Recommended New York travel guides 2021? Looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend? Whether you’re the group planner searching for more things to do in NYC today, or you have no plans yet, here are some ideas to add to your list for this weekend. Check out the Spotlight on Orchids show at New York Botanical Garden, take a Winter Sound Walk at Brooklyn’s botanic garden, attend a virtual red carpet at a Golden Globes party or head out for some amazing art around the city. Whatever you do, don’t forget a mask and to socially distance.

While the actors sang with marvelously crisp voices, especially the breathtaking performance by firecracker Eric Huffman (Damien) who displayed his vocal talent with an impressive amount of dancing, Casey Nicholaw took a remarkable route on the choreography. Instead of focusing on the skill and technique of the individual dancer, Nicholaw distorted the entire shape of the stage in a kaleidoscope of arms, pictures, and a clockwork of movement by the ensemble as one unit. Overall, every impression was given through the defining movement by each dancer onstage to craft Mean Girls into the innovative modern theatre it is.

I bet your kids will love The Lion King. We’ve seen it all, but watching it on stage is a completely different experience. The characters are as lovable as they are on screen. The show is adored by both kids and parents. Kids love it as much as they love Frozen and the parents feel especially nostalgic, since many of them have grown up watching Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, and Nala. It’s almost certain that The Lion King will return. It is super popular and would quickly cover its losses. I found a great review some time ago, here’s a link to it. Your best bet would certainly be Hamilton. It has the highest probability of returning, since its producers made the most of the pandemic and are supposed to be financially stable enough. The rumored date for its first performance after the pandemic is the 4th of July (how patriotic, haha). Just keep in mind that Hamilton was sold-out like half a year ahead, so tickets might be scarce. Find even more information on TripAdvisor Broadway 2021.

A walk, peddle, or carriage ride through the crisscrossing pathways of Central Park is a must-do on anyone’s New York City itinerary. In winter, you can even lace up your skates and glide across Wollman Rink. This huge park in the city center, a half-mile wide and 2.5 miles long, is one of the things that makes New York such a beautiful and livable city. Besides being a great place to experience a little nature, Central Park has many attractions within its borders, and most of them are free, making it one of the few cheap things to do in NYC. Some of the most popular places to visit include the Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, the Central Park Zoo, and the Lake. If you are exploring the park on your own, start by picking up a map at one of the visitor centers and plot your routing.

Since 1987, this diner is home to an incredible waitstaff of singers and dancers. Between tours and musical performances, actors and actresses wait tables at Ellen’s, where they belt out songs as they serve you slightly pricey, very American diner food (think shakes, burgers, and lasagna) in uniforms from the 1950s. It’s incredibly cheesy! Right near City Hall (see the next entry), the Brooklyn Bridge offers an easy 25-minute walk into Brooklyn and the waterfront park on the other side. Stopping to take photos and meandering along the way will make the walk about 40 minutes. You get a lot of wonderful views of downtown as you make your way across (and especially from the park). I enjoy doing this walk at night when downtown Manhattan is all lit up. Find more info at https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k13476134-New_York_in_Summer_2021_What_should_I_be_aware_of-New_York_City_New_York.html.