They say nothing compares to New York City in fall… but I think we can all agree: summer in New York is in a league of its own. When the weather is this nice, you can easily take advantage of all New York has to offer. People are relaxed, tanned, active, and happy. It’s prime time for meeting new people, starting a fling, and making memories with old friends. Here are our top picks for your summer. Go alone, bring a friend, or meet a new one – no matter what, these experiences will be ones to remember.

1) See an outdoor movie

Bryant Park, the Hudson River, and Washington Square Park are just a few of the venues that offer free outdoor screenings of classics all summer long. Some of NYC’s famous and beautiful rooftops also offer movie screenings for a small price.

PERFECT FOR: a first date

2) Beach Volleyball on the pier

Dear Brooklyn Bridge Park, we love you. Never change. Xoxo, ZogSports. Seriously, with the most stunning views of Manhattan you’ll find – this waterfront park sets a perfect backdrop for your beach volleyball games. We know, we know… the one thing New Jersey has on us is their beaches. How many times have you heard a friend complain that there’s just “not enough green” here in the city? Lay that notion to rest. Come play with us this season! With sand, sun, water, and greenery all around you – you’ll feel like you’ve left New York without actually having to do so.

PERFECT FOR: getting a tan

3) Rooftop Bars 

Even if you do take a trip out of NY this summer – you KNOW you can’t stay away for long. No other city in the world has rooftop bars like ours. It’s rooftop season, and you should take advantage! Some of New York’s best even offer pool access. The ones that don’t still offer stellar views. If you’re trying to give your hometown friends FOMO, this is your chance. Sip on a delicious drink and get some shots of that skyline. You can go back to your favorite indoor bar in October. For now – have an affair with something that looks like this ^^

PERFECT FOR: an Instagram photo

4) Smorgasburg 

Not everyone likes to drink. Some of us prefer FOOD. Head on down to the seaport district for your choice of the best NYC’s food vendors have to offer. Lobster rolls, gourmet doughnuts, ice cream sandwiches, and the famous Ramen Burger are all available here. Take your time browsing this flea market for food. And don’t forget to stock up – Smorgasburg is only around for a few short months!

PERFECT FOR: an outing with friends

5) Cornhole 

Unfortunately, now that we’re all “adults” or whatever – we don’t get to take the summer off. Work happens year round and vacations are short! To keep your sanity, and to reconnect with your childhood – play cornhole! This low key game keeps it casual and fun. Your remedy for a hard day at work – come have fun with us and forget all about it. Make a new friend. Maybe even meet a new boyfriend or girlfriend so your parents can finally stop nagging you about it. How nice does that sound?

PERFECT FOR: remedying a long day at the office

6) Happy Hour 

We take fun seriously and think you should, too! You’ve been cooped up, working hard all winter. Now’s the time to let loose, explore, and go outside your comfort zone. Everyone has their “regular” bar. But let’s be real – at your regular bar, you meet all the same old regular people, order the regular drink, and have the regular night. Time for you to try someplace new! Lucky for you, here at Zog, we introduce you to some new bars in the city at our post-game happy hours.

PERFECT FOR: the type of night they write songs about

7) Coney Island Boardwalk 

Ferris wheels, fireworks, corndogs, and the beach? This is like your childhood dream of what Summer looked like. Is it really summer unless you eat a Popsicle on a boardwalk? You don’t have to venture too far. While the Jersey shore, Rhode Island, and Cape Cod are all viable options, Coney Island is a mere subway ride away. Bring your significant other and enjoy that magical carnival date she’s been secretly dying for you to take her on. I mean, really, haven’t you ever seen the Notebook?

PERFECT FOR: people watching

8) The Prospect Park Fireworks Show

Show a little love to Brooklyn. Especially on July 4th. Manhattan has its own go-to spots for seeing the show – but ditch them. No other place in New York will give you the same experience. On a night like July 4th, Manhattan is a crowded mess. Similar to New Year’s Eve, there are so many options for things to do – it can be overwhelming and sort of a letdown. Skip all that and bring your squad to Prospect Park. The Fireworks show here is unrivaled and with a surprisingly manageable crowd. If you’re into taking photos – no other venue will give you the same quality of pictures! If you don’t believe us – just check Instagram.

PERFECT FOR: a great night with friends

9) Central Park New York Philharmonic 

Speaking of fireworks – the Central Park New York Philharmonic show is an unmissable event this summer. Each year, the shows end with fireworks against the Manhattan skyline. But don’t come just for the sparks – come for the music! Tickets for the NYPhil are normally pretty high – this free event gives you the same experience for nothing at all. The most talented instrumentalists of New York come together to give you an incredible show. Bring a blanket and some wine, and have a great night.

PERFECT FOR: impressing your friend who’s into classical music and discussing politics

10) Throw an End-Of-Summer party with all your ZogSports friends!

As summer comes to an end – you’re sure to have a whole new group of friends joining your squad and being a part of your life. Celebrate your friendship! Get together, take over someone’s apartment or house – and throw a banger to send off summer. Make sure Kanye is bumping on the playlist. He may not be coming back to New York for a while….

PERFECT FOR: turning acquaintances into BFFs

What’s on your summer bucket list?  Comment below or let us know on Instagram @ZogSports.

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