Outdoor activities for a summer in the city

New York City has finally begun defrosting just as summer kicks off. Take advantage of the warmer weather and longer days with these affordable outdoor activities in and around the city!

Photo by Ankita Mandal/The Barnard Bulletin

By Mia Cariati

May 31, 2025

Now that the semester has ended, it can be tempting to spend your free time inside, recovering from finals or working through a packed summer schedule. But with temperatures finally limping into the 70s and the sun beginning to emerge, it would be a shame to miss out on summer in New York City. Here are some affordable outdoor activity ideas to help you unwind, recharge, and enjoy the season.

Outdoor Activities within 30 Minutes of Campus

Central Park’s Conservatory Garden is a beauty to both see and smell in person, and it’s now open to the public and completely free after years of renovations. The Conservatory Garden is about 6 acres, full of many beautiful plants and flowers. The garden’s views are sure to reduce your stress levels and remind you that there is more to life than just exams. Afterward, if you would like to continue your walk, you can wander through Central Park’s 843 acres and visit attractions like Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle, or the Pine Bank Arch.

Alternatively, Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights is an amazing option for a scenic hike. The park includes many gardens and meadows in addition to its beautiful view of the Hudson River. You can also follow a path within the park to the MET Cloisters, which is free to all Barnard students. The MET Cloisters is a museum within a historic building designed after French monasteries. The museum specializes in medieval art and architecture, and it contains beautiful gardens in addition to its galleries. This park truly makes a perfect day trip, and it is a great place to picnic with some friends before everyone goes back home for summer break.

Day Trips

If you have a free day and want to fully unplug, a trip to Governors Island could be an amazing way to spend it. After taking a ferry from the lower tip of Manhattan, which is free before 11 a.m. on weekends, you will be greeted by stunning views of the New York City skyline. You will also be able to explore the island’s many historic buildings, as it was a key military base during the American Revolution. When it comes to relaxation, the island is equipped with over 50 hammocks so you can truly put your feet up.

With 52 acres to explore, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden also makes a great day trip. You can get free admission through the New York Public Library’s culture passes. If you are looking for a different garden, the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is even larger, spanning 250 acres. In addition to seeing hundreds of exotic plants, the garden’s Moretz Library contains the largest collection of botany-related texts in the world. The garden is also free for all New York City residents on Wednesdays.

Outdoor Activities in Morningside Heights

If you’re short on time (or money), the last thing you want to do is take the subway. Luckily, you can soak up sunshine right here on campus. Try taking your laptop outside and lounging on Futter Field or the Quad courtyard while you study. While this is not the most glamorous option, it’s extremely convenient. Plus, a short walk outdoors can provide a great boost to your mood.

Alternatively, you could try taking a walk through Riverside Park. Riverside’s pickleball or tennis courts are a great opportunity for physical activity while simultaneously connecting with your friends. If sports are not your thing, the park’s many flowering trees are definitely something you should see before the summer ends.

Morningside Park also looks fantastic this time of year, with tulips still in bloom and plenty of green space to stroll through. Additionally, the park hosts a farmer’s market year-round at the corner of 110th Street and Manhattan Avenue, so while you are on your nature walk, you could also pick up some delicious produce or sweet treats. 

Even though summer can feel packed with expectations — internships, summer classes, planning for the fall — it’s important to make time for yourself. Ultimately, rest is just as productive as hustle. You deserve to relax, and experiencing New York City in the summer is a great way to do so.