Key Takeaways
- Summer Rising 2026 is a free full-day program (K-8) that ran July 1–August 14, but families can plan ahead for 2027 enrollment starting March 2027.
- Summer EBT provides $120 per eligible child (ages 6-16) loaded in June for grocery purchases—most families on SNAP, Medicaid, or free/reduced lunch are automatically enrolled.
- Free summer meals (breakfast and lunch) are available to all NYC children 18 and under at parks, pools, schools, and food trucks—no registration or ID required.
- Working parents juggling summer childcare can combine multiple programs: Summer EBT for groceries, free meals at parks, and community programs through local recreation centers.
- Planning ahead for Summer 2027: applications for Summer Rising open in March, so bookmark MySchools and set a calendar reminder.
- Summer in NYC: Why These Programs Matter for Working Families
- Summer Rising 2026: What to Know (and How to Plan for 2027)
- Summer EBT: $120 Per Child for Groceries
- Free Summer Meals for All NYC Kids
- Other Summer Resources for Brooklyn and NYC Families
- How to Combine Summer Programs to Cover Your Family's Needs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Start Planning Now for Summer 2027
Summer childcare costs are a real burden for working families. Nationally, the average summer camp costs over $300 per week per child, and that doesn't include meals or transportation.
New York City offers a unique ecosystem of free summer supports that working parents can layer together. From full-day academic and enrichment programs to grocery benefits and no-questions-asked free meals, these programs exist to help families get through the summer without going broke.
This guide walks you through what's still available for Summer 2026 and how to plan ahead for 2027. Some programs have passed their application deadlines, but benefits like Summer EBT and free summer meals are happening right now.
Summer Rising is NYC's flagship free full-day summer program for students in grades K through 8. It combines academic instruction in the morning with enrichment activities (arts, sports, field trips, outdoor recreation) in the afternoon, all with free breakfast, lunch, and snacks included.
Summer Rising is a partnership between the NYC Department of Education and community-based organizations. Licensed teachers provide academic support in the morning. In the afternoon, kids get hands-on enrichment through arts, sports, STEM activities, and field trips.
The program is free to all NYC students. It runs Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM, giving working parents a full-day solution that mirrors the school-year schedule.
Social and emotional support is built into the program. Staff are trained to help kids process what they've experienced during the year and build skills for the year ahead.
For elementary students (grades K-5), Summer Rising 2026 ran from July 1 to August 14. For middle school students (grades 6-8), the program ran from July 1 to August 7.
Applications for Summer Rising 2026 opened March 3 and closed March 27, 2026. Families applied through MySchools, the same portal used for school choice.
If you missed the deadline this year, you cannot enroll now. But read on for other summer supports still available in 2026.
Summer Rising provides:
- Academic instruction with licensed teachers every morning
- Enrichment activities in the afternoon (arts, music, sports, outdoor play, field trips)
- Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks every day
- Social-emotional learning and mental health support
- Safe, supervised environment in every NYC neighborhood
Programs are operated at public school sites in partnership with community organizations. You can find a program near your home or workplace.
If you have a child entering grades K-8 in the 2026-27 school year, bookmark this date: March 2027 is when applications will open for Summer Rising 2027.
Here's how to prepare:
- Create or log into your MySchools account now
- Set a calendar reminder for early March 2027
- Watch for announcements from your child's school in February 2027
- Apply as soon as the portal opens—programs fill up in popular neighborhoods
According to NYC DYCD, Summer Rising is free and open to all NYC students regardless of income or immigration status.
Summer EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) is a federal nutrition program that gives families money to buy groceries during the summer months when kids are out of school and no longer receiving free or reduced-price school meals.
Most eligible families don't need to apply. Your child qualifies for automatic enrollment if they:
- Are ages 6 through 16 as of June 1, 2026
- Live in New York State
- Receive SNAP (food stamps), cash assistance, or Medicaid, OR
- Were certified for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2025-26 school year
If your child meets these criteria, you should receive $120 loaded onto an EBT card in June 2026 without taking any action.
Each eligible child receives $120 for the summer. Benefits are loaded in June 2026 and can be used through the summer and into the early fall.
If your household already has a SNAP EBT card, the Summer EBT funds are loaded onto the same card. If you don't have an EBT card, you'll receive a new card in the mail addressed to your child.
The $120 amount is based on federal calculations tied to the cost of school meals for approximately 10 weeks of summer.
Summer EBT works exactly like SNAP benefits. You can use the card to buy:
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned)
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Bread and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food for your household
You can use Summer EBT at any SNAP-authorized retailer, including grocery stores, supermarkets, bodegas, and many farmers markets that accept EBT.
You cannot use Summer EBT for hot prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or household supplies.
If you believe your child qualifies but you haven't received Summer EBT benefits, call 311 or contact HRA to ask about your case.
Keep in mind that Summer EBT eligibility is tied to specific programs. If your child doesn't receive SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance, or free/reduced school meals, they may not qualify even if your household income is low.
For more details, visit the NYC311 Summer EBT page.
Need help understanding your NYC benefits? Call SJM Cares at (347) 696-6757 for guidance on Medicare, health coverage, and navigating benefit programs in Brooklyn.
If your family didn't qualify for Summer EBT or you need additional food support, NYC offers free summer meals to all children 18 and under with no paperwork, no registration, and no income requirements.
The NYC Summer Meals Program is designed to be as barrier-free as possible. Any child or teen 18 and under can walk up to a participating site and receive a free breakfast and/or lunch.
You do not need to:
- Register in advance
- Show ID or proof of address
- Prove your income
- Be enrolled in any other program
Parents and caregivers cannot eat the meals themselves, but they can accompany their children and help younger kids.
Free summer meals are served at hundreds of sites across all five boroughs, including:
- NYC Parks (playgrounds, pools, recreation centers)
- Public schools (many keep cafeterias open during summer)
- Community centers and nonprofit sites
- Food trucks that rotate through neighborhoods
Meal times and days vary by site. Most sites serve lunch Monday through Friday, and some also serve breakfast.
To find the nearest site, visit the NYC Summer Meals site finder or call 311. You can search by ZIP code or address.
Meals meet USDA nutrition standards for children. Typical offerings include:
- Breakfast: cereal, milk, fruit, juice, muffin or bagel
- Lunch: sandwich or hot entrée, vegetable, fruit, milk
Vegetarian options are typically available. If your child has dietary restrictions or food allergies, ask the site coordinator what accommodations can be made.
The easiest way to find summer meal sites is to call 311 and say "summer meals" or visit NYC Parks for a list of park sites serving meals.
You can also check with your local library, community center, or place of worship. Many organizations partner with the city to serve summer meals.
Sites are added throughout the summer as new partnerships form, so check back regularly if the nearest site isn't convenient.
Summer Rising and free meals are the big-ticket items, but NYC families can tap into many other free or low-cost summer resources.
The NYC Parks Department runs free programming all summer long at parks, pools, and playgrounds across the city.
Spray showers are free to use at hundreds of parks. They're a lifesaver on hot days when you need to cool kids down.
Playgrounds host free drop-in activities, movies in the park, concerts, and family events. Check your local park's event calendar on the Parks website.
Recreation centers offer low-cost memberships ($150 per year for a family) that include access to pools, gyms, fitness classes, and summer drop-in programs.
All three NYC library systems (Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, Queens Public Library) run free summer reading programs for kids and teens.
Kids can earn prizes for reading, attend free workshops and performances, and access free educational resources online. Libraries also offer free WiFi and air conditioning, which matters when you're home with kids in a hot apartment.
Many library branches offer STEM programs, craft workshops, and author visits during the summer. Check your local branch's calendar in May.
If Summer Rising didn't work for your schedule or you missed the deadline, many community organizations offer summer programs on a sliding-scale basis.
Check with:
- YMCA locations in Brooklyn and NYC (scholarships available)
- PAL (Police Athletic League) community centers
- Boys & Girls Clubs
- Faith-based organizations (churches, mosques, synagogues)
- Neighborhood settlement houses
Many of these programs offer morning-only or afternoon-only options, which can be easier to afford than full-day care.
If you're a grandparent raising grandchildren or an older caregiver, don't forget that NYC's Department for the Aging (DFTA) runs programs at Older Adult Centers across the city.
Some centers welcome grandchildren during the summer for intergenerational programming. Call your local center or 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) to ask what's available.
No single program solves every family's summer challenge, but you can layer benefits to create a plan that works.
Let's say you work Monday-Friday, 9-5, and you missed the Summer Rising application deadline. Here's how you can patch together support:
- Summer EBT: If eligible, you receive $120 in June for groceries
- Free summer meals: Your child eats lunch at the local park playground every weekday (you pack breakfast and snacks)
- Library programs: Your child attends free Tuesday/Thursday library workshops (10 AM-12 PM)
- Grandparent or neighbor: Your child stays with a trusted adult for the rest of the week (you may be able to pay them informally)
- Parks spray showers: Free cooling on hot afternoons
This isn't a perfect full-day solution, but it's free or low-cost and keeps your child fed and engaged.
Your 13-year-old can navigate some independence, but your 5-year-old needs supervision.
- 13-year-old: Free summer meals at the park, library teen programs, volunteering opportunities, neighborhood friends
- 5-year-old: Local community center part-day camp (sliding-scale fee), grandparent care 2 days/week, free Parks programs
- Summer EBT: Covers groceries for both kids if eligible
This setup acknowledges that your older child needs less structure and your younger child needs more.
Yes. Summer Rising is completely free, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, and all activities. There are no hidden fees. The program is funded by the NYC Department of Education and federal grants.
Summer Rising sites are required to accommodate children with disabilities and IEPs (Individualized Education Programs). When you apply through MySchools, you can indicate your child's needs. The program will work with you to ensure appropriate support and services.
No. Applications for Summer Rising 2026 closed on March 27, 2026. If you need summer care now, explore the other options in this guide (free summer meals, library programs, community centers). Make a calendar reminder to apply in March 2027 for next summer.
Most families do not need to apply. If your child is ages 6-16 and receives SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance, or was certified for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2025-26 school year, benefits are automatically loaded in June. If you think you're eligible but didn't receive benefits, call 311 to ask about your case.
Yes. Free summer meals are available at hundreds of sites across Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Use the NYC Summer Meals site finder or call 311 to find the nearest location. Sites include parks, schools, community centers, and food trucks.
The free summer meals program has no income limits and requires no registration. Any child 18 and under can walk up to a participating site and eat. Additionally, food pantries and community meal programs operate year-round. Visit NYC Food Policy or call 311 for more resources. Our NYC Benefits 101 guide also covers food assistance options.
Summer 2026 is already here, but it's not too early to plan for next year.
Set a calendar reminder for March 2027. That's when Summer Rising applications open for Summer 2027. Applying early gives you the best chance of getting your preferred program site.
Check your eligibility for year-round benefits. If your household income is tight, you may qualify for programs like SNAP, Fair Fares (50% off MTA fares), HEAP (home energy assistance), or Medicaid. These programs can free up money in your budget to afford summer activities. Start with ACCESS NYC to screen for programs you may qualify for.
Bookmark key resources:
- MySchools for Summer Rising applications
- NYC Parks for free summer programming
- Brooklyn Public Library for summer reading and workshops
- ACCESS NYC for benefits screening
Summer doesn't have to break the bank. With planning and knowledge of free resources, Brooklyn and NYC families can give their kids a great summer without going into debt.
Navigating NYC's benefit programs can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Whether you're trying to understand Medicare, coordinate Medicare and Medicaid coverage, or explore health insurance options for your family, we're here to help.
Call us at (347) 696-6757 or schedule an appointment online. Our licensed advisors serve Brooklyn and NYC residents with free, no-obligation consultations.
Written by Hamad Amir, licensed insurance agent and founder of SJM Insurance Services, LLC. Licensed in New York and New Jersey (License #LB-1024797). Specializing in Medicare Advantage and D-SNP plans for Brooklyn and NYC residents.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional insurance, financial, or legal advice. For personalized guidance, call a licensed SJM Cares advisor at 917-373-0117.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 12 organizations which offer Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, PFFS, and PDP plans in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048), or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
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