With the warmer weather upon us, it is only natural to want to look for great ways to spend time outdoors in New York City. Luckily, while the city is home to many great city amenities, it also features ample green space and other opportunities for enjoying nature. Here is a look at a few of the outdoor activities you might want to explore in New York City this summer.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most popular attractions in New York City, so why not sit outside and enjoy a great view of it? Following years of troubles and obstacles, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is finally open for business. In addition to offering eco-luxury lodgings that blend sustainability with industrial-chic design, the 194-room hotel is also home to a rooftop bar boasting views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is located at 60 Furman Street in New York.
Anish Kapoor’s “Descension” at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Anish Kapoor, who is known for being the sculptor behind Chicago’s “Cloud Gate,” recently brought his installation of “Descension” to Brooklyn Bridge Park. The installation includes a 26-foot-wide whirlpool where the water is treated with an all-natural black dye meant to create the appearance of an opaque, seemingly endless hole. Brooklyn Bridge Park is located at 334 Furman Street in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
While Washington, D.C. gains attention every year for its magnificent cherry blossom displays, New Yorkers only need to travel to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to enjoy a similar experience. Boasting its own grown of cherry trees, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a favorite destination in the spring and summer. Free guided walking tours are also offered throughout the garden. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is located at 990 Washington Avenue in Brooklyn.
Governor’s Island
While it isn’t the easiest place to reach, Governor’s Island is worth the trouble. The former military base is now a 172-acre green oasis hosting a myriad of attractions, events and artwork throughout the year. The Hills, which just opened last year, provides scenic outlooks and slides for visitors to enjoy while Island Oyster is a picnic-style eatery near Soissons Landing. Reached by ferries that depart from Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge Park, Governors Island is open every day from May 1 through October 1 from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm and on weekends, Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm.
LeFrak Center at Lakeside
Having undergone renovations in 2013, LeFrak Center at Lakeside offers public roller skating hours during the warmer months and hockey competitions, skating lessons and curling sessions during the colder months.
Prospect Park
Developed by Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux, Prospect Park is colloquially known as Brooklyn’s Backyard. With the park turning 150 this year, the Prospect Park Alliance is celebrating throughout the season by hosting a series of concerts and history tours as well as a fundraising party. The alliance also offers numerous volunteer opportunities for those who want to get more involved with the park. Every Sunday, Smorgasborg hosts dozens of vendors and food from across the world at Breeze Hill, while Brooklyn Brewery is offering its limited-time Long Meadow Gold in celebration of the park’s anniversary.