Countless events have been cancelled in New York City this year, but that doesn’t mean 2020 is cancelled. Tons of outdoor and streaming activities still happening in New York City.
The coronavirus definitely has 2020 looking very different, but there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy NYC. Here are some of the highlights:
The Drive-In Revival
Skyline Drive-In is the only drive-in in America with a view of the Manhattan skyline. This awesome drive-in shows classics while featuring online ticket purchasing to encourage the contactless experience.
Central Park Events
Beloved Central Park has always been an oasis for the city’s residents, but during 2020 it’s been more important than ever. Its beauty enables us to recharge physically and mentally during these unsettling times.
This year, the park has been offering some incredible (and creative) events. The great at home content (which is a part of the #myCentralPark campaign) is educational and comforting. They have content for all ages, including kid’s activities, virtual strolls through the Park, and their very popular Weekly Walks series with a conservancy tour guide.
There are also many temporary exhibits across the park right now to view.
Visit a Farmer’s Market
You can find fresh, healthy, and local produce at the 50+ farmers markets open throughout NYC’s five boroughs. Why shop in a crowded supermarket when you can be outdoors browsing seasonal produce and homemade goods? Bonus points for grabbing a bag of apple-cider donuts and a fresh-pressed jug of cider.
Check out GrowNYC and find a market near you.
Pick Pumpkins on Staten Island
Take the ferry to Staten Island’s historic Decker Farm for tractors, Instagram-worthy pumpkin patch photos, and other fall fun. Since the pumpkin picking at the farm is all outside, it’s easy to keep your social distance from the rest of the visitors while looking cute in your fall booties.
Check Out Animals
The Bronx Zoo, The Queens Zoo and The New York Aquarium have reopened with specific safety and social distancing measures in place, contactless interactions, and sanitation stations. Why not spend a stress-free day observing animals?
Have an Outdoor Cocktail
While indoor dining has yet to resume, outdoor dining is here until at least the end of October. Find a patio, a rooftop, or a backyard, and order up a meal – with a cocktail – that you didn’t have to cook yourself. With New York’s Open Streets program, restaurants have taken over streets, making all of NYC seem a somewhat European.
Walk the Hudson
Take a socially distant walk (or bike ride) for a sunny day spent outdoors. Don’t forget to bring your phone for those Instagram-worthy moments!
Fear of COVID, stay at home orders, and social distancing made enjoying summer in New York City a bit tricky. Even though bars have closed and all large events are postponed, not even a pandemic can shut down the city that doesn’t sleep. There are still many options to soak up all of the beauty New York City has to offer this fall.
