From the offices of

NYC Council Member Eric Ulrich NYS Assembly Member Phil Goldfeder (718) 318-6411 ⦁ eulrich@council.nyc.gov (718) 945-9550 ⦁ goldfederp@assembly.state.ny.us

Dear Parent, June 23, 2014

New York City Council Member Eric Ulrich and New York State Assembly Member Phil Goldfeder recently convened a school safety group meeting involving staff and Parent’s Associations from local schools. In addition to other issues, we found there was an interest in compiling a list of resources for parents of “things to do” with your child(ren) this summer. We’ve found some great places you may want to visit. Enjoy!

1-Rockaway Beach- Sure, you knew there was a fantastic and free public beach, but were you aware of the special events and activities planned for the summer? Concerts, surf festivals, movies, and Zumba are just some of the many examples of specialized programs planned for 2014.

www.nycgovparks.org/parks/rockawaybeach/facilities/beaches

2-The Rockaway Artists Alliance has special exhibits this summer at Fort Tilden, and they offer a day camp as well.

www.rockawayartistsalliance.org

3-Wheel Fun! Tucked away inside Riis Park, this company rents bikes, multi-rider surreys, and other vehicles for rides in the park.

http://www.wheelfunrentals.com/Locations/New-York-2

4-Rockaway Waterfront Alliance is dedicated to protecting the Rockaway waterfront and educating the community about this special resource. They have various classes, internships and volunteer opportunities.

http://www.rwalliance.org/rwa/

5-Harbor Parks- This web site opens a portal into all that is going on at Gateway National Recreation Area…..camping, kayaking, hiking, tour old coastal defense fortifications, historic aircraft restoration at nearby Floyd Bennett Field, it’s all here!

http://www.nyharborparks.org/events/index.html

6-The Rockaway Theater Company is putting on a production of the play, “Gypsy” in mid-late July at their location in Fort Tilden.

http://www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org

7-Jamaica Bay Eco Watchers – Put on your boots and help plant marsh grass! The Eco Watchers offer programs to help care for and learn about the unique ecosystem that is our Jamaica Bay.

http://jamaicabayecowatchers.org/

8-Whale watching- Catch dolphins and whales right off the coast by taking one of these cruises, leaving out of Fort Tilden Tu/Wed/Thurs and selected weekends.

http://www.newyorkbeachferry.com/riis-landing-ny-whale-and-dolphin-watching.htm

9-The Seastreak ferry from Rockaway to Manhattan is a great way to start your trip into the big city, and some Rockaway families have just been taking the ride back and forth for fun!

http://www.seastreak.com/

10-During the Rockaway Little League summer hiatus, fields are used by NY Travel Baseball. Check out their schedule.

http://www.nytravelbaseball.com/?p=1487

11-Adventurer’s Park-Rockaway Playland is no more, but a small park with several rides for little ones is only a few exits away on the Belt Parkway.

http://adventurerspark.com/

12-Everyone loves the aquarium, and the nearby facility in Coney Island doesn’t disappoint.

http://nyaquarium.com/

13-The Hall of Science has great exhibits and program for kids, and is available all summer.

www.nysci.org

14-Queens Botanical Gardens in Flushing has several programs for kids including a gardening camp.

www.queensbotanical.org

15-The Queens Museum-great art exhibits share space with a scale model panorama of New York City, right in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

http://www.queensmuseum.org/

16-The Queens Zoo in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is a nice small zoo, appropriate for kids of all ages. They also have a petting zoo, and a nearby merry-go-round is great for younger children.

http://www.queenszoo.com/classes-and-programs.aspx

17-Queens Theater-The little theater that could! The Queens Theater in the Park runs shows all summer and has a theater for kids workshop.

http://queenstheatre.org/