Summer time and the living is easy! Theres something about July that just makes summer so official that sometimes June doesn’t do. Schools officially over, my to do list is caught up on, and I can finally enjoy all the family fun summer activities Ive been looking forward to all spring long. 4th of July, Bastille day, baseball season, there are just so many fun New York activities in July. Living in NYC gives my family access to many amazing summer events, creating memories for years to come. Ive gathered a list of some this years most exciting July activities in NYC.
Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks Show
My family looks forward to this spectacular 4th of July show every year. This year especially is even more exciting for us because the show will be moved downtown near the Brooklyn Bridge as oppose to the last 5 years in Midtown. I highly recommend Brooklyn Bridge Park, Battery Park City, South Street Seaport, or Roosevelt Island for the best viewing experience. Fireworks will begin at 9:20pm so get there early to grab a seat.
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
Your 4th of July might include a family bbq, poolside fun, or campfire smore’s, but Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest has long been a July 4th tradition. Competitors train all year to ultimately see how many hot dogs they can eat within 10 minutes. This year Joey Chestnut will be defending his title after winning the contest 11 times before. The contest all happens down on the Coney Island boardwalk making it a great location for a holiday beach day, or a festive day riding the amusement park roller coasters.
Restaurant Week
This should honestly be a city holiday. Hehe. This year over 370 restaurants are participating in this delicious two week event. Restaurants all over New York will be offering prix fixed meals allowing New Yorkers an array of culinary cultures. The prix fixe meals include a two course lunch for $26 and three course dinner for $42. Jason and I always look forward to this bi-annual culinary celebration and I know as soon as the restaurant list is announced, we’ll be making reservations. Bon Appétit!
Ozy Fest
Ozy Fest is an outdoor extravaganza right in the heart of Central Park! Two full days of music, panel discussions, comedy, food, and more. With a music lineup that includes John legend & Miguel, and moderators that include Alex Rodriguez, Trevor Noah, & Stacey Abrams, this event truly sounds like the best way to spend a sunny day in the park. A few “surprise guests” have yet to be announced, and from the clues on their site, Im thinking Michelle Obama will also be making an appearance. Ozy Fest is definitely a July must this year!
Bastille Day
We might all be busy planning our July 4th bbq’s, but don’t forget how fun July 14th, Bastille Day, is to celebrate! Every year for the last 20 years The French Institute hosts a Bastille Day street festival. Spanning from 5th Ave to Lexington Ave all on 60th St, the festival includes all things French food, music, mimes, can-can dancers, crafts for kids, games, etc… the blue white & red fun is endless! I love sharing different cultures with my children and this is a great cultural event right in our backyard!
Slime Expo – The Funniest of the New York Activities in July
I dont think I could come up with something my kids would want to go to more! What a brilliant idea to have two full days of all things slime! Expo includes venders, slime making workshops, contests, demo’s, bounce houses, and more! As a parent I love how slime is all parts craft making, science, and play. Best part is all this slime is not in my house. Hehe! I truly cant wait to take the kids to this and see their eyes twinkle with happiness!
Catch A Ball Game
Its baseball season and its summer, so get outdoors and take the kids to a ball game for a classic American pastime. July includes many home games for both The Yankees and The Mets. They even play each other on both July 2nd and July 3rd. So hop on the uptown or queens bound trains, get yourself some peanuts, and join in on all the sports game fun.
Pastis Reopening
Pastis has officially reopened its doors and visiting its new meatpacking location is definitely a summer must. Originally opening 20 years ago, Pastis quickly became a beloved New York staple. And now after 4 years closed, I know I speak for many New Yorkers when I say how excited and happy I am about its reopening. I have genuinely been craving their croque monsieur and steak frites for the last 4 years, and I may solely be eating these two meals for months to come. Hehe. But in all seriousness make reservations soon as crowds will be rushing over with high anticipation for its overdue reopening at its gorgeous new location.
Formula E
For all those car loving kids this event is a must! Created in 2014, Formula E is an all electric powered car motorsport. An old American past time meets the future and innovation! I have a feeling this is a motorsport thats bound to grow and quickly become very popular.
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What are your family’s favorite New York activities in July?
21 thoughts on “9 Family New York Activities in July”
It looks really fun there, I love the photos taken. 🙂 If only I were in the US, I would not want to miss this definitely.
Would you believe that I have never done the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks? I fear the crowds, but I know it’s something I need to try.
This year will be exceptionally beautiful with views of the downtown and the Brooklyn Bridge!
Oh fun! I know what to do now next time I’m in NY in July! Thanks for sharing!
This sounds like a great list! I am all in for all the food excursions! Thank you for this!
Great list! We are also in Brooklyn and will be going to Brooklyn bridge park. Super excited :))
Aaaahhhhh….it’s so nice to know that the Restaurant Week is opening up this month, as well, in the States! I’d definitely go for it.
I cant wait for it! I look forward to it all year long!
There’s a slime expo??? What a fabulously, slimy idea! I would go, would you?
The kids are so excited about this!
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest would be the best activity in this list! I would like to enter and challenge myself. I think I’ll eat more than 3! haha!
Hehehe!!! I bet Ryder could eat 3 too!
I love good firwork shows and going to the ballpark. Some of my favorite things to do with my family.
These are awesome ideas for the family! July is when summer is in full swing!
I love NYC. I´ve never visited in July though, only in winter and autumn! So many awesome events! I would love to attend each and every!
The fireworks show is always something we look forward to. Every year is better than the last, so we are excited to see this year’s fireworks display. I’d also love to watch the hotdog eating contest and see who wins this year. I just can’t believe anyone could eat that many hotdog sandwiches!
Great ideas, I love watching fireworks as a family.
I’m particularly excited about Restaurant week. This is the only time I can actually afford eating out at fancy restaurants, So I book a different restaurant every single day, lol.
looks like a blast! i see nathan’s hot dogs were there, i LOVE them! lol.
I really enjoy baseball season during the summer time. I’m glad that this sport major list of fun things to do around this time of year.
DIY activities with the kids are always a good idea. That, and trips to the ballpark. 🙂