Stargaze on the High Line. The Amateur Astronomers Association hosts weekly sessions with high-powered telescopes.
Now that the weather is nice, wait in line for the famous Cronut at Dominique Ansel Bakery in Soho. Nothing beats the original.
Chow down on delicacies from old and new vendors at Smorgasburg, the weekly food fest on the Williamsburg waterfront and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Let out your inner child and visit the animals at the Bronx Zoo (and eat popcorn, of course).
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdSpend a day on Arthur Avenue — the REAL Little Italy in the Bronx — eating Italian pastries and gelato.
Jump into a hot tub and watch a movie at Hot Tub Cinema in Brooklyn. The first event sold out in two hours, but the company promises "there's plenty more to come."
Have a picnic in DUMBO’s Brooklyn Bridge Park. The waterfront park has views of the skyline, a carousel, lots of food and drink options, and sports.
Drink up at SingleCut Beersmiths, a brewery in Astoria, Queens. This brewery has a rotation of beers on tap and garage doors that open in nice weather.
Cool down with locally made ice cream from Ample Hills Creamery in Prospect Heights. Flavors include Salted Crack Caramel and Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdCruise around the Hudson River while eating a Shrimp Bo Boy or Lobster Cobb Salad with the North River Lobster Co., a new "sailing lobster boat."
Dust off your Spark Notes and go see Shakespeare in the Park. This summer's performances include "Much Ado About Nothing" and "King Lear."
Take a dip in one of the city's many pools. One awesome option is the McCarren Hotel's saltwater pool, one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in New York City.
Watch a free movie on the deck of the Intrepid Museum. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, and food, plus all movies are sea-, air-, and space-themed.
Scream your head off on the rides at Coney Island's Luna Park. There are two new ones — the Thunderbolt and Luna 360 — that are particularly thrilling.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdBreathe in clean, fresh air in the Hudson Valley. It's only a one-hour train trip away, and there are breweries and plenty of nice restaurants in addition to all that nature.
Head to Flushing, Queens and gorge yourself on authentic, delicious Chinese food. We recommend Asian Jewels Seafood for its amazing Dim Sum.
Take in the annual July 4 fireworks show with millions of other New Yorkers. The 2014 show will take place over the Brooklyn Bridge.
Ride the A train all the way up to 190th Street and visit The Cloisters, a branch of The Met that displays Medieval European art. Nearby Fort Tryon Park also has awesome views of the Hudson River.
Dance to the music of your choice at Quiet Clubbing. Participants are handed wireless headphones and can listen to any of 3 DJs.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdRent a bike and ride along the Hudson River from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan to Dyckman Street in Inwood.
Soak up the sun on the patio of the long-awaited Union Square Pavilion. In addition to cocktails, the outdoor restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Escape to New York's Rockaway Beach. Grab some homemade Italian ice from DiCosmo's Ices and find a spot on the sand.
Celebrate Bastille Day on July 14th on Smith Street in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. From 12 AM to 8 PM, visitors can enjoy French food, drinks, and a game of Petanque.
Swing through the air at the New York City Trapeze School. With two outdoor locations in the city, amateurs can enjoy the weather while flying like circus performers.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdGet boozy at brunch on a New York City rooftop. Alma Restaurant in Brooklyn has three floors and gorgeous views of the New York skyline (plus, killer guac).
Paddle around in sunny Central Park. The Loeb Boathouse has a fleet of 100 rowboats for lazy days.
Beat the heat and go rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulders. The Boerum Hill, Brooklyn gym has bouldering, top roping, and lead climbing, plus classes for beginners.
Play mini golf on Manhattan's Pier 25. The 18-hole miniature golf course features a waterfall, cave, and sand traps.
Pay homage to the victims and heroes of September 11th at the newly opened 9/11 Memorial Museum, which contains poignant multimedia and artifacts from that day.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdTake a day trip to Governors Island via a free ferry and relax in hammocks with incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.
Fly a kite in Prospect Park. With plenty of open spaces (and not as many annoying tourists as Central Park), it's the perfect place for running around.
Dance along to your favorite DJs at Electric Zoo 2014. The music fest will once again be held on Randall's Island on Labor Day weekend.
After perusing the art, have drinks on top of The Metropolitan Museum. The Roof Garden Café has specialty cocktails, wine and beer, plus outstanding panoramic views of Central Park and NYC.
Summer is also all about burgers.