Top Adventurous Things to Do in New York City
Becky Rogers October 25, 2016 USA
When we think about New York City, our minds automatically think of iconic skyscrapers, impressive Central Park or the neon-lit Times Square full of the best Broadway Theatre in the world. What many people don't know, is there are a surprising amount of adventurous activities to do in and around New York. We want to help you make the big city your own adventure playground, so we teamed up with Expedia.com to share our top picks for adventurous things to do in New York.
1 Face Your Fear of Heights in the Empire State Building
2 White Water Raft Down the Hudson River
3 Bike the Big Apple
4 Take Part in a Scavenger Hunt Adventure
5 Ride a Jet Boat Through the Niagara Falls
6 Urban Stand Up Paddling
7 Go Bouldering in Central Park
8 Feel the Rush on a Speedboat Tour
9 Experience Mountain Biking in Highbridge Park
10 Fly High with a Helicopter Tour
Face Your Fear of Heights in the Empire State Building
What is a top things to do list in New York without the Empire State Building? Nothing! The observation deck is the most famous in the world, as well as the highest in New York. So, if you want to stand at the heart of New York City 86 floors up in the air, this activity is for you.
If these 360 views of New York City just aren't high enough, take the elevator up another 16 floors and take in New York in its entirety. Obviously, the thrill of this experience is the height, when you can see 80 miles of views below you, you're seriously high up.
White Water Raft Down the Hudson River
As if white water rafting isn't cool enough, how cool is it doing it on the Hudson River! Starting at the Upper Hudson River, you can take an exhilarating 17-mile adventure taking on class III-V rapids. Surrounded by gorgeous views of the Adirondack Mountains, you really won't feel like you're even in a city. The great thing about this activity is the range of fast-moving rapids to calm waters. This allows the guides to give you bits of history about the area before the next burst of action, giving you culture and adventure all in one!
Bike the Big Apple
If you haven't guessed already, cycling around a city is one of our favorite ways to explore and learn some handy facts too! With so many bike tours to choose from, you can find yourself cycling anywhere from Central Park or Harlem to the secret back streets of the city.
What's also great about bike tours, apart from the obvious physical activity, is that you stumble across the best local food places that you might of otherwise overlooked. Adventure in You founders, Tom and Anna did an interesting bike tour with the guys over at Bike the Big Apple through The Bronx and it was one of the highlights of their trip!
Related: New York City Break Guide: The Best of New York in 72 Hours
Take Part in a Scavenger Hunt Adventure
To spice up a normal sightseeing day, why not turn it into a scavenger hunt day! New York has interactive scavenger hunts in Central Park and Midtown where you can follow hints and complete challenges whilst trekking around the city.
Not only do you learn a thing or two about the city, but you'll also come across popular sites such as Times Square, Rockefeller Centre and Columbus Circle. The best thing about this adventure is doing it with friends. Explore the urban jungle and make awesome memories along the way!
Ride a Jet Boat Through the Niagara Falls
If you have more than a weekend in New York, it is definitely worth making the trip to see the famous Niagara Falls. Located in the Finger Lake region of New York, you can reach it with a very short scenic flight or opt for a 2-day bus tour.
The tour offers highlights of the region stopping at farms, apple orchards, Watkins Glen Canyon and finally the beautifully breathtaking Niagara Falls! The falls themselves are truly magnificent and unlike anything you'll ever see. Ride a jet boat through it and get wet and wild- literally! There are a few companies that offer this so scout around for the best deal.
Urban Stand Up Paddling
Explore New York City in one of the most unique ways possible- on a stand up paddleboard! Paddle along Manhattan in the Hudson River or head north to Croton Point Park or into Queens by Rockaway Beach. Trust me, you will feel tiny compared to the towering buildings around you but the view from the water is pretty incredible!
For those who are a bit apprehensive about stand up paddle boarding, you can opt to go kayaking as well. The Manhattan Community Boathouse even offers free kayaking on a walk-in basis. That's right, you heard me….FREE..in New York. Unreal right?
Go Bouldering in Central Park
I love the sport in general, so doing it in the middle of Central Park is way cooler than an inside course. If you want to spend an hour or two taking on the challenge of the rock, head to Rat Rock. It is the most popular bouldering spot in the whole park, where you'll find plenty of experienced climbers along with people attempting the climb because it looks 'easy.' It might be only 10 feet but trust me it's more difficult than it looks!
Where to do it: Rat Rock, Upper West Side in Central Park South.
Feel the Rush on a Speedboat Tour
Who doesn't love an intense dose of adrenaline? If you actually don't, then this adventure perhaps isn't for you. Take a thrilling powerboat ride and race down the Hudson at 45mph, taking in all the sites of Manhattan along the way.
Feel the wind rushing through your hair as you skim across the water and your heartbeat banging agains your chest. It won't be long before you stop for pictures of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and then you'll be racing back the way you came. Don't forget to hold on to your hat (if you have one)!
Experience Mountain Biking in Highbridge Park
Think New York City is just one big urban jungle? Well, it is, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have secret spots that you can test your mountain biking agility (if that's even a thing!) Head to Highbridge Park and experience its beginner routes through rocky cliffs all the way to expert routes for more advanced riders.
Oh, there is also a dirt jump park for those that want to try out their luck. To make things more interesting, there are various trails like the Hellfighter trail with various drops and challenges. Other trails to check out for beginners are that of Cunningham Park in Fresh Medows and Wold's Pond Park in Staten Island.
Fly High with a Helicopter Tour
You can stand at the heart of New York City in one of it's many towering skyscrapers. However, to get a bird's eye view of the city as a whole, you will have to take to the actual skies via plane or helicopter. Helicopter tours give you a vantage point unlike any other, flying you over all the major sites and buildings.
One of the most spectacular sights is the One World Trade Centre building, standing tall beside the 9/11 Memorial's reflecting pools. It is really a stunning sight to see and is a great way to experience this fantastic city! If you have the extra dough, squeezing this in your New York itinerary is worth it!
As much as I'd love to keep talking about all the adventures New York City offers, I'm going to stop now. With many more on offer, hopefully I've given you enough of a taste that you can appreciate that the city has a lot more to give. All that is left to do now is explore it all!
Looking for more adventurous things to do and other travel tips? Check out the articles below
Best Places to Stay in New York | Top Hotels & Hostels
Top 7 Most Insane Adrenaline Activities in the USA
The Local NY in New York Review
Things to Do in the USA
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