New York City is a fantastic city to explore in the summer. However, it’s so easy to get drawn to more well known tourist spots like Times Square, the Freedom Tower, or the view from the top of the Empire State Building. While these are fantastic things to do if you’ve never been to the Big Apple, New York really does have so much more to offer. So if you’re feeling short of ways to spend a day in New York City, here are a few suggestions.

The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

This museum located on the Upper East Side right off Central Park really is one of a kind. Entering the museum is an interactive and exciting experience. Both children and adults can find a way to entertain themselves for hours. By pushing visitors to interact with the exhibits the museum itself is a giant curiosity machine. It integrates observation with creation by allowing visitors to create for themselves while wandering through the exhibits and feed off of the inspiration around them. It looks not only at the product of creativity, but also the process of creation.

~*Pro Tip*~ For good breakfast in the area before you wander through the museum, check out Bluestone Lane Collective, a delicious small brunch place on 90th and 5th, for some killer avocado toast or some yummy fresh seasonal berries.

The Smorgasburg in Williamsburg

Every Saturday from 11am-6pm East River State Park turns into a delicious showcase of local NYC food vendors. It’s the perfect place to sample some of the unique foods that the Big City has to offer in one small space. Sink your teeth into a mouth watering ramen burger. Obsess over a one of a kind donut from Dough or refresh your taste buds with a popsicle from People’s Pops. Bring your food to the edge of the river and bask in the gorgeous NYC skyline and soak up the sun while you get the chance.

~*Pro Tip*~ Arrive as close to 11 as possible because on a beautiful day lines can get pretty long!

The Botanical Garden

It’s hard to believe that such a beautiful place could in the NYC area. It’s a place that I have treasured my entire life. When you enter the Botanical Garden you forget that you’re surrounded by city streets and fall in love with the immaculate flowers, the smell of fresh air and the abundance of wildlife. From gorgeous cherry blossoms and tulips, a beautiful rose garden, a forest to hike through, and an interactive conservatory to simply awe-inspiring architecture and art, The Botanical Garden has thousands of wonders to offer. Check out the website before you head uptown to make sure you aren’t missing out on any cool events such as the Orchid Show, the upcoming exhibit on American Impressionism, or a night of wine tasting in the gardens.

~*Pro Tip*~ I highly recommend coming prepared with a picnic and finding a nice spot to rest in the middle of the day, as food can be pretty expensive.

Shakespeare in the Park

The Delacorte Theater in the middle of central park makes the legendary words of Shakespeare accessible to all. The cool thing about Shakespeare in the Park? Tickets are Free! Pick a day that you’re willing to dedicate to Shakespeare, as free tickets (two per person) are given out every day at noon, but lines start forming by 8am. I highly suggest bringing a picnic lunch, some good friends and new book and sitting down in the line pretty early. It’s a great way to experience the life of Central Park as well as meet some cool new people who share your love for Shakespeare. This summer the Delacorte will be showing two of Shakespeare’s great works: an all female production of the Taming of the Shrew from May 24th to June 26th, followed by a stunning production of one of Shakespeare’s lesser known plays, Troilus and Cressida from July 19th through August 14th.

~*Pro Tip*~ Check the weather before you get tickets! Its an outside performance that will continue in the rain, but not in a thunderstorm!

Washington Square Park

This park has so much to offer. Wander through on a hot NYC summer day and find both children and adults splashing through the beautiful fountain placed in front of the famous arch that is a monument for George Washington. On any given day you may find live music playing under the arch, free yoga or tai chi classes to join, unique art shows, a Dachshund Spring Fiesta, chess games, or street performers set up in the park. It’s a great place to sit and relax after wandering around the surrounding neighborhoods or to bring a picnic with family and friends. Even wander through on your own, pick a nice place to lay out a blanket and spend the day tanning and people watching. It’s a great place to experience the diversity that NYC has to offer, as well as isolate yourself from the busy and sometimes overwhelming city streets.

~*Pro Tip*~ Keep looking up and around you for beautiful views of some of NYC’s most iconic buildings such as the Freedom Tower and the Empire State Building.