Dear Judy,

We just moved to New York City this summer. Do you have any ideas for free summer activities?

New to NYC

Judy answers:

Dear New to NYC,

Welcome to summer in New York City! Lots of families may be at loose ends now that summer school is ending and early camp sessions are over. A good way to meet other families in your neighborhood is to check out your neighborhood public school playground. A city initiative called "Schoolyards to Playgrounds" is working to renovate and open school playgrounds to the public. Many are now open even if school is not.

Department of Parks and Recreation playgrounds are also open from 8 am to dusk. Their website has  a list of playgrounds and other indoor and outdoor recreation programs. They also have a list of wheelchair accessible playgrounds, fields, pools and beaches. And, if you find a favorite playground, the Department is even inviting folks to pick their favorite playground, so you can see what other families recommend.<!--more-->

For kids who have tired of swings and slides, there are many other recreation opportunities: The City Parks Foundation sponsors free instruction in golf, tennis, track and field for kids ages 5-16 at the beginner, intermediate and advanced level. Call (718) 760-6969 for more information.

For students in grades 5-12, the Big Apple Games, a sports program at city schools sponsored by the Public School Athletic League, is underway until Aug. 13.

Don't forget the library. Besides being a cool and comfortable place to enjoy a book, libraries offer special summer reading programs, contests, story hours, and fun events all summer. Check out the summer programs for kids at the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Borough Public Library. Did you know that children 11 years old and older can apply for a library card online? But, it's just as easy to drop in, there are local libraries everywhere and all you need is an ID.

This week, in Let it grow, our blogger Claiborne Milde, writes about the fun her family is having getting dirty in school and community gardens. Check out her post for links to free family gardening programs around the city.

And save the date: The Department of Education's Office for Family Engagement and Advocacy is holding a Family Back to School Kickoff on Saturday, Aug. 22, 10am to 3pm in Central Park. Call 212-374-7625 or email ofea@schools.nyc.gov for details.

Do others have a suggestion for how to spend the last month of summer? Share your comments below. Happy summer!

Judy