Best Outdoor Activities In New York City For Fun in 2022

Outdoor Activities In New York City
By
Mohit

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    When people think of New York City attractions, the first things that generally spring to mind are broadway shows, museums, and other indoor activities. NYC may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of a vacation in the great outdoors, but there are plenty of fantastic Outdoor Activities In New York City that you don’t want to miss out on. You could spend most of your time on your trip to New York City, looking at the beautiful scenery and breathing in the fresh air.

    Outdoor Activities In New York City

    At first look, it may appear that outdoor adventure is difficult to come by in a city known as the “concrete jungle.” However, this is not the case. If you’ve been a city resident for more than 30 years like I have, you will soon discover where to locate some of the most incredible outdoor activities in NYC to have the adventure of a lifetime.

    Because, even though the city’s lightning-fast pace is incredible, you will occasionally want a little respite from all of the chaos while participating in all of the top outdoor activities in NYC during Covid.

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    13 Best Outdoor Activities in New York

    To experience New York’s never-ending assortment of magnificent parks, amazing hiking trails, lovely beaches, and awe-inspiring rooftops like a genuine local, ditch the generic guidebook and check out our list of the greatest outdoor activities in NYC this weekend. It might be a bit pricey to visit all of these places, but most of them are worth every penny\\\\\\\\\!

    1.    Take a walking tour in your neighborhood

    You do not need to be a tourist to enjoy New York City, a treasure trove of history and culture. And with specialized walking tours popping up around every corner—including ghost hunts on the Upper East Side, gourmet experiences in Harlem, and literary pub crawls in the East Village—plenty of motivation to please your parents while also learning something about the place you call home.

    2.    Tour NYC’s outdoor art

    Outdoor Activities In New York City

    If you live in New York City, there is a plethora of free art that you don’t even have to go to a museum to enjoy. Sculptures, murals, and pictures may be seen throughout the city, including its parks, walkways, and buildings. A wide variety of pieces await you at locations such as The High Line, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, and Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, among other NYC destinations. From massive sculptures to eye-popping murals, you’ll find something to suit your taste at these and other NYC locations.

    3.    Crush your picnic game at the park

    Say goodbye to long brunch lines and leave the ramen at home for a change because you now have the opportunity to whip yourself a delicious sandwich and relax on the grass in one of the city’s many beautiful green parks. After dining alfresco on the sea at Clove Lakes Park, beneath the bridge at Astoria Park, or on one of Governors Island’s man-made hills, you’ll never want to eat indoors again. Make sure to bring a little cash with you in order to indulge in some shaved ice on the way out!

    4.    Have an old-school date at Coney Island

    For a day, pretend you’re Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith and take a wonderful ride around this nationally acclaimed kitschy playground of kitschy delights. A good time can be had almost anywhere: Luna Park is home to some huge roller coasters, including the almost century-old Cyclone, while the dames of Burlesque at the Beach put on crazy performances all year long at their beachside venue. For the sole purpose of cramming your piehole with a real Nathan’s Hot Dog, the trek is well worth it.

    5.    Visit one of New York’s Botanical Gardens

    New York boasts stunning scenery and verdant sceneries that will satisfy any gardening aficionado. The greatest botanical gardens in New York are the best option for you if you are thinking about outdoor activities in NYC today. The places must also offer educational programs, unique plant collections, and exceptional visitor service. Enjoy our list, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite!

    • Brooklyn Botanic Garden

    The Brooklyn Botanic Garden, located in New York City’s most fashionable district, consists of more than a dozen different gardens. As its name implies, the Discovery Garden is a place where people of all ages may come to learn about gardening and ecosystem preservation.

    • Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

    The South Park Conservatory is the highlight of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, occupying 11 acres of the lush environment. Many blizzards and times of dwindling attendance have threatened its closure throughout the years. A thriving attraction with thousands of kinds of flowers and plants.

    • Clark Botanic Garden

    Clark Botanic Garden is a museum and educational facility founded in 1969. Esp. How insects like bees interact with flowers and vegetation. A dozen gardens have over 5,000 flower and plant varieties.

    • Highland Botanical Park

    Highland Park is famed for its lovely flowers and hosts the Lilac Festival in May. There are plants here all year round. The Lamberton Conservatory offers a lovely collection and is a great place to start. The property encompasses 150 acres, so there’s a lot to see.

    • Innisfree Garden

    Innisfree Garden, established in 1960, is a haven for flower enthusiasts. The 150-acre Chinese-style park features streams and waterfalls. Despite the vastness of the area, it is bursting with flowers, streams, and forests that will delight your senses.

    • New York Botanical Garden

    The New York Botanical Garden is enormous, with 250 acres and 50 gardens housing thousands of plants and flowers. It also offers gardening, floral categorization, and professional horticulture classes for novices to experts.

    • Planting Fields Arboretum

    Planting Fields Arboretum is a multi-purpose venue perfect for wedding photographs, picnics, and Sunday strolls. While the estate as a whole is attractive, the gardens draw large visitors.

    There are some additional attractive botanical gardens in NYC you must visit. These places are Queens Botanical Garden, Staten Island Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, Cornell Botanic Gardens, Old Westbury Gardens, etc.

    6.    Hit the river for some free kayaking

    The best way to beat the summer heat is on the lake. Plus, you can do it for free. Enjoy some free kayaking or canoeing on NYC’s waterways with the whole family. Free kayaking is available at Red Hook, North Brooklyn, and Staten Island. A life vest is required for all participants, regardless of prior kayaking experience.

    • Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse

    Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse offers free public kayaking in the East River, with amazing Manhattan skyline views. It’s suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities.

    • North Brooklyn Boat Club

    North Brooklyn Boat Club a volunteer-run nonprofit group of local kayakers, canoers, sailors, environmentalists, builders, activists and community leaders. Anybody engaged in nautical enjoyment is always welcome to attend.

    • Red Hook Boaters

    The Red Hook Boaters give free kayaking in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Their objective is to get people out on the water and enjoy New York Harbor while protecting our unique coastal ecosystem.

    • The New York City Downtown Boathouse

    The park’s four custom-built boathouses host the city’s most diverse boating events and projects, including kayaking, outboard canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, and even kayak polo. Each boathouse has its own personality and charm.

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    7.    Drink at an outdoor rooftop bar

    In the summer, New York City and its people light up. Summer means rooftop beverages in the city. As a matter of fact, there’s no better place to enjoy the breathtaking views of New York than from a rooftop. This is why we have included the best rooftop bars to visit when staying at The New Yorker.

    • Bar SixtyFive, 30 Rockefeller Plaza

    The Rainbow Room’s Bar SixtyFive is the peak of New York rooftops. A most famous landmark in NYC also has the highest rooftop bar. 360° views of the city and 30 Rockefeller Plaza. There is a long waitlist. Make early reservations.

    • 230 Fifth Avenue

    230 Fifth Avenue, one of the city’s most famous rooftop bars, is known for its view. There’s also an outside roof deck with a view of the Empire State Building. Other bars on this list have quieter music.

    • The Met Roof Garden Bar

    The Met Roof Garden Bar is a hidden gem for a more laid-back rooftop. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s roof offers amazing views of both the New York Skyline and the Central Park tree canopy from the Upper West Side.

    • Skylark

    Like the scenery, this rooftop bar is wonderful. Skylark, a newcomer to NYC’s rooftop scene, has climbed swiftly. Enjoy spectacular Midtown views and upscale bar bites. But the drink menu is the real draw.

    • Tavern 29

    Nomad’s Tavern 29 is a good alternative to New York’s stuffy rooftop bars. Except for the amazing menu. It has a great rooftop patio and a huge beer variety.

    8.    Dine at a waterfront restaurant

    It has been over a decade since La Crosse’s Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern opened its doors. It has become a neighborhood favorite as well as a popular tourist attraction because of its unmatched service and quality products. American cuisine, including USDA Prime steak and day-boat seafood, is featured on the restaurant’s seasonal menus. Their culinary team focuses on seasonal ingredients and lets the food speak for itself. The restaurant authority takes pride in the work they provide and want you to be satisfied with the final product. If you are a food lover, you can also visit some amazing places to eat in Corning, New York.

    9.    Go zip lining at Governors Island

    This new addition to the island’s Western Development Zone at Liggett Terrace will make summers in NYC even more enjoyable. Imagine the stunning vistas of the Statue of Liberty while gliding through the tropical breeze. The Trust for Governors Island has supplied more information, including the cost of each activity.

    • New York’s most anticipated zip line, the Flywire Zip Line, lets you channel your inner superhero. The Flywire Zip Line allows two individuals to zip down our 300-foot rope at up to 21 mph side by side.
    • Fun for the whole family in the Amazon’s Maze. A 3,600-square-foot maze will test your navigation and problem-solving abilities. Families can compete against each other or other families. Inside, looking for an exit isn’t enough.
    • Rock climbing is no longer just for the experienced. Athletes of different ability levels can participate in the Climbing Challenge Scramble up one of three 25-foot walls.

    10. Take a jaunt in Green-Wood Cemetery

    It’s never easy to lose a loved one. That’s why two New York artists developed a unique exhibit at one of the city’s most historic sites. The historic site between Prospect and Sunset Parks allows visitors to appreciate nature while remembering loved ones. Candy Chang and James Reeves, the artists and married couple behind the project, each had their pain.

    11. Soak up the sun on the High Line

    On Manhattan’s West Side, the High Route is a public park built above a former freight train line. The High Line, a hybrid public park that combines nature, art, and design, was inaugurated in 2009.

    High Line Features:

    Other notable attractions include a wildflower field, Gansevoort Woodland, Sun Decks, and Washington Grasslands. The Sun Deck was one of the park’s larger areas, and I loved how the wooden day beds were lined up along the old railway track like rolling freight. The High Line’s original purpose is reflected in small elements like this.

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    12. Sip a cold one at a beer garden

    When the weather is nice, NYC has plenty to do outside. There are many rooftop pubs and restaurants in addition to parks and other outdoor activities. One of the nicest things to do in NYC is to go to a beer garden or a beer hall for some great brews, fresh air, and fun. These NYC beer gardens include outside tables, games, music, and excellent brews, many brewed on-site. With great in-house nibbles or weekend popups, it’s the perfect afternoon. Some renowned beer gardens names are given below,

    • Grimm Artisanal Ales
    • Other Half Brewing
    • Talea Beer Taproom
    • Wyckoff Beer Garden
    • Nowadays
    • Radegast Hall & Biergarten
    • Threes Brewin.
    • Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
    • Rockaway Brewing Company
    • Harlem Tavern

    13. Be a beach bum

    Press sites like Allure have featured Beach Bum Tanning’s high-tech beds, sunless booths, and customized beauty treatments. Even without cradling King Midas in your arms, Mystic HD booth sprays bodies with rich pigment to ensure even color saturation without requiring you to bear-hug him in your arms. As a result, Certified Airbrush Artists can apply personalized airbrush tans in more than 150 different ways, utilizing a combination of fine point and wide point-guided airbrush guns.

    Outdoor activities NYC FAQs

    What are the best places for outdoor activities in New York City?

    From adventurous activities to family-friendly outings, Culture Trip explores each of New York City’s five boroughs in search of the greatest things to do in and around the great outdoors. Despite its reputation as a concrete jungle, New York City offers an incredible variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and trail running in hilly parks, surfing on beaches, having a good time with the kids at the zoo, and playing a round of golf on the country’s oldest golf course, to name a few. Natural beauty and the city’s open areas may be enjoyed in a variety of ways, as we’ve listed below.
    Central Park
    High Line
    Hudson River
    Inwood Hill Park
    Brooklyn Botanic Garden
    Prospect Park
    Marine Park Salt Marsh
    Socrates Sculpture Park
    Bronx Zoo

    What is there to do outside of Covid in NYC?

    Even though it’s still summered out there, it’s beginning to feel more like fall, and because most of us have spent the majority of the year indoors, you’re probably thinking about how to make the most of all the sunshine and somewhat colder temperatures. Things to do in New York during COVID have been compiled to take into account your most important considerations during this period, which include:

    1. Walking Tour of Central Park, a filming location in the heart of New York City

    Combine your love of nature with your pleasure or entertainment to raise your step count and stay active. An On-Site central park tv and film A walking tour is a terrific way to visit movie sites. Feed the birds like Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone 2. Visit the Boathouse Café from When Harry Met Sally.

    • Availability: Daily
    • Ages: All ages
    • Duration: 2 hours
    • Great for: Entertainment and nature lovers, outdoor types, sightseers, local explorers
    • Booking Type: Pre-book or join free with The New York Pass
    • Virtual TCS Marathon

    New York Road Runners virtual marathon is still going on, allowing runners from all over the globe to compete digitally in the five boroughs of NYC. Sign up for the Run for Guaranteed Entry and Run for the Medal levels on the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon guide.

    • Availability: October 17 – November 1
    • Ages: All ages
    • Great for: Fitness enthusiasts, locals
    • Booking Type: Pre-book
    • Brooklyn Bridge Tours & Rentals by Unlimited Biking

    In 1884, a herd of 21 elephants crossed the Brooklyn Bridge. On this Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tours & Rentals from Unlimited Biking, you may see some of the most beautiful spots in Brooklyn while riding a bike. Choose between a self-guided all-day bike ride or a 2-hour guided bike tour. Visit the Statue of Liberty in NYC.

    • Availability: Daily
    • Ages: All ages
    • Duration: 2 hours
    • Great for: Outdoor types, fitness enthusiasts, sightseers, local explorers
    • Booking Type: Pre-book or join free with The New York Pass
    • Pumpkin picking at Decker Farm

    If you’re worried about the pandemic affecting your Halloween plans, it’s time to get back into the festive mood. Decker’s Farm in Richmond Town’s historic area is NYC’s oldest family farm. It was also designated a New York landmark in 1967. Visits to the attraction assist not only fund the farm but also sustain the workers. Have fun searching for the perfect pumpkin at the patch.

    • Availability: Saturdays and Sundays in October
    • Ages: All ages
    • Great for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, history enthusiasts
    • Booking Type: Pre-book
    • The Guggenheim Museum

    The Guggenheim Museum is a masterwork of modern architecture in New York City. Furthermore, it is home to one of the world’s most impressive collections of contemporary art. The museum reopens its doors on October 3rd, providing ardent art aficionados with the opportunity to safely appreciate the works of art on display inside again.

    • Availability: Daily from October 3
    • Ages: All ages
    • Great for: Art & culture lovers, families, sightseers, local explorers
    • Booking Type: Pre-book or enjoy free entry with The New York Pass

    Outdoor Activities In New York City – The Bottom Line

    Moving to New York and reopening New York City over the past year and a half have ensured that outdoor spaces remain a safe haven for residents looking to escape their apartments. If you are planning outdoor activities in NYC this weekend, have a look at the weather is just right as New York City has a plethora of great options for a fresh air hang.

    The best time to go to New York City is from April to June and from September to early November when the weather is warm and pleasant and the city is most active. Picnicking, playing, or simply unwinding are all options in NYC parks. Even cherry blossoms can be seen in the spring. Outdoor dining establishments, bars, and beer gardens abound throughout the city. When it’s hot outside, head to the city’s beaches to cool down. It’s important to get outside after a long winter, feel the breeze, and soak up some sun in New York.

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