The heat has officially arrived in New York City! And if you are a New Yorker then you know that the city can become downright scalding during the heart of the summer months. And if you’re planning on moving here or visiting during our “dog days”, then brace yourself for our inevitable first heat wave and take note of KWNYC’s list of some of the best places to have fun and stay cool!
1. Nitehawk Movie Theater What better way to beat the heat than to chillax in a movie theater. Located in the hipster neighborhood of Williamsburg, this theater offers its audiences not just buttery popcorn, overpriced Milkduds, and a flick; it presents instead an experience full of scrumptious meals that can be ordered and served right at your comfy reclining seat, perfectly positioned in front of massive screen showcasing such classics as Jaws, Willow, and Enter the Dragon. Some of their tasty alternatives to average movie snack fare, which are said to be cinematically inspired items, are Fish and Shrimp Tacos, Nitehawk Burgers, French Toast Napoleon, Fried Green Tomatoes, Salads, Jerky, cascabel pepper chocolate bars, and truffle butter citrus salt popcorn—and we aren’t exaggerating when we say the list goes on with more food and a bevy of drinks. Located at 136 Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn Subway: L to Bedford Avenue, J/M/Z to Marcy Avenue, G to Metropolitan/Lorimer Street Phone: 718 384-3980 Admission: are $11 and $9 for children and seniors. $16 for movies that feature live entertainment.
2. Dairy Queen There were reportedly 200 people lined up to converge on the first Dairy Queen to grace Manhattan, and only the second in NYC, when it had its grand opening in May, and well, who can blame them? DQ has tantalized ice cream lovers living in the city for years before they finally relieved us of our soft serve frustration. Conveniently located in Union Square on W. 14th Street, the shop which also doles out fast food classics such as burgers, fries, and chicken strips, offers a variety of cups, cones, and shakes to keep you cool all summer long. Categorized by your favorite delectable treat you can pick from a plethora of flavors in their signature Blizzards such as Cookie Lover, Candy Craver, Fruit Fans, Chocoholics, and Royal Treat varieties in addition to cones, sundaes and novelties. These will absolutely do the trick for cooling you down on an unrelentingly scorching day. Located at 54 West 14th street. Subway: 1/2/3 to 14th Street, L to 14th Street.
3. Shark Now if you really want to cool off and have some fun, head over to Pier 16 at South Street Seaport for their fastest boat ride The Shark! For 30mins you can zip around the East River with the wind in your face and the water delightfully splashing you, although some people describe it as being more of in the realm of a proper soaking, as you enjoy the beautiful view of the city! Starting at South Street Seaport and going all the way around southern Manhattan where riders get the opportunity to take the quintessential New York City shot: the Statue of Liberty, while music plays backdrop to the boat crew’s narration of fun NYC facts and history. The boat leaves from Pier 16 at South Street Seaport Subway: A/C, J/Z or 2/3 to Fulton Street Phone: 212-742-1969 SHARK Speedboat Tickets: Adults $30, Children $19 Shark Speedboat Payment: Cash and Major Credit Cards Schedule: July – August: 12-5 p.m., hourly.
4. Brooklyn Boulders As New York City’s only gym fully dedicated to rock climbing and dubbed as one of the largest on the East Coast, it offers a little something for everyone looking to have some physical fun while still remaining cool indoors! Established in 2009, the 22,000-square foot facility is supervised by well trained staff equipped to cater to the needs of the neophytes trying the walls for the first time as well as the advanced set ready to exercise their mountain climbing prowess. Classes at BKB are executed using the gym’s own training curriculum and Peak Performance Program, in addition to their daily BKB Fit programs that include yoga and slacklining. BKB is located at 575 Degraw Street, Brooklyn, NY (on the corner of 3rd and Degraw). Subway: R to Union Street Station. Phone: 347-834-9066 Admission: First visit day pass – $30 (Students $24) – includes orientation. Day Pass – $25 (Students $19)10 Pack – $225 (Students $169) Rentals- Shoes – $6 Harness – $6 Chalk Bag – $2 Full Gear Kit-$11 Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 8am-Midnight and Tuesday, Thursday: 7am-Midnight.
5. Caroline’s On Broadway If you are in the mood for a little comedy to beat the heat, then what better way to do it than to attend a live performance at the legendary Caroline’s! Known for showcasing some of the entertainment industry’s top comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Rosie O’Donnell, and Billy Crystal, Caroline’s- which was established in 1982 in Chelsea before relocating to the heart of Times Square in 1992- is one of the most popular comedy clubs in NYC. This club surprisingly fits in well amidst the theaters along Broadway, boasting 300 seats and a great renovation job that was awarded Best Interior Club Design by the American Institute of Architecture. Be expected to see some top headliners when you go such as SNL’s Colin Jost, TBS's Trust Me, I'm a Game Show Host and Original Kings of Comedy star D.L. Hughley, as well as Mary Lynn Rajskub from Fox’s 24 and many others this summer! Caroline’s also has a full menu featuring such items as Skirt Steak, Roasted Chicken, Margherita Pizza, and Burgers in addition to a variety of desserts and drinks. Located at 1626 Broadway in Times Square. Subway: C/E to 50th Street, N/R/Q to 49th Street, 1 to 50th Street, B/D/F/M to 47th-50th Street (Rockefeller Center) Box Office: 212-757-4100 Admission: Prices range from $27 to $109 for each show and include packages with food. Schedule: 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Check their site for performer’s schedules.