During the summer months, New York City becomes one of the most visited cities in the world. Fashion, skyscrapers, bars and Fifth Avenue shops are all famous New York City attributes, but city lovers enjoy a wide array of activities that help visitors and locals maintain a healthy lifestyle.
August 10 to 15 is considered one of the busiest weeks for summer outdoor activities in the city. Swim meets, cycling events, kayaking races and fitness programs are just a few of the events that happen during that one summer week. Get an early start with a summer-long program, or hit a one-time event for a day of fun.
City Bicycling Events
New York City holds several opportunities for both professional and recreational cyclists. The Century Road Club Association hosts cycling events at Central Park during the second week of August. Onlookers can watch cycling pros as they take on the club's biking course and practice for autumn races. Away from Central Park, the Kissena Sports Cycling Club hosts the Blistered Butt Road Race in mid-August. Biking fans should also check out Brooklyn's Prospect Park and its scenic trails.
Boating and Kayaking
Tour New York City's harbor by kayak, free of charge. New York City Downtown Boathouse, a non-profit boating organization, provides complimentary public kayaking programs to encourage Manhattan residents to engage into open-air outdoor activities. Throughout the summer, they offer free kayaking lessons every Wednesday on a first-come, first-served basis. For the entire month of August, Downtown Boathouse also offers free kayaking at Pier 101 on Governors Island.
For those who are less active, there are numerous boat trips around Manhattan on the Circle Line and Spirit of New York. During these short cruises, passengers eat a gourmet meal and enjoy dancing, or can listen to a tour. If budgets are tight, you can also take the free ferry across the river to Staten Island, or a commuter ferry across to Hoboken, New Jersey, for a change of pace.
Swim Events
The Governors Island swim race happens the first week of September, but you can watch swimmers as they practice the two-mile course around the island a few weeks before the race. Apart from this race, Chelsea Piers is another venue that offers sprint and intermediate triathlon activities, including aqua bike exercise classes. You can also sign up to compete in races in Brooklyn and Lakeside Park, or be a spectator at the Staten Island Triathlon.
Walking in Lower Manhattan
In a city where walking is often more temperate than the subway in summer, there are several walking activities for tourists and natives alike. The American Volkssport Association, or AVA, provides guided, educational group walks throughout Manhattan that leave once a day. The Lower Manhattan tour trails along the Hudson River, proceeds to Ellis Island, and ends at the Statue of Liberty. Apart from an AVA tour, a scenic walk along the Brooklyn Bridge is also a special New York City treat. Walk along the bridge, then head to the Financial District and Fulton Street before walking up to the rest of Manhattan.
Fitness Class Activities
Starting the first week of May, a range of fitness classes including yoga, capoeira, tai chi and Pilates take place in Long Island City's Socrates Sculpture Park. All classes are free, and participants of all levels of experience are welcome to join. Attendees can learn breathing technique, relaxation and meditation through the yoga and tai chi offerings. The Pilates course concentrates on increasing muscle strength, balance and spinal alignment. Capoeira, a combination of Brazilian martial arts and dance, teaches acrobatic and dance moves that increase muscle tone.
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