50 Things to do in NYC Outdoors with Your Kids
Use this as your NYC outdoor bucket list!
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25. Queens Zoo
Watch the birds in the aviary, hear the sea lions bark, and feed the animals in the petting zoo at the Queens Zoo.
26. Queens Botanical
Admire the flowers, stand in the shade of the trees, and smell the roses at the Queens Botanical Garden.
27. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Rent a bike or a paddle boat to explore some of the 900-plus acres in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Get splashed by the iconic Unisphere fountains.
28. Fantasy Forest
Hop aboard the carousel, the Choo Choo, the Frog Hopper, and other little kid-friendly rides in Fantasy Forest Amusement Park.
29. Forest Park Carousel
Ride one of the animals on the historic Forest Park Carousel, show your strength on the high-striker, or win a prize at the ring toss.
30. Socrates Sculpture Park
Admire the outdoor art exhibitions and take in the views of the Manhattan skyline at Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City.
31. Gantry Plaza State Park
See a piece of Pepsi-Cola history at Gantry Plaza State Park. Cool off in the mist fountain and prepare your fresh catch on the fishing pier’s cleaning table.
32. Queens Farm
Visit land that has been feeding New Yorkers for more than three centuries at the Queens County Farm Museum. Say hello to the animals and pick up some fresh produce at the farm stand.
33. Alley Pond Park
Get a look at the city’s geologic past in the wetlands, tidal flats, meadows, and forest of Alley Pond Park, which sits on the site of a glacier-formed moraine. Visit more than 80 animal ambassadors and check out the programs available at the park’s Environmental Center.
34. Citi Field
Head out to the ball game at Citi Field. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the home run apple spring into action.
35. American Princess Cruises
Spot the tail of a whale or some diving dolphins on a Whale Watching and Dolphin Adventure Cruise with American Princess Cruises.
36. Bronx Zoo
Explore the expansive, shady grounds of the Bronx Zoo. Hop aboard the Bug Carousel or climb high in the Nature Trek for a bird’s eye view.
37. New York Botanical Garden
View Yayoi Kusama’s giant, whimsical sculptures on display at the New York Botanical Garden. Go on a scavenger hunt and sit in on story time in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.
38. Bronx Zoo Treetop Adventure
Make your way through the adventure ropes course or zip line over the Bronx River at the Bronx Zoo Treetop Adventure.
39. Yankee Stadium
Go to a game at the iconic Yankee Stadium. Arrive early and enjoy a visit to the New York Yankees Museum before the game.
40. Wave Hill
Spot the fish swimming in the aquatic garden, admire sweeping views of the Hudson, and trek through the forest at Wave Hill. Family art projects take place on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-1pm.
41. Van Cortlandt Park
Explore New York’s native woodlands and wetlands in sprawling Van Cortlandt Park. Walk one of the nature trails, check out some of the five playgrounds, or lounge in the sunshine on the lawn.
42. Staten Island Zoo
Visit Groundhog Chuck and his friends at the Staten Island Zoo. Check out the bees in the apiary and say hello to the otters, foxes, horses and leopards.
43. Snug Harbor Botanical Garden
Take a peek at the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, one of two authentic classical Chinese gardens in the country, and enjoy more than a hundred varieties of roses in the rose garden at the Snug Harbor Botanical Garden.
44. Historic Richmond Town
Take a guided weekend tour through Historic Richmond Town to learn how New Yorkers lived centuries ago and make your children grateful for modern conveniences.
45. Greenbelt Nature Center
Head out from the Greenbelt Nature Center to one of several hiking trails. Check out the calendar of events for other nature center programs.
46. Freshkills Park
Built on the site of the infamous landfill of the same name, Freshkills Park, while still under development, has several areas open to the public. Visitors can climb the playground equipment at Schmul Park or ride bikes along the 3.2-mile New Springville Greenway.
47. Statue of Liberty
Admire the Statue of Liberty up close from the adjoining grounds (it’s not currently possible to go inside Lady Liberty). Tack a stop at Ellis Island onto your trip and learn about the arrival of millions of immigrants to the USA.
48. Roosevelt Island
Use your MetroCard to take the tram from the East Side of Manhattan to Roosevelt Island. Enjoy the green space at Four Freedoms Park or check out one of the historical sites located on the island.
49. Governor's Island
Take in views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty while biking or walking the car-free roads of Governor’s Island. Enjoy art exhibitions, musical performances, mini golf, a zipline, playgrounds, and more!
50. Randall's Island
Take the 103rd Street Footbridge to Randall’s Island and enjoy 10 miles of pathways to walk or bike. Check out the calendar of events for details on story time, movie nights, and other family-friendly events.