Things to do in New York City in May While You’re Practicing Your English April 30, 2018

Was it just me, or did winter just NOT want to end this year? Thankfully, as May is finally here, we can place our bets on warmer days and brighter sunshine. I’ve been itching to get outside and enjoy the cooperative weather, and I finally can, so I wanted to bring you all the best activities that New York City has to offer in the springtime. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, there’s nothing better than springtime in the Big Apple. With tons of parks and an endless list of things to do, you’ll never run out of ideas.

If you’re looking for ways to put your English skills to use, check out the fun things to do this month that will not only give you your fresh air, but they’ll force you to interact with others using your English phrases and social skills. The better weather tends to put everyone in high spirits, so you might find that you’ll be interacting with many new people, maybe even making new friends, so come prepared with your best “getting to know you” English phrases. Additionally, lots of the activities relate to honoring our servicemen and women, so I also suggest practicing your phrases that thank these people for their dedication.

1. Fleet Week, May 24 – May 30, 2018

This is quite the notorious occasion for New York City—the annual celebration is a huge deal for New Yorkers, and locals and tourists alike flock to the Big Apple to honor the members of the United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. The week kicks off with the Parade of Ships that travels along the Hudson River and continues with other military-related demonstrations throughout the city. The best part of this event is that it takes place all over the city, so if you can’t make it to certain parts of Manhattan, you can check out other spots during the week. This is a great time to brush up on your English military lingo, such as “Thank you for your service” or even practice your saluting.

2. Japan Day, May 13, 2018, Central Park

If I haven’t already emphasized enough that New York City is a giant cultural melting pot, Japan Day is another example that proves the Big Apple is a celebration in diversity. On this Sunday in Central Park, New York City brings Japan to you, with live performances, authentic Japanese vendors, and activity tents, you can experience Japan in your own backyard. Because this day attracts all cultures, you can interact with other inquisitive New Yorkers by sharing what you’ve learned, helping you put your English skills to use.

3. Bike Month, May

What better way to kick off the spring season by taking a bike ride in the best city in the world? May is the official Bike Month, so you may notice a lot more people renting Citi Bikes or pulling out their own wheels to take in the beautiful fresh air. New York City continues to become more and more bike friendly, since it’s healthier and less damaging to the environment than driving or taking the bus. Plus, there are tons of biking tours that you can look into that will help you get your exercise and explore parts of the city that you’ve never explored. Gather your friends, bring your helmet, and get ready to meet more people—practice your English bike-riding lingo, and you’ll be a pro within no time.

4. Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2018

Many people consider this three-day weekend to be the official kick-off of summer, but it’s important to remember the true meaning of this day: Memorial Day is a day to honor the men and women that have sacrificed their lives serving the United States in the armed forces. New York City takes this holiday weekend seriously, with plenty of parades in all five boroughs, special parties in restaurants and bars, and of course, tons of parks to barbecue and hold picnics. Most offices are closed this Monday, so gather your friends, pack a basket, and don’t forget to thank your servicemen. Your English skills will come naturally with the cooperative weather, and you’ll be humbled as you view all the honorable ceremonies across the city limits.

As May is finally here and it brings warmer weather and longer sunshine, you won’t run out of anything to do, and you’ll also be sure to get plenty of English practice as you pull out your sunglasses and trek outdoors.