Like the splash from a dive into the deep end of a pool, summer announces itself in no uncertain terms. One day, the weather is cool and spring-like, and then suddenly, it turns hot: We have reached peak summer.

Make time to enjoy the season before it’s gone! The days are longer and there’s joy to be found in slowing down and taking in the season’s bounty. From farmers markets to meeting up with friends to grab a drink and watch the sunset, there’s plenty to do, whatever your pleasure.

Get moving

Summer is a great time to get in some exercise and perhaps learn a new sport or game — pickleball, anyone? You could learn rock climbing, Rollerblading, mountain biking, surfing or scuba. Check out the New York City Parks website for more great outdoor opportunities than you can squeeze into one summer. There are outdoor exercise classes in city parks, free kayaking and canoeing opportunities — with awesome city views — and nature trails throughout the five boroughs. 

Check out Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City if you want to dance under a 10-foot disco ball, watch dance performances or hear music. It’s all for free or pay-what-you-wish. 

Soak up some culture

There’s a good reason people visit New York City from all over — we have world class museums, galleries and theater. While galleries are always free, museums are often free to residents or have free hours. And you can snag discount tickets to Broadway (or off-Broadway) plays same day at TKTS booths or online on the TKTS website.

The New York City Parks website can also clue you in to where your favorite free (or low-cost) summer concerts, outdoor movies, theater and Shakespeare in the Park will be. 

And for a completely different kind of culture, consider making your own ice cream, frozen yogurt, kombucha or whatever culinary treat beckons.

Get into nature 

Yes, nature, right here in the city. Enjoy birding at the larger parks in every borough; walk the nature trails and ramble in the Ramble. Whales have been spotted in the waters around the city, seals are rumored to hang out around Staten Island, and the city’s Urban Park Rangers, located in every borough, offer free, kid-friendly events where you can learn more about astronomy, animals, plants and history.

You can also slow down, relax and embrace your inner laziness. Try lying in the grass and watching the clouds, floating on your back in the sea, hanging out with friends, whiling away the hours watching movies or reading for pleasure.

In the summer, the world is your oyster; or, as author Sam Keen said, “Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” 

So take some time off work, put the chores aside for a bit and make sure to squeeze some joy out of every day while the summer lasts.