It's easy to feel claustrophobic in the sweltering summer heat, but don't pack up the kids for a weekend getaway just yet! A seven-mile stretch of Park Avenue will be completely vehicle-free on three consecutive Saturdays in August during NYC's annual Summer Streets event. On August 1, 8 and 15, the thoroughfare from Brooklyn Bridge up to Central Park will be lined with tons of free summer activities to keep families cool and entertained. Grab the kids and walk, bike or scoot over to five different rest stops from 7am–1pm. Here are the best kid-friendly festivities on offer at each stop:
Foley Square rest stop (Duane St and Centre St)
This year's main attraction is a massive 270-foot blow-up waterslide provided by Vita Coco Beach. Kids ages 5 and up who can't get enough of splash parks can register ahead of time to 'Slide the City' on provided tubes—there's a whole lane just for kids and parents. Registration is full for Aug 1, but there are two more days available this month! Little adrenaline junkies can also brave a 165-foot zip line (on Leonard St between Lafayette and Centre Sts) or learn footwork tricks from the pro soccer players from NYC Football Club. For a more relaxing cool-off, chill out under palm trees, head to the misting station and grab photos with Ben Franklin and Flora, visiting from the Mount Vernon House Museum.
Soho rest stop (Spring St and Lafayette St)
Active older kids might want to join Mom and Dad in complimentary fitness classes like yoga, dance fusion and aerobics. Little ones will have a chance to get their bikes fixed up for free at the repair station.
Astor Place rest stop (Astor Pl and Lafayette St)
Your furry family members can join the fun too! Trot them over to the American Kennel Club Dog Park where they'll romp around on a grassy knoll and cool off in small pools. Pooches might even get a little training in on the agility course. Make sure to snap a photo in the WOOFtale booth!
Midtown rest stop (25th St and Park Ave)
Grab healthy snack samples from vendors like Stonyfield, Clif and Nature's Path at Whole Foods Market Summer Camp, then get the kids in on a free Learn to Ride class with Bike New York. Didn't bring your own set of wheels? Bike and Roll will be renting bikes for free at various locations, first-come, first served. Don't miss out on fun games from Come Out & Play, a live demo by PopFit Kids (Aug 1 at 10:30am) and tons of music and dance performances on the stage.
Uptown rest stop (52nd St and Park Ave)
Little ones can get their faces painted and try their hand at tie-dye with Serious Fun Children's Network. Once they've made a brightly colored bandana to take home, stop by the Bronx Museum of the Arts booth to craft a button with artist educators.
