The 10 Best Socially Distant Experiences In and Around NYC

It’s July 2020 and New York City just entered Phase 3 post Covid-19. That means it is safe to be out and about more and we are all starting to wonder what we can do this summer. Everyone has their own version of what they are comfortable with and those versions vary greatly. Activities in our house certainly require a great deal of negotiation with the teens. With mask on, and 6 feet apart, there are still plenty of ways we can have some fun. I have rounded up 10 socially distant experiences in and around NYC post Covid-19 that are safe yet rewarding. For some ideas for safe overnight getaways, see my post titled Five NYC Getaways Post Covid-19.

In NYC

1) Sky Line Drive In – 1 Oak Street Brooklyn

Two weeks ago we threw the kids and the dog in the car and went to the newly opened Sky Line Drive In. Located along the waterfront of Greenport, Brooklyn, we were treated to an amazing skyline view… and an ok movie. First, the location is sublime! Sitting on the edge of the East River as the lights of the Manhattan skyline twinkle, made it hard to watch the film. Which was good, because the film choice was questionable. I didn’t remember how racist and misogynistic Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom was! During the first few weeks, the company came under some criticism for their questionable film choices. However, for the rest of summer, they seem to have improved their line up.

2) Sea the City Jet ski tour – Liberty Landing Marina, Jersey City

As New Yorkers, we rarely participate in touristy activities because they are always so crowded. I’m excited to take back our city over the next few months and enjoy as much as we can before the tourists come back. One of the few tours that are available right now is an inherently socially distant activity, jet skiing. Sea the City does a one hour tour of the New York Harbor and is a unique and cool way to both take back your city and get relief from the summer heat. Experienced tour guides will show you a side of NYC you may not know. Also available are 2.5 hour full Manhattan Circle Tours.

To get there, board the Liberty Landing Ferry at Brookfield Place downtown. In under 10 minutes you will arrive at the Liberty Landing Marina across the river in NJ. All check-ins are done outside and masks are required while on land. Temperature checks of the staff happen before every shift. Riders must be 12+ to ride with a parent and 18+ to ride alone.

3) Governors Island – the best post Covid-19 day out

NYC’s best and biggest playground, Governors Island, officially opens Wednesday, July 15. There will be no major events and indoor public programming is postponed until late August. However, the island is open for picnics, biking and exploring. Don’t miss the Earth Matter Compost Learning Center and urban farm which is open Saturdays 12-4. This is the farm that me and my teens have worked on every Friday for the past 2 months. We helped design beds, plant, compost and harvest. Also, be sure to explore the Hills – the newest developed section on the island.

Ferries will run from Manhattan at the Battery Maritime Building on the hour beginning at 10am. In addition, ferries will run every 30 min from the Red Hook/ Atlantic Basin terminal in Brooklyn, but ONLY on weekends. Finally, there will be no ferries from Pier 6 this summer. Advance tickets are required and can be reserved here. Return reservations must be booked at the same time.

4) Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding at Manhattan Kayak

Water sports are naturally socially distant and Manhattan Kayak is offering both kayaking and stand up paddleboarding in Manhattans Hudson River. All paddles depart from Pier 84 (at 12th Ave and 44th St.). They accommodate all levels starting with $10 for a 45 minute novice paddle right beside the Intrepid. They offer lots of other options for classes or trips to secret beaches. Experienced paddles can take an 8 hour trip up the Palisades and past the George Washington Bridge. For the expert, try the 30 mile loop called the Manhattan Circumnavigation! The company says they still get messages from people decades later reminiscing about the experience.

Reservations are required for all activities and masks are required while on land. Check in is 100% contact-less. All equipment is self serve and is scrubbed and sanitized between each user. Credit card transactions only. Photos courtesy of Manhattan Kayak.

5) Parking Lot Social Coming to Brooklyn August 12-23

Parking Lot Social is a new kind of experience coming to Brooklyn from August 12-23 that takes place entirely in your car. Especially designed with social distancing in mind, the touring entertainment concept blends live music, movies, DJ’s, trivia and comedy into one fun packed, family friendly, 2.5 hour night out.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online. Guests will be asked to remain in their cars for the entire length of the programming. Food trucks and restrooms are available and social distancing and masks will be required when out of your car. Exact location has not yet been announced but you can register for email updates. Cost will be about $50 for the car for the evening.

6) Statue cruises one hour tour

As I mentioned, with no tourists in our city, it’s time to take back NY! I am looking forward to re-exploring sites I would never normally go to because of the crowds. Here’s a chance to do just that. While the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island remain closed, you can still tour the NY harbor with Statue Cruises. Beat the summer heat on a one hour boat ride with views of the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge that can’t be beat.

The NY Harbor Cruise is one hour and is $26 per person. Masks and social distancing are required on board. Note the site is also offering tickets to the grounds of Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as of July 20. There has not yet been an official announcement about when access will be allowed on the island, so those tickets cannot be guaranteed. Refunds and exchanges are available for tickets purchased prior to the reopen date.

Around NYC

7) Beacon, NY – a day trip from NYC post Covid-19

I am a big fan of Beacon and believe it’s the perfect day trip out of NYC. The 75 minute Metro North train ride along the Hudson is enough to make you feel like you have been swept away to another world. When you arrive, the adorable town of Beacon is right near the train station and completely walkable. The one mile walk along Main Street ends at the Fishkill Overlook Falls and is a great place to picnic with food you gather along the way. If you are comfortable eating in restaurants, the Roundhouse offers great outdoor dining with a view of the falls. I love that they take everyone’s phone number in case contact tracing becomes necessary. Don’t miss a walk along the unused rail line that runs through the middle of the town.

There are also great hiking and park going opportunities not too far from the the train station. Right behind the train station is the Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park which links by trail to three other parks including one with a farmers market on weekends. All run along the expansive Hudson River and are great for exploring the waterfront. In addition, Mt. Beacon is a shuttle ride away from the station and a great day of hiking. If you are up for the 6 mile hike to the top, you will be rewarded with a waterfall and stunning views from atop a fire tower. If the 6 mile trek is too long, there are shorter options.

Getting there:

When you arrive at the train station look for the Beacon Free Loop bus . It runs continuously throughout the day and is free. Stops include the Dia Art Museum (which is still closed), Main Street and Mt. Beacon for hiking. For the latest events and updates about Beacon, check out this cute blog before you go.

8) Storm King Art Center – newly reopened!

For the art-starved visitor who wants to be socially distant, Storm King Art Center is your smartest move. A 500 acre outdoor museum located in the Hudson Valley, visitors can experience large scale sculpture and beautiful landscaping under the open sky. Open fields and rolling meadows abound amongst giant works by Andy Goldsworthy, Maya Lin and Alexander Calder.

Timed entry tickets are required and per vehicle pricing is in effect. Official entry is allowed starting Wed, July 15. Once you enter, you can stay as long as you like. Masks are required when social distancing isn’t possible but the grounds are big enough that it won’t likely be necessary outdoors. Bike rentals will be unavailable at this time. Bring a water bottle, comfortable shoes and an umbrella or hat to protect from the sun. All indoor exhibits remain closed. If driving is not possible, you can take the train to Beacon and get a taxi or ride share from the Beacon station. Shuttles from Beacon train station to Storm King are not currently running.

9) Six Flags Wild Safari Drive Thru Adventure

For animal lovers and families with kids, I recommend the Wild Safari drive thru adventure at Six Flags in Township, NJ. Just 45 minutes outside of the city, lies a safari adventure boasting 1,200 wild creatures from 6 continents. The entire experience can be done in 2-3 hours without leaving your car. You can even have your tickets scanned without rolling down your window.

Advance reservations are required as the park is controlling the number of people to go through each day. Timed tickets are available from 9am-4pm and are $20 per person. Tip: During the hot summer days, earlier is better to see the animals moving around. Note that, while I do not recommend it, the entire amusement park has opened as of July 4.

10) The NY Aquarium Opens July 24!

After July 24, spend your afternoon at the newly reopened NY Aquarium. Much of the aquarium are outdoor activities. Masks and social distancing will be required but there are still a lot of sea animals to see. We can spend hours just laughing at the penguins and sea otters. The Aquatheater is outdoors and will be open and running Sea Lion shows with limited seating. The aquarium is open 10-4 and tickets are a timed entry. The 4D Theater remains closed. We can generally see the whole aquarium, including the sea lion show in 2-3 hours.

If you have other suggestions for creative socially distant experiences in and around NYC, we would love to hear them!