We get it: school is out, kids are home, it’s hot outside, and more people in a tight living space can be a recipe for disaster, or at least more stress. Summer is often a challenging time for survivors of domestic violence. When others are celebrating the season, survivors are left feeling the additional responsibilities of managing childcare and work while also trying to keep the peace at home.
To help ease the stress just a bit, here are some tips for entertaining your kids (and yourself) this summer:
- Outdoor movies. There are many free movie series throughout the city, like Movies Under the Stars, which offers movie screenings at many city parks through the end of July. Movies in the Square offers screenings on Tuesdays in Domino Park in Williamsburg, and SummerStarz shows screenings on Fridays until mid-August in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
- Governors Island. This island is full of adventure and beauty, and is easy to get to by ferry from lower Manhattan or Brooklyn. The Yard is an adventure in itself – a playground that lets kids ages 5-19 create their own playspace by building, climbing, painting, zip lining and whatever else they can imagine. Caregivers can just sit back and enjoy the time!
- Get creative. Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City offers events like story times, musical performances and workshops and offers a full calendar of events each day. There’s something for every type of kid (and adult!) to enjoy all summer.
- Soccer fans in the house? There are many places to watch the World Cup games for free with other fans. Popular city spots are transformed into event venues for the big games and can be a high-energy place to watch.
- Get wet! There’s nothing more appealing during a heat wave than taking a dip! Luckily, NYC offers many free pools throughout the city that are accessible to all city residents. The Gottesman Pool at Harlem Meer is the newest addition to the list, and offers a huge oasis for the northern end of the park. One of the coolest pools in town (in our opinion!) is The Floating Pool Lady – a floating barge that docks at Barretto Point Park in the Bronx. Smaller, kid-friendly pools like the wading pool at the Asser Levy Playground and the Mini Pool at Tompkins Square Park in the East Village are also an option for younger children. No matter where you live, there’s a pool near you!
If all else fails, check out this very cool website from the Mayor’s office which offers personalized suggestions for what to do on any given day of the week.
We know the summer can be a difficult season to bear, and we’re here to help you navigate the challenges this weather can bring. Reach out to info@women4womenbk.org if you need support.
