Bowling is in my blood. Growing up in Florida, there are only really three things you can do: Watch…read morea movie, go to Chili's or Bowl. We would play so much back at home, it became economical to buy my own shoes and bowling ball (and also clearly great props for picking up the ladies...) It is not normally something worth doing in NY, due to high prices and low availability, but when I first heard of Better Off Bowling (BOB), I got really excited. In total, there are 40+ teams sized between 6-10 people. The league is pegged as recreational, though don't be amazed if you see players scoring 180+. Each week (total of 6) you are paired against another team, using your team's top 4 scores to battle it out. At the end of the season, each team is put against a team of similar record in the playoffs, but there isn't really like a single-elimination tournament at the end to crown an overall champion. The current season is finishing up, but there will be a new season starting at the end of Feb with a Sunday league and possibly a Wednesday league as well. (I'll update this post once more information comes out) Regardless, it is another opportunity to do something unique in a city full of new and random activities, spending time with friends and drinking (half price) beer. There is also a great post-game bar with loads of flip cup and beer pong a happening. So far, the people I have met during competition and afterwards have been awesome and ready to party (especially "Table Man", if any of you are lucky enough to meet him). Don't let lack of bowling skill stop you from having some fun a normally boring Sunday afternoon. I highly recommend getting a group of friends together and joining up. After all, dodge ball was only cool when the movie came out, so you should pick a different sport anyways.

I found this place after a coworker asked me to join his team. I found this place to be a great…read moreafter work spot. The team aspect is great as it allows you to socialize with your friends and new teams. There is more than just bowling too! All sorts of drinking games and Jenga! The prices are very reasonable too.

Tennis courts of any kind are a rarity in this urban jungle we call New York City. But these courts…read moreboast four magic letters "F-R-E-E", which make these three courts quite popular in a sport where courttime can cost upwards of $60/hour. The main drawback of the Hudson River Park Tennis Courts is the one hour time limit. Personally, I need a good couple of hours of playtime to feel like I got a good hit in. Plus, I am not the biggest fan of the shade of blue worn by the court, not to mention the cracks that have formed since the courts were last resurfaced. As a result, I do not frequent these courts. That said, this is probably as scenic a court as you can find (maybe outside the secret court tucked into Grand Central Terminal). The hours also run from early morning to 1 am the next day, so outside of busy hours, it may be possible to play past the hour mark. Who knows, you might even get some spectators taking a break from jogging or walking their dog.

Nice park w/3 tennis courts to use for free!!! No $200 permit required no $50-$500/hr fee. Yes…read morefree tennis court play does exist in NYC u just have to wait for it and limited to only 1 hour of play. But it is open late here w/lights 6am-1230am. Tennis along the Hudson with a view and for free in NYC what else can u ask for.

This little mini golf course makes it on my list of NYC gems…read more Located on the beautiful Westside Highway on Pier 25, this 18 hole mini golf course offers a low key experience to practice your putting skills. Its' neat design cleverly winds 18 holes within a small space. While the holes are not elaborate designs with windmills, the decor makes it close to a suburban putt putt experience. I received two hole-in-ones but I'd say these are mostly par 2/3. A sign says max four shots. That's relative haha. The restroom is a general public one at the head of the pier. There's a restaurant next to it or a seasonal snack shed. Great outdoor date or family outing!

Such a cute mini golf course, not crowded and and and it had a great view of the water. We walked a…read morelittle farther around the water and we could see the Statue of Liberty!

Took my first tennis class here and loved it! The place is super clean, the court feels private,…read moreand the coach was patient and professional. Great spot for beginners -- already booked my next session!

Amazingly beautiful pier…read more Some of the best views of the city are from here. I can come by this pier & relax honestly for the remainder of my life. Will for sure be back.

Very nice renovated pier near the west village area along the west side highway and Hudson River…read more Terrific views, well maintained, benches to sit at, and an astroturf field to get in your workout or just enjoy a picnic in the sun. There is a small shaded area featuring trees and circular benches around them at the entrance by the boardwalk.

So glad we booked this while in NYC. It's a fun way to end the evening with family/friends. Full…read moreSwing package is definitely the way to go, allow plenty of time to relax and hang out after finishing the course. Alectra was so awesome and made the visit even better!!

My fiancé and I stopped by last night after we'd both had a pretty rough day, and honestly, the…read morekindness of the staff completely turned our night around. Jay and Thas were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and genuinely kind. They made us feel comfortable, took the time to chat with us, and created such a positive atmosphere. Sometimes a little kindness goes a long way, and their hospitality really made a difference for us. We came in having a bad day and left feeling so much better. We'll definitely be back!

We stumbled upon Manhattan Community Boathouse free kayaking program while exploring the city and…read morewhat a glorious experience. The program is run by volunteers and funded by donations. Kayaking is offered on a first come, first served basis. They supply everything: life jacket, paddle, a single or two person kayak and a locker. You have 20 minutes and must say within the boundaries of the cove. Participants must be at least 18 years and know how to swim. Under 16 must share the kayak with an adult. Our experience felt like finding a treasure but in our case we want to share it with others

I first came here back in 2016 for the free kayaking. It was a blazing hot day and I just HAD to…read morefind a way to get out on the water, somewhere in the city. Manhattan Community Boathouse was just the place! I felt so welcomed and had so much fun during my first visit that I decided to become a volunteer. 5 years later, I still spend almost every summer weekend here, helping the organization offer the public the priceless (FREE!) experience of paddling on the Hudson river. Sharing this unique experience with the public is one of my favorite things to do in the city, and seeing the smiles on people's faces makes it all worth it. As a volunteer, I enjoy the extra training classes offered and volunteer-only kayaking trips we get to go on as well! A few things to know for the 2021 season, some of which is different from prior year reviews: MCBH is operating by reservation to prevent overcrowding. They are open Saturdays and Sundays from 12 PM - 6 PM through October 10. You can reserve your spot up to 2 weeks in advance on the website. Paddlers of all skill levels are invited to participate as long as you know how to swim. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. They offer changing rooms and lockers with locks provided, so you can bring a change of clothes if you want, because you will get wet. There's no public restroom here though, so be sure to stop in Clinton Dewitt park at 54th & 11th Ave before walking over if you need to use the facilities! Otherwise, a portapotty along the bike path near the boathouse is the only toilet option. Did I mention it's all free? The program is run entirely by volunteers, and funded solely by donations from the public, but there is absolutely no pressure to donate. Whether you come as a volunteer or as a member of the public, I think this is the best free activity in NYC!

Came here to hoop with my 2 big bros, both of whom played D1 in college. I, in contrast, was cut…read morefrom my high school varsity basketball team back in 2013. Still stings tbh. I still got beef with Coach Adams... We ended up playing 1 on 1 spots, 3 dribbles max. I always get annoyed at the 3 dribble rule though... you think Kyrie is playing 3 dribble max!?!? My big bros always rebuttal with "You really comparing yourself to Kyrie, J?" Which is fair. I see their point. Plus, I'm just little cuzzo. Needless to say, I didn't have a chance but the big bros were in a heavyweight title fight, similar to Tyson Fury & Deontay Wilder 1. We got a great sweat, and nothing makes me feel like I'm 14 again like hooping with my homies outside on a nice summer day. True bliss. I hope everyone has something that can bring them childlike joy in adulthood. If you're reading this I'm sure you're at least slightly skeptical of these courts being on Ave D, but the 2 full courts are lowkey nice and pretty well kept. There is hardly ever a crowd, which you cannot say about Tompkins just down the road. Tompkins is lowkey cooked now smh. As we were leaving, a civilian walked by and said "Ayo lemme get a shot nephew!" I rolled my eyes, passed him the rock, and unc shot an airball lol. Some real NY sh*t. Catch me out here if you wanna get fried! I'm hungry! Ig @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov_reviews

Pool Type: Outdoor pool Cost: Absolutely free…read more Hours: Outdoor pool hours are 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Overview: Clean public pool.