Outdoor Things to do in NYC

New York City has some of the best museums, galleries, and concert venues in the country, not to mention the shopping! However, with the exception of the time spent darting from place to place, a vacation comprised of these activities alone doesn't get you outside very much. So save those indoor-only vacations for the winter! If you’re spending some time in New York City this summer, do something outdoorsy like renting a bike. Enjoy the charm and healthy fun of NYC streets and parks in the summer, because there’s plenty to explore on two wheels. A New York attractions pass can help you save money on bike rentals, tours, and even a visit to the Central Park Zoo, so pick one up today to make your adventures healthier for your wallet, too! Chances are you haven’t brought your own bike to NYC. That’s OK, because New York bike rentals are affordable, flexible, and very easy to procure with the New York attractions pass. With pick-up locations in Midtown, Central Park West, and Battery Park, you’ll be able to find a nearby bike rental location that’s convenient to wherever you’re staying in Manhattan. All of these rental locations are in convenient proximity to great bike routes and trails as well, making that included bike map even easier to use. Central Park Bike tours are particularly popular for those who enjoy the exercise and fresh air of riding a bike, but want a little bit more focus to their activity. Tour various routes throughout this massive 840-acre urban park as part of a small group, and learn about the history of the park and its many statues, playgrounds, and waterworks as you ride. You can also opt for a guided tour that includes New York’s new Greenway Path, a beautiful walking/biking path in two parts that runs along the Hudson River and the East River. This route is especially popular with locals and is one of the most traveled bike paths around. Once you’re in the park, be sure to pay a visit to the Central Park Zoo, a local favorite with families. They have a special petting zoo just for the very young and a respectable selection of zoo standbys, including polar bears, monkeys, sea lions, and even some endangered species like the red pandas. The Central Park Zoo has been particularly successful among urban zoos with regards to reconstructing the wild habitats of its animals on a smaller scale, so be on the lookout for special touches in each exhibit, like indigenous plant life. If you’re the adventurous type and love a good urban bike ride, check out something like the Hudson River bike tour, a three-hour tour that lets you explore riverfront landmarks and even pedal across the Brooklyn Bridge. The guide will give you several chances to pause for photography, too, so don’t worry about trying to balance your handlebars while you’re zooming in for that perfect shot. All of these New York bike rental options are great for kids and adults, so it’s the perfect outdoor activity for the whole family. If you are traveling with kids, be sure to show up in advance to things like bike tours, as they’ll need to make sure your children are paired with the appropriate sized bike. You’ll be provided with helmets and things like a bike lock and local trail map, but you should be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sneakers or other practical shoes. Since many rentals let you keep the bike all day, it can also serve as an eco-friendly way to explore NYC. Of course, you can also rent the bike for a shorter period of time if you’ve only got the afternoon to explore. Whatever you’re looking for in a bike ride, you’ll be able to find it in New York City. Enjoy the great outdoors and NYC’s gorgeous park system on two wheels this summer and leave the taxis far behind. With a New York attractions pass, you can also save money on bike rentals, bike tours, and all that other stuff you probably want to see in New York.