Verrazzano Bridge

Spread across 2,800 acres in the middle of Staten Island, this sprawling conservation area brings together forests, wetlands, and grasslands into one immersive landscape. Winter visits reveal a quieter, more contemplative side of the terrain—fewer crowds mean you can really sink into the stillness of the bare trees and frost-touched trails. The connected parks like LaTourette, Willowbrook, and High Rock each carve out their own character, where you might find yourself golfing, practicing archery, catching a baseball game, or tracking birds through the W. Davis Wildlife Refuge depending on the season. There's also a beloved carousel spinning year-round that draws families in for simple, timeless fun. Beyond the recreational side, the Conservancy runs environmental education programs, seasonal camps, and special events including concerts that shift with the calendar. Guided tours let you dig deeper into what makes each habitat tick and meet the creatures that call it home. Whether you're a local seeking refuge from the city's pace or traveling through, this green space delivers both adventure and peaceful escape.

Kayak Staten Island is an all-volunteer organization providing free kayaking for the public at the shoreline on South Beach in Staten Island. <br> Depending on attendance, there may be a wait for a boat to become available. Try-outs are limited to 15 minutes; it is first-come-first-served but paddlers are allowed to get back in line for another spin.

Step back in time at this open-air museum sprawling across Staten Island, where more than 30 authentic structures transport you straight into New York's colonial past. The complex brings together a courthouse, schoolhouse, residences, and commercial buildings—each one meticulously restored to show how people actually lived generations ago. Winter visits carry a particular charm, with frost-lined pathways winding through quiet grounds that feel even more removed from the modern world. The Staten Island Historical Society operates from here, maintaining an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs that piece together the lives of residents throughout the centuries. You're not just walking through buildings; interpreters demonstrate period crafts and daily routines, while guided tours and hands-on activities let you engage with the material directly. Lectures and workshops happen regularly, and the surrounding gardens and grounds offer exploration beyond the structures themselves. The adjacent Decker Farm rounds out the experience, showcasing organic growing methods and seasonal harvests that illustrate how past communities sustained themselves. Year-round programming keeps things fresh whether you're visiting solo or bringing the whole family. The combination of genuine architecture, working demonstrations, and carefully preserved history creates something you won't find replicated elsewhere—a chance to genuinely understand what daily life looked like in early America.

Known for being the first house museum on Staten Island, this New York City museum is rich in history on many levels. Its name lies in honor for the peace conference of 1776, a commemoration. Constructed circa 1680 by Captain Christopher Billopp, this 2 story rubble-stone masonry masterpiece has been restored over the years, as needed for structural integrity. Its steep gable roof gives the essence of the period. By 1934, much work had been completed including the Colonial Rose Garden and planting 13 trees to represent the original colonies. House tours are offered Friday-Sunday at 1 pm. In the midst of a collection of artifacts from the era, it is almost like stepping back to the time when our great country was still forming. The beauty and serenity overpower you while walking the grounds. Spring and summer bring the vivid colors of the trees to life. Why not stop for a minute to quite literally “smell the roses”? When the sun is descending, gaze over to the waterfront to enjoy the unparalleled sunset that exudes tangerine hues amid a backdrop of amber with scattered tones of violet entice you to just stand in awe of the beauty that is happening right before your eyes.

Family Fun and Open Skate Hours

From its inception, Bargemusic has been committed to attracting local audiences and enhancing the cultural life of New York by offering frequent, year-round performances of chamber music in a fittingly intimate setting—the type of setting in which chamber music is meant to be heard. To make that unique musical experience available to as many people as possible, Bargemusic presents 220 chamber music concerts annually—four days a week, 52 weeks a year—and offers free tickets to a variety of groups every week, plus a monthly free concert open to the community.

New York Aquarium - where the City meets the Sea. As the only aquarium in New York City and part of the largest network of metropolitan wildlife parks in the country, the New York Aquarium holds a special place in the mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society - To save wildlife and wild places around the globe.

Wander through habitats housing creatures you'd never encounter otherwise and let curiosity guide your steps through this sprawling Brooklyn animal sanctuary. The pathways wind close enough to observe behaviors you'd miss from a distance, whether watching a lion's commanding presence or a smaller creature's surprising quirks. Families find themselves naturally drawn into the rhythm of the day here, surrounded by the raw energy of the animal kingdom. Kids gravitate toward the discovery center to practice hands-on animal care under supervision, applying real techniques on live residents. The young naturalist area invites visitors to role-play a camping experience—complete with mock campfire cooking and wildlife identification using field guides. Come spring and summer when the sea lions are particularly receptive, feeding time becomes an interactive highlight that animals and visitors alike seem to anticipate. Weekend visits unlock conversations with zookeepers who share insider stories about animal personalities and daily routines. Winter visits carry their own quiet appeal, with crisp air and fewer crowds creating an intimate atmosphere for observation. There's genuine variety woven throughout—different experiences at every turn, different lessons waiting around each corner, different reasons to return.

Bargemusic is a unique concert venue located in Brooklyn, New York, moored just under the Brooklyn Bridge. The venue is housed on a renovated coffee barge and offers a wide range of musical performances up to five days a week, every week of the year. The intimate wood-paneled concert hall has a capacity of around 150 people, providing a truly unique and special experience for concert-goers.<br/> The acoustics of the hall are excellent, making it the perfect venue for chamber music. The venue is praised for its acoustics by both critics and performers alike. Critics have called it "the perfect chamber-music hall" while artists say that it is "unlike any other place in the world to perform." The concert hall also offers stunning views of lower Manhattan, making it an ideal location to enjoy a concert while admiring the Manhattan skyline.<br/> Bargemusic is a unique and exciting venue that offers a wide range of musical performances, from classical to contemporary, and the experience of the concert is enhanced by the wonderful views and acoustics of the hall. The experience of attending a concert at Bargemusic is truly one-of-a-kind, and it is a must-visit destination for music lovers visiting New York City.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, called “the premier horticultural attraction in the region” by The New York Times, is New York City’s natural wonder, where no matter what the season, something is always in bloom. Stroll the many gardens within the Garden. Enjoy the serenity of the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, tour the fragrant Cranford Rose Garden, bring the family to explore the children’s Discovery Garden, or visit the Steinhardt Conservatory, containing the world famous C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum. Visit the Terrace Café and Garden Gift Shop.

Don't miss the Winter Sale at the HBO store this holiday season, with up to 50% discounts off select products from your favorite HBO shows, like Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, Girls, Veep, The Newsroom and countless other TV hits!##YY0301 <br> ##000000 The HBO Shop is an exciting extension of the HBO® brand, offering new products from HBO’s line of award-winning programming, including Entourage®, The Sopranos®, Sex and the City®, The Pacific® the hit HBO series True Blood and more. Selling items range from a variety of commemorative T-shirts and Hoodie Sweatshirts, collectible items like Sopranos Coasters; Game of Thrones paper-weights, laptop skins, pint glasses; Boardwalk Empire cigarette case, Nucky Thompson hat, playing cards; Entourage cap, King Ari mug; Eastbound & Down baseball hat, water bottle, to the entire collection of the HBO shows and series.<br/> Now you can deepen your experience with your favorite show by taking an actual bus tour of the Sopranos locations and following in the foot steps of Tony & Family, or by following in the footsteps of Carrie & Co as they conquer New York City! Drink where they drink, shop where they shop, and gossip where they gossip. Both tours visit more than 40 locations where the series where filmed and are organized and operated by On Location Tours, with a final stop at the HBO Shop in NYC at 42nd Street and 6th Avenue. Tour visitors will receive 10% off all purchases at the NYC Shop. Subway Stop: Times Square, 42nd Street. TRAINS: N-R-Q-S-1-2-3-7.

Founded in 1697, Trinity Church is a vibrant Episcopal parish, where daily worship services form the heart of our Christian identity. Trinity is a grant-making organization, streaming funds throughout the city and the world, as well as a resource for Lower Manhattan's commuters and tourists, who find inspirational music within its walls. Through its congregational staff and maintenance teams, it is a sacred oasis amid the busy downtown streets. It is an important player in the world of New York City commercial realty, and home to an award-winning preschool. It is the home to the committees, guilds, and task-forces of a congregation committed to bringing God's Kingdom to this world.

Start YYYY in style with hot new end-of-year releases at the NBA Store. <br/> ##000221 ##000000 GET IN THE GAME!!! The NBA Store in Manhattan is your one stop shop for everything related to the NBA and provides fans with one of the most fulfilling shopping and entertainment experiences available in New York City. Whether you are a Knick fan, a Laker fan or any fan, the NBA store has your team’s gear at great prices. The sprawling 35,000 square foot store doesn’t just do team licensed gear but also has all of the basketball shoes you need to lace up and head to the court. Of course, if you are in the Manhattan store you don’t have to go far as part of the experience involves trying out your gear on the indoor half-court officially endorsed by the NBA. The fun doesn’t stop there - the store also has a consistent array of multimedia presentations that take you away from a basic shopping experience and instead puts you in front of 50,000 screaming fans on the court of your dreams. For a shopping experience like no other and a chance to look exactly like your favorite basketball heroes, look no further than the NBA Store in Manhattan!

Uncover the child within you when you visit the Disney Store, located in the most visited place in Manhattan: Times Square! The Disney Store is a magical place where fantasy is around every corner, where you can impersonate your favorite character, where Disney legends come to life and where kids and adults alike can unleash their imagination in a kingdom of entertainment. Three floors display Disney Princess, Mickey & Friends, Tinker Bell & Fairies, Pooh & Pals, The Little Mermaid, Nemo, Cinderella, Bambi, toys, collectibles, DVD, music and house wares, including toasters, glasses and waffle makers. Make it personal with customized clothes & accessories. Add your name to backpacks, ear hats, fleece throws, jackets and snow globes. Make your child the Star when you personalize a Disney storybook. Tote bags, mugs, mouse pads, iPhone cases, iPod cases, iPad cases, binders, any of these items can be transformed into a unique gift when you customize your product of choice. Check our website to take advantage of their current special offers in toys, music & books, home & décor, adults & kids clothing and much more.

A landmark in Manhattan's SoHo art district since 1993, The Evolution Store is NYC's premiere retail outlet for science and natural history collectibles, artifacts, gifts, and home furnishings. The museum-quality atmosphere creating a unique and intimate shopping experience.

The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is located in Flushing, in the New York City borough of Queens and has been the home of the US Open Grand Slam tennis tournament played every year in August and September. According to the United States Tennis Association, the center is the largest public tennis facility in the world with 22 courts inside the facility and 11 more in the adjoining park. All 33 courts have used the DecoTurf cushioned acrylic surface since the facility was built in 1978. Source: en.wikipedia.org

The New York Hall of Science is a place for everyone to explore, question and learn. It is the number one New York's hands-on science and technology center. It occupies one of the few remaining structures of the 1964 New York World's Fair in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in the borough of Queens in New York City, easily accessible by public transportation or by car.<br/> NYSCI promotes science and technology as important tools that help us understand ourselves and the world we live in. Join this unforgettable visit where learners of all inclination and ages can touch, manipulate and interact with more than 450 permanent exhibits, including the award-winning Science Playground, Preschool Place, Life Beyond Earth, Sports Challenge and the new Rocket Park Mini Golf. From mini-golf to microscopes, no matter how you like to learn, you will find opportunities at NYS. In addition to the permanent exhibits, NYSCI features a dynamic schedule of feature exhibitions, events, programs and workshops. NYSCI both creates exhibitions that travel, and hosts exhibitions from other institutions. NYSCI exhibitions have traveled nationally and internationally. NYSCI also offers many opportunities to bring fun-filled learning experiences into your classroom! NYSCI has events down to a science, offering space and services for Birthday Parties, School Events, Private Parties and more, transforming ordinary events into extraordinary experiences.

The L.I.C. Community Boathouse is a boathouse located in Long Island City, New York. The boathouse provides access to the East River for the local community through various programs such as kayaking, rowing and sailing. The boathouse is a volunteer-run organization that aims to promote the use of the waterfront for recreational, educational and environmental purposes. The boathouse offers a variety of programs for people of all ages and skill levels. The adult rowing program is a popular option for those looking to get in shape and learn a new skill. The youth rowing program is also offered to young people, providing a great opportunity to learn teamwork and discipline. Kayaking programs are also available for both adults and youth, as well as sailing programs.<br/> In addition to these programs, the boathouse also offers waterfront access to the community through its kayak and rowboat lending program, which allows individuals to borrow boats for free during the boating season. The boathouse also provides space for community events such as parties, picnics, and other gatherings.<br/> The boathouse is located on the East River in Long Island City, next to the Socrates Sculpture Park and the Queensbridge Park. The boathouse is easily accessible by public transportation, with the F train subway line stopping at the 21st St-Queensbridge stop, which is a short walk from the boathouse.<br/> The L.I.C. Community Boathouse is a great place for the community to enjoy the waterfront and learn new skills, while also promoting the use of the waterfront for recreational, educational and environmental purposes.

Stepping onto these grounds means walking through decades of filmmaking history, where massive soundstages anchor the entire operation. Seven column-free stages span across the property, with the centerpiece hitting 26,000 square feet—the biggest facility of its kind anywhere east of the Hollywood sign. The recently added Stage K pushes past 18,000 square feet, while a pair of additional stages each exceed 12,000. For smaller productions, there's flexibility with spaces running 8,000, 4,000, and 3,000 square feet. Everything's positioned so that crews and equipment move seamlessly between stages, with support facilities tucked in close by. Winter visits carry a particular charm here, as the quiet between productions settles over the sprawling complex and the industrial architecture feels especially atmospheric against gray New York skies.

Flushing Meadow Corona Park is one of the greatest places in New York City. It has become the keystone park of Queens and a recreation and cultural hub for the region; yet, it was once just a dusty wasteland, "a valley of ashes" as F. Scott Fitzgerald dubbed it in the Great Gatsby. Its poetic, phoenix-like transformation from ash dump to oasis was driven by Queens' residents, the City and 1939 and 1965 World's Fair held in this park. These fairs put this park on the world's stage, and it has stayed there, hosting the United Nations General Assembly for five years, three baseball World Seres at Shea Stadium, and the U.S. Open.

The New York Botanical Gardens is a premier educational institution. Located just a brisk 25 minute bicycle ride from Sound View Park via Dr. Theodore Kazimiroff Blvd, this NYC attraction is surprisingly bicycle accessible and encourages travel as such. The Gardens offers many educational programs including the opportunity to graduate with certificates in botany, floral design and horticulture, just to name a few. Ongoing hands-on gardening activities for the whole family are also available, so check their schedule online, or just give them a call. The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden is a year-round world of its own, boasting mazes, larger than life flowers, and many real time activities for your curious explorer. A prize bloom in the collection of Bronx attractions, it also actively participates in community outreach programs that expand nutritional education. Make sure you check out the Green Market, which carries a variety of produce available for purchase. Health-related screenings offered the 2nd Wednesday of every month by staff from both Montefiore Medical Center and St. Barnabas Hospital are another of the services that demonstrates their involvement in the surrounding communities. Their dedication to the conservation of the plants and fungi of the world through various scientific research associations places them on the world map.

At the beginning of the 2009 Major League Baseball season the new Yankee Stadium opened its doors when the Yankees hosted a workout day in front of fans from the Bronx community. The first game at this brand new ballpark was a pre-season exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs, played on April 3, 2009, which the Yankees won 7-4. The new Yankee Stadium is located in the Bronx, across the street from the original Yankee Stadium. It is built on a 24 acre area and has a price tag of $1.5 billion, which makes it not only the most expensive baseball stadium ever built but also the third-most expensive stadium of any kind.<br/> Have the time of your life when you participate on the Yankee Inside Experience program, where fans are treated to a game day like never before. Guests attending the program are provided with an opportunity to meet with a player on the Yankees current roster followed by a guided stadium tour and buffet lunch.

In 1960, the Perkins-Freeman family deeded Wave Hill to the City of New York; Wave Hill, Inc., was formed in 1965 as a non-profit corporation. Today, as one of 33 City-owned cultural institutions, Wave Hill provides an oasis of serenity and offers programs in Horticulture, Environmental Education, Woodland Management and the Visual and Performing Arts. Through the arts and sciences, Wave Hill seeks to foster connections between people and nature.

Explore layers of American history through the lens of a borough that's always been at the center of it all. The Bronx stretches across mainland New York City, home to 1.2 million residents whose cultures and traditions have shaped the nation's story from colonial times forward. Founded in 1955, this organization safeguards those interwoven narratives through multiple windows into the past. The Valentine-Varian House opens up colonial-era life as the Museum of Bronx History, while Edgar Allan Poe's cottage preserves the intimate spaces where the legendary writer spent his final years. Both buildings carry National Register recognition. Winter visits carry a particular quietness here, with frost settling over these 18th and 19th century structures in ways that somehow make their histories feel more tangible. Behind the scenes, the Archives and Research Library hold thousands of documents waiting to connect visitors with their own family threads or deeper understanding of the borough's evolution. Whether you're chasing genealogy, studying local heritage, or simply curious about how one borough reflected American transformation across centuries, you'll find substantial material to explore.

The best way to connect to nature in New York City is by visiting the Bronx Zoo, the world’s largest urban zoo. With world-class exhibits such as the Wild Asian Monorail, the Tiger Mountain, the Congo Gorilla Forest and the newest exhibit, Madagascar, the Bronx Zoo features more than 600 different species, including mammals, birds, reptiles & amphibians and insects. Check the daily schedule of feedings and enrichment demonstrations and then customize your trip with their interactive trip planner. Find your inner animal on the Animal Activity Trail; watch amazing aerial tricks at the World of Birds; experience a very unique form of New York City transit when you ride a camel around Wild Asia Plaza; feed and watch Magellanic penguins come out of their dens and bob for fish; watch one of the most popular attractions, the Sea Lion feeding and training demonstration; visit the Butterfly Garden, a wild meadow and spacious greenhouse where you can identify different butterflies, smell the flowers and learn how to plant a nectar-rich garden. No matter how you plan your trip to the Bronx Zoo.