Mondays used to mean packing your tot off to preschool and enjoying a few precious hours of free time. Now that it’s summer, Monday means scrounging to line up another week’s worth of activities to keep him entertained. It’s only June, and you’re already at a loss.
Thankfully, next Monday brings sweet relief for mommies and kiddies spending summer in the city. On July 6, the Police Athletic League will open its 110 safe-play sites throughout the five boroughs, closing off streets to create open spaces where children can enjoy outdoor games, make new friends from the neighborhood, and splash around in the open fire hydrants.
Unlike the water park or the museum, the play sites are free (aside from a nominal sign-up fee), so you can go up to five days a week. An array of classic street games and other activities keep the days from feeling redundant: double-dutch, hopscotch, music and dance, street hockey, basketball, and arts and crafts projects. There’s even a mobile library where kids can borrow books. Sign up by visiting your local PAL summer play street.
Visit palnyc.org.