New to New York? Here's How Experienced NYC Nannies Handle Summer in the City
If you're new to nannying in New York, summer can feel a little intimidating.
Maybe you're used to homes with backyards, playsets, and plenty of space to run around. Then suddenly you're caring for energetic kids in a fifth-floor apartment with no outdoor space and temperatures climbing into the 90s.
The good news? New York nannies have been making city summers fun for years. Once you know a few local tricks, you'll realize you have a backyard: the whole city.
Think beyond the apartment
One of the biggest mindset shifts when becoming a nanny in New York is remembering that you don't have to stay in the apartment all day. There’s so much to do just outside your door.
Parks, libraries, museums, splash pads, playgrounds, community events, bookstores, and neighborhood markets can all become part of your weekly routine. The key is knowing what's within walking distance or an easy subway ride – and what’s doable on a sweltering, humid day. (Once you’ve schlepped a stroller, a diaper bag, an uncomfortable kid, and yourself through one of those days, you’ll figure out that planning ahead is the best trick you can keep up your sleeve.)
Inside tip: If you’re brand new to a gig, spend a little time exploring the neighborhood during your first week, or before you even start. Figure out what’s where and which playgrounds have water. Future you will be grateful.
Our top 6 tips for winning at summer nannying in New York:
1. Find the splash pads
When it's too hot for a traditional playground, head for water. Many New York City parks have free splash pads, sprinklers, or water features that are perfect for cooling off. Pack a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen, water bottles, and you're set for a fun (and free) outing.
It's one of the best ways to keep children active without overheating – and one where your kiddo can while away hours of fun time together with loads of other friends.
2. Plan Around the Heat
Summer days don't have to be spent outdoors from morning until evening. Experienced nannies often plan outdoor activities earlier in the day, then save the hottest hours, roughly 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. That’s also when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest, so staying indoors is a great way to protect your kiddos’ sensitive skin.
This break from the outdoors is a great time for lunch, reading, crafts, baking, quiet time/naps, or a museum visit before heading back outside later in the afternoon if the temperature drops.
3. Create a weekly rhythm
Children thrive on knowing what comes next, and routines make your day easier too. You don't have to schedule every minute, but giving each day a theme can help, especially during summer when the school-year/pre-school year routines are off.
Maybe Mondays are library days. Tuesdays are splash pad adventures. Wednesdays are museum mornings. Thursdays become cooking day, and Fridays are for picnics or trying a new playground.
A simple routine reduces decision fatigue for you and gives children something to look forward to each day. If your charge is into it, draw and decorate a fun schedule together so it’s easy to look at it and see what’s on the docket today.
4. Ask about an activity budget
Thinking up free things to do around town are great, and often doable in New York, but don't assume every outing has to be free. Many families set aside a budget for summer activities, memberships, transportation, or occasional treats.
Early in the summer, have a conversation about what's included and whether the family wants you to take initiative or for them to decide what’s going to be happening. Knowing your budget makes planning much easier and helps you suggest activities with confidence.
5. Come prepared
A little preparation goes a long way in New York. Keep a "summer nanny bag" stocked with sunscreen, hats, refillable water bottles, snacks, wipes, a small first aid kit, extra clothes, and a lightweight towel. If you’re with a family regularly, make sure before you leave each day that you’ve put a few ice packs in the freezer so they’re ready to pop straight into the lunch box in the morning.
This way, you'll spend less time reacting to little emergencies or spending half the morning packing, so that you and the kiddo can spend more time enjoying the day.
6. Bring Nature to the Apartment
No backyard? No problem. If you're working with a family for the summer, or even longer, consider starting a simple gardening project together.
Many apartment balconies and sunny windows work well for herbs like basil, mint, chives, and parsley. If the family has a safe, accessible fire escape that's permitted for temporary plants (and never blocks the emergency exit), heat-loving plants like rosemary, thyme, succulents, marigolds, or cherry tomatoes in containers can thrive during a New York summer.
Children love watering plants, watching them grow, and even using fresh herbs in simple recipes. Use the activity budget to buy seeds and soil, then go through the whole project together with your charges, from planting the seeds to watering them and checking in through summer. New York’s mild autumns mean most plans will happily keep growing well into the holiday season.
(Just be sure to check with the family first, and remember that fire escapes should always remain clear and usable in case of an emergency.)
Remember: the goal isn’t to fill every minute
One of the biggest surprises for new nannies is that children don't need constant entertainment.
Some of the best summer memories come from reading books together in the library, watching boats from the waterfront, sharing popsicles on a park bench, or discovering a new neighborhood playground, even in a city as busy as this one.
Every experienced NYC nanny was new once. Give yourself time to learn your neighborhood, find your favorite spots, and settle into a routine. Before long, you'll have your own list of hidden gems – and you'll wonder how you ever thought you needed a backyard!
Psst. Are you an experienced nanny looking for a new job?
Whether you’re a full-time, long-term nanny or a part-time sitter, Smart Sitting has loads of jobs that could fit you! We only work with experienced, dedicated, and enthusiastic caregivers, but in return we have more time to help you find just the kind of position that’s right for you. Tell us about yourself via the link below, and if we think we can help you find a childcare job, we’ll be in touch. Happy Summer!