's Best Beaches and Outdoor Activities to Beat the Heat in NYC

It's easy to forget NYC is a coastal city when you're in the heart of the concrete jungle, but it's home to 14 miles of beaches. Find all our top tips for visiting local beaches in our NYC Kids' Guide to Beaches, Lakes, and Pools, plus the lowdown on some local faves below:

• Jones Beach – Wantagh, New York
  Why it's great: Escape the city for a day trip to Jones Beach with its sandy white beaches and big waves.
  Tip: There's a spectacular seaside splash pad the kids will love. If you can swing it, go on a weekday afternoon and stay until sunset. The crowds will be fewer and the vibes just as charming.

• South Beach – Staten Island
  Why it's great: Hit the water at South Beach on Staten Island.
  Tip: Enjoy the breeze on the FREE ferry ride over.

• Coney Island – Brooklyn
  Why it's great: Swim in the ocean on Coney Island or get drenched on one of the water rides at Luna Park, then stick around for fireworks on Friday nights.
  Tip: Take the F or Q train to avoid the hassle of parking. The kids will probably sneak in a catnap following a day of sun and seaspray!

RELATED: Weekend Getaways near NYC: Lake Resorts in New York State

Beautiful Jacob Riis Beach is a quick drive, but feels like a world away. Photo by Sara Marentette

• Jacob Riis Beach – Queens
  Why it's great: This is a favorite semi-hidden gem of a beach in Queens.
  Tip: The Pavilion offers a great selection of food and snacks, so you can travel light.

• Surfing – Far Rockaway, Queens
  Why it's great: Catch a wave and take a surfing lesson at Rockaway Beach, the only NYC shore where the sport is allowed.
  Tip: While you're in the neighborhood, check out all our favorite Rockaway activities.

• Take a Cruise – Multiple Locations
  Why it's great: A cruise on the Circle Line gives you a new perspective on the city and also takes you under several bridges.
  Tip: Make sure to wear hats and sunscreen.

• Boat Rides – Multiple Locations
  Why it's great: These favorite family-friendly boat rides in New York Harbor are another fun way to beat the heat in NYC.
  Tip: For some really wet fun, hop on The Beast speedboat, which zips you around, splashing you the whole way. It's returning to the South Street Seaport later this summer!

• Hit the Bronx Shore – Multiple Locations
  Why it's great: The Bronx oasis of City Island and the nearby Bronx Riviera, Orchard Beach, have cool ocean breezes that feel amazing while you're exploring.
  Tip: City Island offers lots of family summer programming, includeing a summer music series.

• Whale Watching – Multiple Locations
  Why it's great: You can spend a unique day on the water by booking a whale-watching tour. A few boats sail straight from city docks!
  Tip: It's a good idea to bring Dramamine even if you don't tend to get seasick easily—and if you are prone to seasickness, definitely take some before setting out to sea! There are also child-safe "Sea-Bands" that you might consider.

RELATED: 10 Swimming Lakes near NYC You Need to Discover

Kayaking is always FREE at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo by Etienne Frossard

• Row a Boat – Multiple Locations
  Why it's great: Row your own boat at one of these spots citywide to catch a cool breeze off the water. FREE
  Tip: Children as young as 7 can ride solo during Brooklyn Bridge Park's Sunday afternoon family sessions.

• Plan a Day Trip – Multiple Locations
  Why it's great: A summer day trip gets you out of the city in the summer and offers excitement and new adventures.
  Tip: We've got great options for kid-friendly stops along the LIRR and Metro-North railroads.

• Outdoor Movies – Multiple Locations
  Why it's great: Venture out for an evening of fun under the stars to take in one of the no-cost outdoor movie screenings staged in city parks this summer. FREE
  Tip: Outdoor summer movies can be canceled due to bad weather, so make sure you do a last-minute check with the venue before heading out.

• Governors Island – Lower Manhattan
  Why it's great: Take a FREE (or nearly free) cooling ferry ride to Governors Island to zoom down a 57-foot slide, and more.
  Tip: There are several picnic areas, so bring your own food and enjoy a picnic with the best views of the New York Harbor.

RELATED: 14 Great Water Parks for Kids near NYC

You can't beat the view from the amazing Floating Lady Pool. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks and Recreation

Splash & Play: Best Splash Pads, Pool, and Parks with Water Features in NYC

Sure, we’ve got splash pads in every nook of the city; enough that we rounded up our favorite sprinkler parks and splash pads across NYC right here in this guide. But, if it’s a heat wave and you need a destination splash pad, pool, or water park where you can spend the whole day, these are our picks.

• Floating Lady Pool – Hunts Point, the Bronx
  Why it's great: Head to the gorgeous Barretto Point Park in the Bronx to visit the Floating Lady Pool, NYC's only pool on a barge. FREE
  Tip: Make sure you have a sturdy combination lock when you head out to the pool because most of your belongings will have to be stashed.

• Fountain of the Fairs – Flushing, Queens
  Why it's great: For a completely different water play experience, visit the Fountain of the Fairs with its cooling mist and stunning backdrop—The Unisphere. FREE
  Tip: Make sure to check out the Queens Museum with its famed panorama of NYC.

• Domino Park – Williamsburg, Brooklyn
  Why it's great: Frolic in the sprinklers at Domino Park on Williamsburg's waterfront, where you can catch a cool riverfront breeze. FREE
  Tip: Grab some food and an icy margarita from Tacocina.

• Long Island City's Waterfront – Queens
  Why it's great: The Long Island City's waterfront has family-friendly vibes and offers a ton to do, including fun water features. FREE
  Tip: Take advantage of the picnic tables and grassy fields that sit just next to the iconic Pepsi sign.

RELATED: Best Beaches Near NYC: A Guide for Families

The Water Lab, Slide Mountain, and Swing Valley are all part of the fun at Pier 6!

• Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6 Waterlab – Brooklyn Heights
  Why it's great: Get drenched at the state-of-the-art Waterlab at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park or one of these other wet-and-wild Brooklyn spots. FREE
  Tip: There are bathrooms right next to Fornino.

• Gottesman Pool – Harlem
  Why it's great: This sprawling new pool in Central Park's Davis Center can accommodate more than 1,000 patrons at a time.
  Tip: This pool has been wildly popular since its opening. If it's over capacity, head to the 110th Street Playground to enjoy the sprinklers and the shade-drenched playground while you wait for the next session!

• Chelsea Waterside Playground – Chelsea
  Why it's great: Chelsea Waterside Playground is an action-packed play space on the riverfront, with a pair of sprinkler play areas, including one just for tots. FREE
  Tip: Grab some snacks at the nearby Chelsea Market.

RELATED: Free NYC Summer Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families

Experience nature and art at Little Island, a unique urban oasis.

• Little Island – West Village
  Why it's great: Catch the wind off the water at Little Island, NYC's floating park, which boasts an action-packed summer calendar full of alfresco culture. FREE
  Tip: The best way to get to Little Island is by taking public transportation to 14th Street. The nearest subway stations are the A, C, E, and L trains located at 14th Street and 8th Avenue.

• Heckscher Playground – Midtown West
  Why it's great: Navigate the water-filled maze of pyramid-like structures in Central Park's Heckscher Playground. FREE
  Tip: There are no nearby water fountains, so make sure to fill up your water bottles, or you'll be beholden to the hot dog vendors.

• Fort Washington Park Playground – Washington Heights
  Why it's great: Enjoy stunning views of the George Washington Bridge and a destination playground with a visit to the shade-draped Fort Washington Park Playground. FREE
  Tip: For history buffs, make sure to stroll north and visit the Red Lighthouse.

Stay Indoors: Free & Low-Cost Indoor Activities with A/C

If the heat gets too much, cool off indoors with these free indoor activities in NYC. These are our favorites during a heat wave:

• Local Libraries – Multiple Locations
  Why it's great: There are plenty of cool, free indoor places to play throughout the city's library systems.
  Tip: Check each library's online calendar for a roster of FREE kids' activities and events.

• Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art and Storytelling – Harlem
  Why it's great: This Harlem children's museum offers plenty of room to create and explore, plus weekly performative storytelling events.
  Tip: Kids 8 and under are always FREE, and adults enter for just $9.

• Museum of the City of New York – East Harlem
  Why it's great: MCNY is always FREE for children under 20 and has rotating exhibits highlighting New York's history.
  Tip: Make sure to check out some of the great family programs and events.

• Toy Stores – Multiple Locations
  Why it's great: Hit one of NYC's interactive stores to play some of your favorite video games for FREE.
  Tip: In addition to the big box stores, make sure to support your local toy stores.

Chill Eats: Kid-Friendly Places with Cold Treats & Cool Vibes in NYC

For even more things to do in a heat wave, there's nothing better than a cool treat. Here are our favorites:

• Ice Cream – Multiple Locations
  Why it's great: New York has some of the best ice cream shops to cool off with.
  Tip: Enjoy the breeze as you stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, and then reward yourself with a cone from Van Leeuwen Ice Cream on the waterfront in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

• Black Tap – Multiple Locations
  Why it's great: Dig into a ginormous Black Tap milkshakes at its two locations.
  Tip: Pick from flavors like Cotton Candy, Cookies 'n Supreme, or Brooklyn Blackout.

• Museum of Ice Cream – Soho
  Why it's great: It's a whole museum dedicated to ice cream. Need we say more?
  Tip: Get ready for some Insta-worthy photos.

Stay Cool at Home: Low-Cost Hacks for Heat Wave Days

If the idea of leaving home in the heat is too unbearable, we've got some great ideas for water games, boredom busters, and crafts. Here are a handful of our favorites:

• Toy Bath Station
  Put the kids to work! Fill up a deep tray or plastic storage bin with warm, soapy water and another one with clear water for rinsing to clean some of the kids' water-safe toys.

• Spray Bottle Tag
  Fill some water bottles and have the kids spray each other outside. For younger kids, the spray bottles are less intense than water guns.

• Slime Time
  Make homemade slime with these DIY recipes.

• Playdough
  Kids love playing with playdough no matter the weather. Make it at home with this easy recipe.

Pro Parent Tips for Keeping Kids Safe in the Heat

To stay cool in NYC, here are some tips that we swear by:

• If possible, plan outdoor activities for early morning or early evening to avoid the most intense heat. Seek out water activities such as water parks, splash pads, and pools.
• Make sure to have water bottles on hand. Pro tip: Freeze water bottles halfway and top off throughout the day.
• Make sure to dress kids in hats and light-colored clothing. And always wear—and reapply—sunscreen.
• Check car seats and strollers before loading kids as buckles can burn. Keep strollers in the shade when at the park.
• We love handheld fans, especially with the misting feature.

FAQs: Heat Wave Tips for Parents in New York City

Q: What’s the best time of day to go out during a heat wave in NYC?
A: Before 10am or after 5pm. Many parks and splash pads open early.

Q: Are there any free public indoor play spaces?
A: Yes, public libraries, some community centers like YMCAs, select public indoor plazas, like Brookfield Place's Winter Garden, and toy stores, like FAO Schwarz, are all open to the public. The city also opens cooling centers during intense heat waves, so sign up for local alerts to find the one nearest you!

Q: Can you get heat stroke indoors?
A: Yes, especially in poorly ventilated homes. Use fans and keep curtains closed during peak sun hours.

A version of this article was originally published in July 2012; it is updated annually.

Unless noted, photos by author.