SURF, SUN & FUN

• Ocean Beaches– There are more than 100 beaches near NYC…
• Fun Boardwalks– Summer essential visit to a place of where there is something else besides sand and water…
• Lake/River Beaches– Usually quieter than ocean beaches with more amenities around…
• Swimming Holes– Secret spots to take a dip with no-one around, including lifeguards, so be aware!

MEET ANIMALS

• Zoos & Aquariums– Traditional zoos and aquariums. Meet old friends and new!
• Working Farms/Petting Zoos– Interact with (mostly farm) animals and learn about them… and get some farm produce!
• Animal Sanctuaries & Wildlife Centers– Where conservation is the rule, including wolves, cows and fish! Good alternatives to regular zoos and often cheaper!
• Whale/Dolphin/Seal Watching– A few ways to see these awesome creatures!
• Bird Watching– Bring the binoculars (and books)- they are fascinating! Here are the spots…

PARKS TO VISIT

• Best Public Parks– Parks worth visiting, maintained by states, counties and towns…
• Nature Centers– Places to learn about nature…
• Private Parks/Estates– Private mansions and estates with some land around them to roll around in…
• Botanical Gardens & Arboretums– Plants and butterflies!

EXPLORE OUTDOORS

• Awesome Picnic Spots– Places to lay down the the blanket and enjoy the surroundings…
• Day Hike Destinations– Best trails to take the kids on and see something wonderful, even if it’s “just” plants or trees…
• Camping Sites– Exhaustive list of places to camp with the off-spring and enjoy the great outdoors…
• Great Bike Trails– Best places to go on a ride on safe and sound roads…
• Mountain Biking Areas– If you and your kids have the fat tires and a sense of adventure…
• Row/Pedal Boats– Row and pedal boat rental spots with lots of other things to do around…
• Canoe/Kayaking/SUP– Paddle on NY’s rivers, lakes and sounds…
• River Tubing/Rafting– Float lazily downstream or battle the whitewater…

WINTER OUTDOORS

• X-Country Skiing– Glide through some snow to explore the woods and the fields…
• Snowshoeing– Take a hike in the winter wonderlands…
• Sledding Hills– Everyone’s favorite spots when the snow falls…

OTHER NATURE ACTIVITIES

• Fishing Holes & Trips– Bring your reel or leave it home…
• Cave & Mine Exploring– Meet some trolls… exploring them is exhilarating…
• Lighthouses / Fire Towers– A few views from high up!
• Waterfalls– What water does best… it falls!