Things to Do Outdoors in NYC | 12 Fun Outdoor Activities

To say there’s lots to do in New York City would be an understatement. The city is absolutely brimming with adventure, excitement, and unforgettable experiences. It’s more than anyone could do in a lifetime, which is why deciding what to do can be overwhelming!

Things to Do Outdoors in NYC: Bow bridge in Central Park.

And when you think of things to do, you probably imagine all the things happening inside those skyscrapers and brick blocks. Of course, there’s plenty to do in there—but there’s plenty to do outside, too! Everyone should plan a few outdoor excursions on their trip to NYC to fully take in the views, architecture, and atmosphere.

Here are some things to do outdoors in NYC:

12 Things To Do Outdoors In NYC For Fresh Air And Fun

Explore Central Park

When you picture the outdoors and New York City, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Central Park, of course! It’s one of the most accessible—not to mention BEAUTIFUL—places to spend time outside within the city.

There are lots of free things to do outdoors in NYC, like going for a walk, having a picnic, riding a bike, or visiting sculptures. But really, nothing beats just exploring the gorgeous gardens and forests. I especially love to go in autumn when all the leaves are changing. Here are my top fall foliage spots in Central Park!

There are also plenty of relatively inexpensive things to do here. You may enjoy visiting the zoo, rowing a boat around The Lake, taking a carriage ride, or ice skating at Woolman Ring. All of it is a blast!

If that weren’t enough, Central Park hosts a variety of seasonal events and performances, too. Sometimes they’re free, and sometimes there’s an admission fee, but it’s always worthwhile!

Attend A Seasonal Festival

New York City is truly the city that never sleeps . . . and it doesn’t hibernate either. There are annual festivals and big events going on ANY time of year.Most of these are outside and are some of the best things to do outdoors in NYC, offering themed experiences that are seriously unforgettable.

There are so many that you could probably fill up your whole year with weekly festival stops. It wouldn’t be wise for your wallet, but you’d definitely have a great time!

In winter, you have the Winter Lantern Festival and the Winter Solstice Festival of Lights. In the spring, you have the NYC Street Fairs, Shakespeare in the Park, and the various cherry blossom festivals! (Here are my favorite places to see Cherry Blossoms in NYC.)

If it’s summer, head to the SummerStage Festival or Governor’s Ball Music Festival for some amazing outdoor performances. And for fall festivals in NYC, you can’t go wrong with Stone Street Oktoberfest, the Brooklyn Book Festival, or the New York City Wine and Food Festival!

If you don’t see any that suit your taste so far, there are plenty of others out there!

Visit A Rooftop Bar

For a casual evening outdoors, a rooftop bar is a great place to go. You can enjoy a drink, watch the sunset, and breathe in the fresh air totally hassle-free.

The skyline never gets old. So, whether you have a date you’re trying to impress or you’re just looking to unwind after work, a rooftop bar is a perfect choice.

Here are some of my favorite rooftop bars in Brooklyn:

Williamsburg Hotel/Arlo Williamsburg
Westlight
Aliya Rooftop
Time Out Market
Berry Park
Elsewhere

And, some in Manhattan too:

The Skylark
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar
Overstory
Bar Blondeau (Wythe Hotel)

See A Drive-In Movie Or A Movie At The Park

Everyone likes to see a movie, but if you want to shake things up, try one of the unique things to do outdoors in NYC. It’s simple, peaceful, and romantic (if you’re going for that).

There’s something so special about watching that giant screen while feeling the grass on your toes and seeing the skyscrapers overhead. If you’ve never experienced a film in this way, I highly recommend it!

For an old-fashioned drive-in movie, I like the Brooklyn Drive-In at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. But if you want a park setting, go for Movies With a View in Brooklyn or Movies Under the Stars at various NYC parks.

You can also see movies or astronomy presentations for free on select Fridays at the Intrepid Museum, which is actually a mostly outdoor museum. Get there early to explore the USS Intrepid and then settle in as the sun sets for a movie night!

Halloween decoration at Luna Park in Coney Island.

Be A Kid Again On Coney Island

Daytime excursions are fun, but evenings in New York City are absolutely breathtaking. I love to find spots where I can enjoy the sunset and a starry evening. And it just so happens that Coney Island is the perfect spot for it!

You can enjoy the vibey neon lights and feel like a kid again as you wander the boardwalk or ride roller coasters at Luna Park. That said, if you want something more “grown up,” grab a classic carnival bite and visit the Coney Island Museum. You can enjoy a treat as you head off to learn the history of this legendary attraction.

Walk The Brooklyn Bridge

If you’re visiting NYC for the first time, walking the Brooklyn Bridge is a must on your list of things to do outdoors in NYC—and for good reason! The view from the Brooklyn Bridge is amazing, but so is the architecture of the bridge itself.

I’ve had the privilege of walking it so many times that I’ve taken in every part, including the fascinating infrastructure. Needless to say, I highly recommend walking the Brooklyn Bridge.

For the best experience, go at sunset or sunrise on a weeknight. This will give the best view with minimal crowds. It’ll take you about 45 to 60 minutes to walk across the bridge and really enjoy it.

Remember to bring water and double your time if you plan on walking back. (In my opinion, the best views come when you go from Manhattan to Brooklyn, but both directions offer a great experience.)

Go On A Ferry Ride or Boat Cruise

You haven’t really toured NYC if you haven’t seen it from the water. You just get the best vantage point! I specifically love the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise. It’s the best way to see 130 of the city’s most famous landmarks, making it beautiful, educational, and efficient.

You’ll be able to see iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, Empire State Building, and more in a totally new way! Plus, being out on a boat deck at sunset is totally serene. It gives you a peaceful break from the city’s constant energy.

The boat cruise is a 2-hour guided tour. If you’d like a shorter and more affordable boat experience, catch the ferry from DUMBO to Williamsburg. It’s only 15 to 20 minutes and gives you a close-up of the Manhattan skyline and both the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges.

Each boating experience offers distinct experiences, so, honestly, you could do both!

Things to Do Outdoors in NYC: People surfing at the beach in New York,

Head To The Beach

If the weather is warm enough, get your beach on! Visiting NYC beaches is one of the best things to do outdoors in NYC, with over a dozen public spots offering different atmospheres, activities, and experiences.

We’ve already talked about Coney Island, but that’s always a solid choice for thrill-seekers. My other two recommendations depend on what kind of experience you’re hoping for. Rockaway Beach in Queens, for example, is perfect for surfing and swimming. On the other hand, Brighton Beach in Brooklyn offers a quieter vibe for relaxing and people-watching.

Other good options include Orchard Beach, ideal for picnics and sand volleyball, and Jacob Riis Park, a favorite among nature lovers.

You may not think of the Big Apple as a beachy place, but it definitely can be. Time to add a cute swimsuit to your NYC packing list!

Do A Photo Tour

I’ve talked in a past post about my experience with Aperture Tours in Paris. It’s this really cool tour where expert photographers teach you how to capture iconic locations with your own camera.

Anyway, I was super pleased to see Aperture offers photo tours all over the world, including NYC! You can do a daytime photo tour, a night photo tour, or both tours combined. And if you’d prefer to be in the photos, a portrait session is also available.

Low-light conditions can make it really difficult to get a great shot, but this tour offers hands-on learning and some pretty amazing photos to go with it. These photo tours are a MUST for any photography lover. (You don’t need to be a professional!)

Explore The High Line Or Little Island

If Central Park seems stale at this point, shake things up and head to the West Side. There, you’ll find two unique parks within walking distance from one another.

The first is The High Line, which is a public park built on a decommissioned freight rail line. Cool, right? It runs for about 2 miles and features green spaces, public art, walking paths, and regular events. Oh, and of course, you can’t forget about the incredible view.

Nearby, there’s Little Island. It’s a floating “island” supported by these futuristic, curvy pillars that give the park a modern sculptural look. Visiting is truly like walking on a piece of artwork.

On it, there are lots of winding paths, breathtaking gardens, waterfront views, and regular performances to catch. If you do nothing else outdoors while in NYC, make sure these parks at least make the cut!

Visit An Outdoor Market

Outdoor markets are a great way to get outside. First things first, they have the classic offerings of fresh produce and flowers. Aside from that, you can also find food stands, local vendors, handmade goods, and even antiques.

Each one has its own vibe, so don’t think if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. Put on a good pair of walking shoes, grab cash, and go get some fresh air at one of these popular outdoor markets:

Union Square Greenmarket (Manhattan)
Smorgasburg (Brooklyn)
Chelsea Market (Manhattan)
Brooklyn Flea (Brooklyn)
Queens Night Market (Queens)
Grand Bazaar NYC (Manhattan)
Hester Street Fair (Manhattan)

Check Out Street Art

Street art isn’t just on the walls of NYC; it’s in its DNA. I think sometimes visitors aren’t sure how to take it, because “graffiti” isn’t seen positively everywhere.

That said, in NYC, we embrace this art form. More specifically, we adore how it turns our concrete jungle into a kaleidoscopic tapestry. So, if you love art or a good Instagrammable moment? Definitely take time to appreciate NYC’s street art while getting some fresh air.

There are several ways to explore NYC’s street art. You can start by visiting areas known for their murals, graffiti, and installations. Bushwick is the top spot, but the Lower East Side, Williamsburg, and East Harlem are also great options.

To make sure you don’t miss anything, consider joining a guided tour or using a website like StreetArtNYC. You can also keep an eye out for pop-up installations linked to local festivals.

Experience the Best Things to Do Outdoors in NYC at Iconic Spots

There’s something magical about moving through New York City on foot, by ferry, or along a park path. Every turn offers a new view, a burst of color, or a moment that makes the city feel alive. It’s through these outdoor experiences that the true spirit of NYC comes alive.

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