PunkinFutz Survival Guide No. 52

RESOURCES, EVENTS, TIPS, AND SUPPORT ALL IN ONE PLACE, EVERY MONDAY.
Planning Your Summer in NYC
As promised, here is the first seasonal NYC free summer activity guide.  There is so much to do here, whether you are a local or just visiting!  We will undoubtedly do another installment mid-summer, but here's a list to get you started.  [If you try any of these, please let me know what you think!]
Email Lisa @ PunkinFutz
NYC Department of Parks and Recreation is my go-to.  Always.  Here are some of my favorites:
  • The public pools: Outdoor pools are opening on Saturday, June 26th.  Did you know they have free swimming lessons??  They cover everything from beginners to adaptive swimmers to seniors!  Right now they are working out the re-opening details, so stay informed here.
  • And public beaches: NYC Parks provide 14 miles of public beaches.  Wow! And be sure to check out Orchard Beach in Pelham Bay Park, which was just reported to be one of the cleanest beaches (public and private) in NYS!
  • Urban Park Rangers Weekend Adventures: including canoeing, hiking, bird-watching, and even camping!  Did you know you can camp overnight in some NYC parks?  As part of the Urban Rangers Weekend program, families can be allowed to camp in our public parks!  The program is managed through a lottery system.  You can enter the lottery here.  
  • Free outdoor movies: Bring a blanket and a bag of popcorn, there is something for everyone in the lineup that spans parks across the City.
  • Free Concerts: from Wynton Marsalis to Gloria Gaynor to Sun Ra's Arkestra to Patti Smith!  There is quite a line up!
  • Request a free tree!  I had no idea this was a thing!  Apparently, you can request a free tree be planted on your block.  A NYC Parks Forrester will evaluate the request.  It's a fun way to bring the Parks Department to you!
Governor's Island: is one of the best public spaces anywhere: 120 acres and no cars.   If you have not taken the ferry out to Governor's Island yet, you are missing one of the very best experiences in NYC.  While it's not fully free (the ferry costs $3 for anyone over 12, unless you go before noon on Saturday or Sunday, when it's FREE), it's close.  Check out the scheduled events here.
  • One of my favorite events last summer on Governor's Island was Porch Stomp.  We went as a family with a group of friends to hear Miwa Gemini (which includes our own talented Rebekah Schwartz). This year Porch Stomp takes place on June 26th from 11 am to 5 pm.  I will definitely be there.  
  • While you are there, don't miss the "loose parts" playground called The Yard.  The Yard supplies young people with loose parts materials for building, exploring, imagining and destroying.
Coming Together: A Juneteenth Celebration

Since the beginning of time, communities have relied on one another to flourish and prosper. To honor the Juneteenth emancipation holiday, Concerts For Kids presents Coming Together, a joyous celebration of Black culture through music, dance, and poetry. Coming Together explores the importance of family—in all its forms—and how vital connection is to resilience and transformation.

Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 12:00 pm

Seats are available via the TodayTix Lottery. Enter for a chance to win a FREE pod (four seats) starting two weeks before the show. Entries close three days before a performance at 12:59 pm ET.

Enter the Lottery through the TodayTix app or by calling Lincoln Center Guest Services at 212-875-5456.
Don't Miss This Week's
Free PunkinFutz Programming: 
Wednesdays at Noon for adults
Friday Recess at 4 pm for kids!
OT For Me Box is the first school-based OT box for activities to enhance your child's academics through PLAY! Join us as we welcome Christine Meierhofer & Mikkayla Johnson, Co-Owners of OTForMeBox!
In this 45-minute beginning level, dance class students will learn cardio, technique, & a small section of a dance inspired by the movies! Lastly, their personal style will shine when we get to play freeze dance to one of our favorite songs! This class is intended for ages 5-10 years old! 

A  B I T  O F  F U N
Summer is for bike riding.  This is the best helmet PSA I have seen - definitely good for a Monday chuckle and worth waiting the 4 seconds to SKIP the ad.  Happy Monday!
Please note, PunkinFutz is in no way affiliated with any of the organizations covered in this newsletter.  PunkinFutz receives no compensation, directly or indirectly, from any organization or entity mentioned.