Summer in New York City—there’s nothing like it! The warm weather brings Shakespeare in the Park, free outdoor concerts and movie screenings, relaxed meals at sidewalk cafes and rooftop gardens, and street fairs galore. So with all that going on, how do know which NYC summer activities to choose? Thankfully, it’s THE RIDE here with a list of some of my favorite things to do in New York when the weather gets hot:

1. Bring a blanket and stretch out under the stars to watch classic movies at the Bryant Park Summer Film Festival.
2. Watch a sunset over the Hudson River while you enjoy a casual dinner outdoors at the Boat Basin Café.
3. Ride the Cyclone, still one of the most exhilarating roller-coaster rides ever.
4. Enjoy free kayaking—and amazing views of Manhattan—at the Downtown Boathouse.
5. Snag free tickets to the Shakespeare production of Troilus and Cressida in Central Park, which promises “the hot blood, hot thoughts and hot deeds of the ancient Greeks.”

But don’t forget that when you want a respite from the crowds and the heat, THE RIDE is where you really want to be. My floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the stars of Broadway as well as the stars in the sky. My subway ride simulation (and my maneuvers through Mid-town traffic!) will rock, rattle, and roll you as well as the Cyclone. My plush, stadium-style seats provide a nice alternative to a stiff kayak bench. My top-notch team of performers will ensure that you are thorough entertained. And, perhaps best of all on a sweltering summer day, my air conditioning is always on!