One of my favorite places to walk through is the Hudson River Park. The park runs along the west side of Manhattan, along the Hudson River, from Battery Park to 59th Street. The park starts out just north of the sprawling manicured lawns of Battery Park and heads north past Chelsea piers, Circle Line and the Intrepid Museum. Move at your own pace - you can bike, rollerblade, jog or walk. There are some seating areas as well, in case you need a rest or would rather just sit next to the water and read.

For the more adventurous types, head to the southern part of the park and learn the secrets of trapeze artists at The Trapeze School. Their motto is “get caught having fun” and they will make sure you do. The trapeze school is outdoors, overlooking the river, and accommodates all levels of experience. Classes are two hours long and are available from April 30th ? October 30th. The sessions get booked up quickly, so reserve your lesson in advance.

A little-known secret in the park is free kayaking at the NYC Downtown Boathouse. The Boathouse will let you use their kayak for a 20 minute stint on the Hudson River. They will lend you the kayak, a paddle, lifejacket and some useful tips on kayaking. Paddle away!

Trapeze or kayak not for you? Like golf but not quite ready for a hole-in-one at Trumps International Golf Course? Me neither. Everyone holes at least one in at the Miniature Golf range on Pier 25. This is fun for all ages but expect the majority of patrons to be under 16. For the intermediate to expert golfers, Chelsea Piers has a 200 yard driving range and will rent out clubs for visitors.

See you there!

For more information about the Hudson River Park activities mentioned in this article, the following online resources are available.

・ Trapeze School

・ NYC Downtown Boathouse Trapeze School

・ Miniature Golf

・ Chelsea Piers Driving Range