There are countless outdoor activities in New York City. If you like to take hikes, NYC has some great hiking trails. You can take public transportation to these destinations. Bring along hiking boots and any other necessary gear, and you’ll be on your way to the great outdoors. Hikes in the area range from mountain to lake, from serene paths to rocky cliffs. Whether you want to spend a day or spend an entire weekend hiking, NYC is a great place to explore.
For more activities than hiking, there are many parks to visit in the city. Prospect Park is home to the Ravine, Brooklyn’s only natural forest. A half-mile to a mile long, it’s perfect for families or beginners. The Midwood trail is 0.75 miles long and leads through the park’s oldest forest, which was preserved during the construction of the park in the 1870s. A one-mile hike along the Waterfall Trail leads you to six waterfalls and a manmade course of Fallkill Falls.
Taking a trip to the South End of Central Park is an outdoor activity worth trying. Climbers love climbing the boulders in the park’s south end, and the colorful street art in these neighborhoods is constantly changing. If you don’t want to get too chilly, try taking a yoga class at one of the many outdoor yoga studios in New York City. You can also find outdoor yoga classes at many parks, but these can be crowded.
Times Square is another great place to spend an evening. From award-winning Broadway shows to low-key rooftop bars, the city’s nightlife scene is unmatched. You can also sample some ethnic foods in Little Italy and Chinatown. No matter what your taste, there’s something for everyone. You can’t go wrong when visiting Times Square. It’s the perfect location to relax and unwind after a long day exploring New York City.
Those looking for something a little more educational can visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With 32 million works of art, this museum spans four city blocks, 25 buildings, and 45 exhibition halls. There are dinosaur exhibits here, as well as the Hall of the Universe, and the Butterfly Conservatory is open from October to May. Whether you prefer a little art or a little history, there’s plenty to see in New York City.
Walking tours in New York City are another great way to get to know the city. Many free walking tours offer tours that include the Brooklyn Bridge, Downtown Manhattan, and DUMBO, and you can also find themed self-guided walks in Greenwich Village and Central Park. Most of these tours are led by experts and offer detailed information about the city. For those who want more information, check out Free Tours by Foot. This organization also offers free guided tours of Central Park.
Forest Park in Queens is a great place to explore the outdoors. It features the borough’s largest continuous oak forest. Three hiking trails are located within the park, one of which is 1.7 miles long. Trails through the park include Pine Grove, the Richmond Hill War Memorial, and Strack Pond, a restored kettle pond surrounded by native plantings. For the more adventurous, the park is home to the famous Strack Pond.