This summer is definitely different! But hopefully more outdoors things are opening. I thought I would share this older article just to give you some thoughts/ideas for summer as much of this can still be done this year. As much as I would like to worry and pout all summer, my kids don’t intend to do that.
_____________Original Article from 2017___________
I might be city-obsessed. I might think that New York in the summertime is heaven. But I also know that my daughter is missing out on some key childhood experiences because we don’t live in the ‘burbs. So I’ve been compiling a list of activities that approximate all that backyard fun. I’m bringing the mountain to the Mohammad, damn it.
When I think of suburban summer I think of kids riding bikes with towels slung over their shoulders. I think of being barefoot and wearing a bathing suit all day. I think of grass and sand and freckles. Sun, open space, freedom. This is summer. And all these things can be found in our fair city, you just have to get outside. And since, for once in our lives it is not 100 degrees with the heat index, you aren’t chained to your air-conditioner.
If open space is the first step to our suburban summer in the city, then obviously the park is the place to start. But you aren’t wedded to it. There are block parties. It doesn’t even need to be your block. Most block parties have some activity but lots of empty street for leisurely bike riding. And community gardens can satisfy the need to get grass between your toes (I love 6/15 Green).
Spending large chunks of your day outside is also key. I feel like summer evenings are meant to be spent languidly sitting outside. But maybe you, and your kids, are burnt out on chalk drawing and bubbles. If that’s the case, crack some glow sticks and get a sidewalk dance party going. Or break out your CSA goodies and get those kids shucking corn or spitting watermelon seeds at each other (assuming you can find one with seeds in it). I’ve always felt like working with fruit and vegetables outside connects me to the experience of harvesting it, whether it is clipping from my windowsill herb garden or snapping the ends of green beans into a bag on my front stoop. Something about being outside with food reminds us that we are all growing things, all part of this natural world. Even our portion of it is covered with concrete.
Maybe you feel that summer isn’t summer unless you are constantly in water. While the occasional open fire hydrant may take the edge off, you are looking for something more your own. If your building has a yard you are a lucky devil and you can go each your bbq under your umbrella. But if you are like most New Yorkers you’ve got a stoop or stretch of sidewalk. Many buildings have a hose for dousing said sidewalk. If that is the case, run to your hardware store and purchase a sprinkler and you have the ultimate in summer time fun.
If these things don’t cut it for you, then you must immediately head to the park at sunset carrying two small jars with holes poked in the lids. Catching fireflies under the dark canopy of oak trees will take you to the fields of rural Pennsylvania, eating shoe-fly pie and tubing down the river. Or that’s where it takes me, at least.
Sarah Moriarty is a writer and editor. Check out more of Sarah’s work at sarahmoriarty.com.