Fun Things To Do In New York City

Whether you're planning a trip to New York City or are a longtime resident looking for some fun things to do, there are plenty of options.. New York has dozens of parks, miles of beaches and plenty of paved greenways for biking and jogging. The city's nature preserves make ideal spots for hiking, and you can get in plenty of play at the ball courts in the parks. From surfing to horseback riding, you'll find no shortage of fun things to do in New York City.

Biking, Jogging and Hiking

New York City has more than 100 miles of paths and trails where you can ride bikes, jog or skate while surrounded by scenic parks, waterways and beaches. If you enjoy mountain biking, Highbridge Park in Manhattan and Cunningham Park in Queens both have trails specifically for mountain biking. If hiking is more your style, take yourself out for an afternoon of exploring the 9,155 acres of natural habitat and trails at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens. Or, head to Staten Island's William T. Davis Wildlife Refuge and hike through 2,500 acres of freshwater wetlands and woodland communities.

Swimming and Surfing

New York City's 14 miles of beaches provide plenty of opportunity to swim safely with lifeguards on duty. Don't miss Queens' Rockaway Beach, which is the only New York City beach to allow surfing. The other beaches in New York City are the Bronx's Orchard Beach and Promenade, Brooklyn's Coney Island Beach, Manhattan Beach and Staten Island's Midland Beach, South Beach and Wolfe's Pond Beach. New York City beaches are open for swimming from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Horseback Riding

New York City's horseback riding trails offer a variety of beautiful journeys through the five boroughs. Throughout Staten Island, the Seguine Equestrian Center allows you to ride across beaches, parks, city streets and wooded trails. The Riverdale Equestrian Centre in the Bronx will take you through the majestic Van Cortlandt Park. Alternatively, the Bronx Equestrian Center allows you to ride through the marshland and woods at Pelham Bay Park. In Brooklyn, the Kensington Stables and GALLOP, NYC provide a 3.5 mile path starting at the Prospect Park Circle entrance and continuing for 3.5 miles through the Lake to the Long Meadow and the Midwood. Dixie Dew and Lynn's Riding School in Queens have 4 miles of equestrian paths running through Forest Park in Queens. In Manhattan, the Riverdale Equestrian Centre's Central Park riding trails start at the North Meadow Recreation Center.

Tennis, Volleyball and Handball

With hundreds of courts available across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island, you'll be sure to find a place to play tennis, volleyball or handball. If you're serious about playing ball and want a group to play with, there are more than a few options in New York City. Check out the N.Y. Urban Professionals Volleyball League, Tennis New York or the New York City HandBall Team.

Free Fitness Classes

Take a free fitness class through the Shape Up NYC program taught by expert fitness instructors year round. Classes are located across New York City's five boroughs and include yoga, pilates and aerobics. This is a fun fitness program for all ages and fitness levels. Pre-registration is not required. Just show up to a class in your neighborhood.