Navigating July in New York City to Stay Entertained (and Cool!) While You’re Practicing Your English July 30, 2021

Summer in New York City can be incredibly fun, and it often feels like there are endless possibilities for staying entertained with things to do, see, and experience. The weather can often be a bit unpredictable, as one day it could be in the 90s and sunny, and the next day could be in the high 60s and rainy – you’ll learn quickly to roll with the punches and prepare for the unexpected.

Now that we’re coming off the heels of the pandemic and restrictions are also being lifted, it can also feel like a summer that we’ll never forget. We finally get to experience a sense of “normalcy” after missing out on regular life for over a year. With this in mind, there are quite a handful of opportunities to celebrate this post-pandemic summer so you can also simultaneously keep your English skills fresh and active. Get ready for an awesome summer!

1. Governor’s Island Luxury Camping Retreat

So even I’m new to this, and I just found out about this (believe me when I sent this to my friends to see who’s interested!), and it seems like it could be such a fun experience. Not only will you be able to reserve one of three options for sleeping spaces, but you’ll also have tons of amenities that you’ll be able to partake in throughout your stay, not to mention the incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan! If you feeling like saving some money, grab a handful of friends to help split the cost, and be sure to pack the sunscreen! Because this is an experience that offers collective experiences, you’ll meet tons of new people, allowing you to practice your English social skills! Pack a book for some relaxing evenings by the water so you can also keep your English reading skills sharp – this is an experience you won’t soon forget!

2. Concerts Under the Stars, Various Locations

If you haven’t learned yet, rooftops are EVERYTHING in the city summers. Not only do you get breathtaking views, but the gentle breeze and spirit that comes from feeling like you’re on the of the world can transform you to a completely different mindset. This year, grab a handful of friends and splurge on a fancy night out at one of the various locations that is hosting a concert under the stars. Live jazz music by some of the biggest names will take you back to a simpler and more elegant time and will make you feel like you’re part of the Rat Pack and living in a different era. You’ll be pinching yourself all night that these kinds of experiences are right in your back yard.

3. The Tiny Cupboard Comedy Club, Bushwick

To continue the theme of rooftop experiences, this is another amazing option to enjoy the summer nights safely and with a hearty laugh. Not only will you, again, get to check out some of the best views known to man, but you’ll laugh till you cry while you take it all in. Located in the heart of Bushwick, you can easily continue the evening with some splendid Brooklyn eats and drinks. Because you’ll be speaking, listening, and reading English all night, your English skills will continue to be used and practiced in a functional way so it doesn’t seem like you’re in school!

4. Little Island, Pier 55

I absolutely HAD to include this one because it’s so new and exciting! With plenty of green spaces and walkways and even performance venues, you could easily spend an entire summer day here, with never ending views of the Hudson River and the NYC skyline. It’s the perfect day trip to get some fresh air, Vitamin D, and the chance to put your English skills to use by bringing your friends and catching up with one another. You’ll meet tons of other curious New Yorkers during your day of adventure, so be sure to bring your smiles!

There’s no doubt that the city is back (I’ll even argue that it never left), so be sure to take full advantage of the warm and sunny summer days this year in New York City – because you’re in the greatest place in the world! Wear comfortable shoes, pack your sunscreen, and get ready to make some post-pandemic memories. Fall will be here before we know it, so be sure to take full advantage of everything you have at your fingertips.