While many NYers head to the Hamptons or Jersey Shore for the summer, there are still some great local summer activities in NYC that you won’t want to miss – and many for free!

So, get out and try something new in NYC this summer.

1. Summer Streets

For three Saturdays in August, NYers can ride, run and play on the streets of Manhattan. From the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park along Park Avenue, the streets are closed to all vehicles from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is a 7-mile stretch that you can take a walk or ride your bike without dealing with cars or trucks.

They have all sorts of activities along the way with free bike rental, a zip line, fitness classes and lots of samples. It is a day to get out and enjoy the city. For more information, visit their website.

2. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Just over the Bridge, this Park has an event for everyone. The Brooklyn Bridge Park offers free outdoor classes all summer that range from sunrise yoga to ballet barre to Zumba. And it doesn’t end there. They do open runs for the NYRR club as well free basketball clinics. If you prefer jumping, they have open Double Dutch sessions for all ages, skill level and jump style every Wednesday with free instruction on hand.

If water sports are more your speed, they offer free kayaking and kayak polo in the warmer months that launches from the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse.

3. Ferry to Rockaway Beach

Do you just need a getaway to swim and play at the beach but don’t want to make the trip to the Hamptons or the Jersey Shore? The NYC ferry has added service out to Rockaway Beach from Pier 11 at Wall Street and it won’t cost an arm and a leg. In fact, it is only the cost of a subway ride each way. It is an hour ride to the beach and kids less than 44 inches ride free. You can bring you bike for an extra dollar.

You can also pay for your tickets ahead of time on their app. And if you want to stop off in Brooklyn on the way back or head to 34th street, transfers are free within the NYC Ferry system up to 90 minutes.

4. Dance Party in the Morning

Although this craze has been going on for a few years across the world, what better time to get up and go to a Rave then in the summer? Think morning yoga from 6-7 a.m. to help wake you up and then a dance party from 7-9 a.m. with coffee, healthy juices and breakfast bites.

If pumping music with amazing DJs and dancing your heart out is not enough, they even add a theme. There are two well-known ones in NY: Daybreaker and Morning Gloryville.

5. NYC Parks

This is not what is seems. Although you can go walking, sit or toss a frisbee in a local park, there are so many free activities that are available throughout the entire city. If you want to just stay local or see another borough, the choice is yours. Some splendid examples are a guided walk through the Greenbelt conservatory on Staten Island. But if you need a bit more action, they also offer a trail run. On that same night, there is dance fitness on Randall’s Island, a Learn-2-Row class at the Manhattan Boat House, Zumba in a hockey rink in Queens and Yoga in a Garden in Brooklyn. This is all just one night; they also have morning programs as well!

They have everything from runs, hikes, rowing, fencing, swimming, mommy and me yoga, exercise classes galore and so much more, all of it is free. You can also check their website for the city tennis permits ($15/hour) and swimming pools throughout NYC.

Enjoy NYC outdoors this summer, but remember your sunscreen and water bottle! And as always, if you need a quick screening before increasing your physical activity, contact your SetPT office to schedule!