It’s summer! School holidays! And all of the above often means a big unknown for working-class families, particularly in poorer communities. The Bronx, while it concentrates the neighborhoods where more people are “doing it tough” economically right now, concentrates great attractions. With planning, many of them are often inexpensive or free.
Lesly Rivas, a Honduran mother of a six-year-old girl, says that despite not having much money to spend on vacation, she appreciates that she can always find entertainment “just around the corner” to help her overcome confinement. And even more so the heat.
“There are many parks with water, there are options for children. Obviously, most families cannot afford to pay for entrance to expensive parks and places. But fortunately, this city always offers free and fun activities. You just have to find out,” says the migrant, in front of Yankee Stadium, one of the world’s sporting temples and a must-see for thousands of tourists every year.
The so-called ‘Salsa County’ is home to many parks that are spaces where both the City and the County organize free-access artistic activities for the community this season. Such is the case of Crotona Park, Henry Hudson Park, Hunt’s Point Riverside Park, Macombs Dam Park, Pelham Bay Park, University Woods and Van Cortlandt Park.
Most of these “lungs” include sports fields, playgrounds for children, and other facilities. To get a clearer idea of which of these locations are closest to your home, their access times, and the activities you can do, check out the NYC Parks Department’s digital search engine at: nycgovparks.org
From Zoo
What even few residents of ‘Salsa County’ know is that it is home to one of the largest zoos in the world, home to more than 6,000 animals. A space that can be unforgettable for children during these vacation days.
Regular admission to the Bronx Zoo can cost around $40, but may be limiting for large family groups. The park offers free admission on Wednesdays with prior reservation. Free admission is also available to children and families in public housing complexes (NYCHA) and to some community organizations that serve low-income youth and seniors. There are also membership options for those with a Municipal ID (IDNYC).
The Botanical Garden
Another awesome spot for a family day out is the Bronx Botanical Garden (NYBG). Although it’s most popular in the spring for blooming flowers, it’s a nearby alternative to the Bronx Zoo that can be part of a different day of fun. On Wednesdays, admission to the park is free for New York City residents all day. There are also free alternatives for Bronx residents. For more details, check out nybg.org.
We go to the beach
Beyond cultural options, naturally, summer days are associated with beach days. The Bronx also has this option.
As NYC Parks specifies: “Orchard Beach, the Bronx’s only public beach, was proclaimed ‘New York’s Riviera’ when it was created in the 1930s.
But in addition to the sea and the sun, it is a decades-old tradition that every remaining Sunday of the summer, an informal salsa dance party is held outdoors in section 5 of the parking lot at this resort. From 12 to 5 p.m. Participation is free.
This 115-acre, 1.1-mile-long resort contains a boardwalk, snack bars, food carts, two playgrounds, two picnic areas, a large parking lot, and 26 basketball, volleyball, and handball courts. Changing areas and showers are available.
For details on access and rules for this beach visit: nycgovparks.org
“I try to go at least once in the summer. They have really improved the beach compared to previous years. The boulevard and food courts look better,” said Puerto Rican Luisa Figueroa, 50.
The fact:
- Pelham Bay Park covers 1,000 hectares, making it the largest park in New York City. It is more than three times the size of Manhattan’s Central Park.