The temperatures are rising and the city streets are filled with tourists visiting New York City. Luckily, there are plenty of cheap tickets to get you to the city that never sleeps during the hot summer months. You’ve seen it in movies and media, but you must experience New York City during a time when everything comes alive and stays out a little later to enjoy some fun in the sun. To make the most of it, check out these suggestions on some of NYC’s summer events!

Though the devastating super storm Sandy ruined much of the beachfront in New York City and the surrounding area, much of this property has been quickly rebuilt just in time for the summer season. You can enjoy cheap thrills at free city beaches like Coney Island or Orchard Beach, but these often get crowded. Take the train out to Long Island for some serious beach bumming. These longer beach promenades are New Yorkers’ best kept secret to enjoying some serious tanning and lounging on the shore.

“Take me out to the ball game, take me out to the crowd!” When in New York, try to get  tickets to the Subway Series, when the two New York teams play against each other. You’ve got the famous New York Yankees, who play in the Bronx, and the much-loved New York Mets who represent Queens. A subway series can also include a double header, when both teams play each other in the same day and in each other’s stadium. This would mean you can actually take the subway from one stadium to the other, with travel costing about $5 USD!

Perhaps you were bummed out that you were too busy this year and missed out on big flicks like Silver Linings Playbook and Argo. Or, maybe you’re a classic movie buff who can watch Breakfast at Tiffany’s over and over again. Movie lovers of all kinds will rejoice and love the free summer flicks in the city. There are many locations, ranging from Coney Island to Hudson River Park, with certain days that you can watch films on huge screens in the great outdoors. All you have to do is bring a blanket and snacks (no alcohol!) and tune in at sundown to watch your favorite movies with others.

You’ve worked so hard all summer to make sure you could fit into that teeny weeny bikini. Don’t you think you deserve a cool and refreshing treat to celebrate the summer in New York City? Ice cream trucks were the first food trucks and continue to cool off both New Yorkers and tourists alike. There’s the original Mister Softee serving up soft serve ice cream cones, floats and shakes. There’s also a quirky competitor called the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck with premium flavors and toppings, like the strange Ginger Curry shake. Or, you can always ride the air conditioned subway all day long to cool off!

Perhaps you visited the city during the winter and you were just too cold to go up to the Empire State Building. Now is your chance to do anything and everything you did before, but in warmer weather! Sure, the streets are busier and there are more tourists, but you can’t help but fall in love with New York during the warmer months. You’ll get lovely photographs of the summer sunsets. (Especially during Manhattan-henge, when the sunset perfectly aligns with certain streets) Other attractions that may not have been open and are enjoyed seasonally are the Botanical Gardens, Coney Island and the South Street Seaport. If you’re interested in natural parks, be sure to check out famous Central Park and other attractions like the High Line!