17 Outdoor Activities in NYC (You Need To Try)

Starting off our list of the best outdoor activities in NYC, something we think you’ve probably taken for granted (especially if you’re a New Yorker).

If you're looking for adventure with a dash of mystery, scavenger hunts like these through NYC’s hidden gems are for you. Race against friends or the clock while uncovering fun facts about the city’s quirkiest spots or take your sweet time exploring. But wait a second, this sounds too easy, right? Wrong. 

To unlock the hidden gems and quirky spots, you’ll have to answer riddles and puzzles that unlock city secrets you’ve never noticed (or seen) before. 

Perfect for competitive spirits or those who simply love discovering something new!

Ever wondered who Sherlock would call if he needed a detective team in the modern age? Spoiler alert: it’s you (and your friends, family, or even coworkers). 

Channel your inner detective with a murder mystery adventure in the heart of Manhattan. 

Entirely self-guided, the game is set in Chelsea and will have you hunting down a (fictional) killer. You’ll have to solve puzzles, unearth secrets, pay close attention to the clues and question everything as you uncover a mystery in one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city.

Think you could solve it? Find out!

If the idea of cycling around NYC’s streets is the stuff of your nightmares, you’re not alone. 

We’ve all seen and heard stories or videos that show just how dangerous cycling can be, and that’s not something we should take for granted: safety first people!

But the fact is, owning a bicycle unlocks so many new possibilities to you if you’re feeling adventurous. If you want to stay inside the city but avoid busy roads, Central Park and Prospect Park are good options. Both of them have loops (6 miles and 3.5 miles respectively), although they can get busy.

I’d recommend checking out the North/South county trail to the east of the Hudson–it’s a nice, more private route or if you want a challenge, hit up the popular 9W route.

If you’re looking for outdoor activities in NYC that you can do with another person or a bunch of your friends, you’d better think back to your childhood.

All those hours you spent playing out and hanging around batting cages, courts, fields, parks…idyllic, right?

Well the good news is, those places are very much still there: and they’ve probably been improved since you were a kid. 

Honestly, the options are endless; pickleball, squash, basketball, football, or baseball—NYC has it all! Just take a quick look online at what’s near you, and give it your best shot!

Even if you’re a total city rat, there’s no way you won’t be sucked into the beauty and charm of NYC’s gardens and parks.

And I’m not just talking about botanic gardens like Brooklyn Botanic Garden or Queens Botanic Garden (although, I love both of these spots). 

When I’m feeling stressed or I just need a little alone time (or I’m in need of quick, last-minute date ideas in NYC), a walk in the park has never let me down. Visiting them is a chance to get some fresh air, stretch your legs, escape the business of the city streets and just take a breather (which we could all use more of, if you ask me). 

If you need some inspo for where to go, check out some of my favorites:

• 📍Little Island: A tiny park perched on the Hudson with great views of the skyline, an awesome place to catch a performance or people-watch.
  
  
• 📍Heckscher Park: Located in Central Park and is great if you’re looking for things to do in NYC with kids that include some playtime or if you wanna have a picnic.
  
  
• 📍Morningside Park: Such a neat, cool place that feels like a secret, tucked away on the edge of Harlem.
  
  
• 📍Vale of Cashmere: Hidden within Prospect Park, the Vale of Cashmere has a kind of “abandoned” or neglected feel to it, but it’s such a cool place to explore.
  
  
• 📍6BC Botanical Garden: A tiny community-run garden in the East Village full of plants, art installations and nice seating areas. 

PSA: Not all outdoor activities in NYC are about working out. In fact, this one requires you to sit on your butt and be entertained, which to me sounds like a great idea.

Ditch the traditional theater and watch a movie on a rooftop with the NYC skyline as your backdrop. Awesome at all times of day, Rooftop Cinema Club offers outdoor screenings with cozy seating, gourmet snacks, and that unbeatable rooftop vibe.

Paddle through New York City’s iconic waterways for a refreshing change of pace. 

From the Hudson to the East River, kayaking gives you an incredible view of the skyline without the crowds. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, this adventure is as peaceful as it is exhilarating.

Oh, and there’s tons of places where you can pick up a rental if you don’t have your own equipment (depending on the time of year).

Looking for outdoor activities in NYC that teach you a thing or two? This is for you.

Feel like a tourist in your own city by embarking on a self-guided walking tour. Discover the charm of NYC’s lesser-known neighborhoods at your own pace. But wait, there’s no guide? No, just you and your friends, your phone, and a bunch of puzzles to solve to unlock cool urban secrets. 

The perfect way to explore hidden gems and quirky spots while getting those steps in!

If you’re reading this and the temperatures out feel like they’re melting your skin, this is probably for you.

I’m a huge fan of lap swimming, so of course I’ll be the first to tell you the benefits of it–but of course, I’m totally aware that not everyone’s looking for exercise.

Beat the heat by diving into some of NYC’s best outdoor pools. Here are some of my favorites:

• 📍Astoria Pool
• 📍Tony Dapolito Recreation Center
• 📍McCarren Park Pool
• 📍Hamilton Fish Pool

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; why take the subway when you can cruise? 

NYC’s ferries are a scenic, budget-friendly way to explore new neighborhoods but so many people sleep on their routes. You can go to more places than Staten Island, people! 

Hop on and off while taking in stunning skyline views—because even your commute can be an adventure.

If you didn’t know any better, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the only wildlife you’ll find in NYC are racoons, pigeons, and let’s be honest, rats.

Well, that’s not strictly true (although, you will find all of the above in abundance). What you probably haven’t noticed is that New York City is home to a bunch of other animals–and a lot of ‘em are pretty rare.

To spot them, I like to use this Wildlife Calendar. It tells you when and where you’re likely to see the city’s furry, feathered and even scaly residents, especially handy if you’re into birdwatching or photography.

Prepare your taste buds for a delicious adventure through Chinatown. 

I could honestly sit here all day telling you all of the best places to eat or drink in Chinatown, but I’d probably need a new article for that.

Instead, I’m going to recommend that you explore Chinatown first (did you guys know that the last surviving structure of 17th-century NYC is nearby?), and along the way, stop for a bite to eat or a snack. 

Here’s where I’d go:

• 📍Tasty Dumpling: I’m obsessed with the fried dumplings here, but they also have steamed—affordable and delicious.
  
  
• 📍Deluxe Green Bo: The best soup dumplings probably ever.
  
  
• 📍Chinatown Ice Cream Factory: Go here for fun, unique flavors.
  
  
• 📍Taipan Bakery: Thankfully, no connection to the venomous snake that shares its name. Great for Chinese-style egg tarts, coconut buns, and sesame balls.
  
  
• 📍Silk Road Cafe: If you’re a fellow tea-lover, this is for you. It’s so cozy.
  
  
• 📍Mei Lah Wah: You’ll see the line before you see the place probably but dang these pork buns are good. Worth the wait! 

Ever seen people squeezing on the subway with their snowboarding gear? No? Take a better look next time, it happens! 

Whether you were raised as a snow-lover or you’ve recently gotten into snowsports, there’s a bunch of places you can go near NYC to perfect your carving (and some of them are just an hours’ drive away). 

• 📍Belleayre: The closest major ski resort to NYC. There’s a lower mountain for beginners and an upper mountain for intermediate and advanced skiers/boarders.
  
• 📍Mountain Creek: Pretty accessible and around an hour and a half away from Midtown by car.
  
• 📍Hunter Mountain: Steep, icy, and very busy, but it’s only a little more than two hours away if you’re driving.
  

NYC offers endless opportunities for aspiring photographers, no matter if you’re an old-school film user or you prefer to use your phone.

The obvious choice is to go for skyline or skyscraper pics, but if you’re looking for some neat hidden gems to shoot, I’d recommend taking a look at places like Pomander Walk. If you’re able to go further out into the state, Goat Island is also mesmerizing. 

From hidden gems like Pomander Walk to iconic spots like Little Island, these scenic locations are sure to fill up your camera roll with Insta-worthy shots. Just don’t forget to charge your phone!

For a unique escape from the usual city hustle, visiting castles around NYC is like stepping into a storybook. 

Explore the stunning architecture, lush grounds, and historical charm of places like Belvedere Castle in Central Park or the majestic Lyndhurst Mansion (there are more examples). 

These castles are perfect for a romantic day trip, family adventure, or simply satisfying your curiosity about New York’s lesser-known treasures.

Elevate your dining experience—literally—by visiting one of NYC’s top rooftop restaurants. 

Whether it’s a casual brunch or a fancy dinner, you’ll enjoy delicious food with a side of stunning skyline views. Fancy cocktails are always a good idea, too! Check out our guide to our favorites.

Yes, you can spot whales right off the coast of NYC! 

Hop on a whale-watching cruise for a chance to see these majestic creatures up close. Bring your camera—you won’t want to miss the unforgettable experience of seeing a whale breach against the backdrop of the Big Apple.