We all love putting out a blanket in Central Park, but more ways to soak up the rays in NYC are just a swipe away. Watersports, hikes, art browsing, and even farming get you out in the fresh air and can also teach you some new tricks and skills.
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Hudson River Community Sailing
353 West St, New York, NY 10011
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Hudson River Community Sailing (HRCS) is all about maritime education. You can take private or small group sailing classes, which vary in type and intensity, for a fun and informative experience no matter what your skill level.
The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail is a 26.5-mile historic trail that passes through the Bronx and Westchester. It starts from the north at the New Croton Dam and crosses through many small towns like Ossining, Sleepy Hollow, and Lyndhurst on its way south towards the Bronx. Walk the trail’s full length, or for the adventurous, take it all in on bike or horseback.
Central Park Conservancy, East 60th Street, New York, NY
Volunteer with the Central Park Conservancy
Central Park Conservancy, East 60th Street, New York, NY
The Conservancy is the only organization that tends to Central Park, and with 843 acres to manage, there’s a lot of ground to cover. The health and history of the Park depends on the volunteers who help year-round with gardening, greeting visitors, tending to lawns and pathways, and so much more. Attend a volunteer open house to find out different ways you can join the team or apply online for the role of your choice.
Brooklyn Grange creates farms on rooftops, builds green spaces, and promotes sustainable living and local ecology through food, education, and events. From “Intro to Beekeeping” to “soil fertility intensives”, if you feel like being closer to the natural world, this is the place to do it. After all, those who learn together, grow together. Check out their events page for upcoming in-person workshops, and keep in mind tickets have to be purchased in advance.
The world’s first commercially viable rooftop vineyard opened a few years back and is aging like, well, a fine wine. Take in sweeping views of Manhattan while tasting some of the city’s best pours.
Take to the NY waterway in a whole new way with NYC Cycleboats. Cycleboats allow you to get some cardio, see stunning views of the city, AND BYOB to enjoy aboard. Tours are 1 hour and 30 minutes long and leave from the Shipyard Marina in Hoboken, NJ. Twelve people can pedal at once, and there are lounging benches as well as plenty of standing room. Cyclers and loungers can switch at any time. NYC Cycleboats provides ice, cups, a water cooler, and bathroom for your convenience. This watercraft also has a solid sound system with Bluetooth so you can set the mood with your favorite tunes.
If you're a big fan of paintball, head to this northern New Jersey paintball field. They rent out high-quality gear for their challenging fields, and they allow you to bring your own paintballs or buy them at affordable prices.
Storm King Art Center is a sprawling outdoor museum located in the Hudson Valley where you can experience large-scale sculpture and site-specific commissions under the open sky. Building on the visionary thinking of its founders, Storm King supports artists and some of their most ambitious works. Their changing exhibitions, programming, and seasons offer new discoveries with every visit.
Pier 25 in Tribeca hosts Manhattan’s only 18-hole miniature golf course, which is the perfect set up for some friendly competition. This 13,000 square foot, professional-grade course features waterfalls, streams, a pond, footbridges, sand traps, and even a cave. If you get hungry, there's a nearby snack bar offering ice cream, packaged snacks, and their famous Pier 25 lemonade.
Escape the crowd and reach the clouds on the 21st floor of the CitizenM Bowery Hotel. Featuring an outdoor deck with benches and couches, you can drink in the sunset with one of the next views of the Lower East Side. There’s also a fully enclosed indoor lounge area where you can have a rooftop view no matter what the weather or season.
