Day Trip/Activity Guides

The main reason that most boys join Scouting is adventure. Whether it's through camping the great outdoors or exploring their own city, fun is what keeps them in Scouting. A strong troop is a troop that has a good program that the Scouts develop themselves with the guidance of their Scoutmaster.

Hiking along trails, canoeing across misty lakes, and camping under the open sky are experiences that Scouts enjoy and will never forget over their entire lifetime. But there is more to the "outing" in Scouting than just camping. There is fun to be had and things to be learned in our own backyard. New York has to be the greatest city in the world for things to do. This guide was created to share some of these opportunities with you.

This guide is filled with only ideas. It is up to you to make them happen. The best way to do this is to share this information with your Scouts and let them plan what they want to do. Perhaps through a troop planning weekend (day) with the Senior Patrol Leader and the Patrol Leaders. The Scouts will have a much better time and learn more if they choose and plan the troop program themselves.

1. BRONX
2. BROOKLYN
3. MANHATTAN
4. QUEENS
5. STATEN ISLAND
6. OUTSIDE OF NYC
7. CITY PARKS
8. CENTRAL PARK ACTIVITIES

BRONX

• BRONX MUSEUM OF THE ARTS - 1040 Grand Concourse, (718) 681-6000 Weekend family programs include films, workshops, lectures and more. Changing exhibits. Adults $5 / Children $3
• BRONX ZOO - Fordham Rd and Bronx River Parkway, (718)367-1010 The largest and oldest US urban zoo features 300 acres of more than 4,000 animals in their natural habitat that include Siberian tigers, snow leopards and an acre of indoor Asian rain forest. Adults $8 / Children(2-12) $6
• CITY ISLAND - (718) 670-3600 (Chamber of Commerce) Quaint, charming fishing village only 30 minutes from midtown. Sightseeing, tours, great seafood, charters, more.
• NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDENS - Bronx Park between Southern Blvd. and 200th Street, (718) 817-8705 This 250 acre garden showcases more than 300 varieties of roses and other flowers. Adults $6 / Students/Children $1-2
• NORTH WIND UNDERSEA MUSEUM – *(Temporarily Closed) 610 City Island Ave, (718) 885-0701 Exhibits, marine life, deep sea diving equipment, scrimshaw, sunken treasure, whale exhibit.

BROOKLYN

• BROOKLYN BOTANICAL GARDENS - 1000 Washington Ave., (718) 623-7200 More than 50 acres of gardens including authentic Japanese gardens and special indoor exhibits. Adults $5 / Under 16- Free
• BROOKLYN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM - 145 Brooklyn Ave., (718) 735-4400 Founded in 1899, the world's first museum for children offers participatory and hands-on activities in nature, science and the environment. Admission $4
• BROOKLYN HISTORY MUSEUM - 128 Pierrepont St., (718) 222-4111 Museum features displays paying tribute to the Brooklyn Dodgers, Brooklyn Bridge and Coney Island. Adults $6 / Students $4 / Under 12- Free
• BROOKLYN MUSEUM - 200 Eastern Parkway, (718) 638-5000 Located adjacent to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York's second-largest museum features a world famous Egyptology collection, including ancient Middle Eastern, African, Pacific and art from the Americas. There are free drop-in art workshops for kids year round and special events during school vacation periods. Adults $6 / Students $3
• CONEY ISLAND - 1000 Surf Ave, (718) 266-1234 Aquarium, Astroland Amusement Park (featuring the "Cyclone" roller coaster), rides, games, Nathan's Famous, beach.
• HARBOR DEFENSE MUSEUM - Fort Hamilton, (718) 630-4349/4306 Collection of coastal armament and general history of Fort Hamilton and other city forts. Free Admission
• NEW YORK AQUARIUM – Surf Ave & West 8th St., (718) 265-FISH The nation's oldest public aquarium featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits with walrus, sea otters, seals, penguins, beluga whales and California sea lion demonstration in Aquatheater. Adults $11 / Children(2-12) $7
• TRANSIT MUSEUM - Boerum Pl. and Schermerhorn St., (718) 694-1600 The nation's only museum devoted exclusively to urban public transit. Features Subway cars from 1903, original advertisements, old tokens, maps, turnstiles and a scale model of the whole subway system (460 stations). Adults $5 / Children(3-17) $3

MANHATTAN

• **MADAME TUSSAUDS WAX MUSEUM - 234 W. 42nd Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues), (800) 246-8872 Scouts receive a discounted rate when they visit this world renowned wax museum in the heart of Times Square.
• ABIGAIL ADAMS SMITH MUSEUM - 421 E. 61 Street, (212) 838-6878 A Federal style carriage house originally built in 1799, the museum will transport you back to the late 18th century.
• AMERICAN CRAFT MUSEUM - 40 W. 53 Street, (212) 956-3535 This is America's most prestigious showcase for contemporary crafts, such as ceramics, jewelry and quilts. Adults $9 / Students $6 / Under 12 Free
• AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - Central Park West at 79th Street, (212) 769-5100 With 34 million artifacts, the museums collection documents the history of the earth, animals and humanity. Also includes Hayden Planetarium, the Natural Science Center and the Naturemax (IMAX) Theater. Adults $12 / Students $9 / Children $7
• AMERICAN NUMISMATIC SOCIETY - Broadway at 155 Street, (212) 234-3130 Coins of the world, medals and decorations.
• ASIA SOCIETY GALLERIES - 725 Park Avenue, (212) 288-6400 Collections of Asian art along with changing exhibits. Adult $7 / Student $5 / Under 16 Free
• BELVEDERE CASTLE - Central Park near 79th Street, (212) 772-0210 This is a popular learning center for children and adults as the castle features education and entertainment programs.
• BIG APPLE CIRCUS - (212) 922-3772 Held in a tent at Lincoln Center this one ring circus arrives in October and stays until the first week in January, Tour returns to Cunningham Park, Queens from late May to early June. No seat is more than 35 feet from the most skilled, youthful performers ever. Ticket price range- $31 to $72
• CARNEGIE HALL - 154 W. 57 Street, (212) 247-7800 World famous concert hall offers a one hour tour. Tour- $
• CASTLE CLINTON NATIONAL MONUMENT Battery Park, (212) 344-7220 Ranger tours 1812 harbor defense site.
• CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE - 112th Street and Amsterdam Ave, (212) 316-7540 Tour the world's largest cathedral.
• CENTRAL PARK ZOO – 830 Fifth Ave. at 64 Street, (212) 439-6500 This totally renovated zoo has over 500 animals in spectacular natural habitats. A children's section has domestic animals in fairy tale settings. Adult $6 / Child $1
• CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF MANHATTAN - 212 West 83 Street, (212) 721-1234 25,000 square feet of exhibition space houses the on going hands on exhibits and programs. Special weekend shows in a 200 seat theater. $5
• CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF THE ARTS - 72 Spring Street, (212) 274-0986 Hands on, interactive galore; Activities change daily.
• CINEMA RIDE IN 3-D - 42nd Street and Broadway, (212) 391-6550 Just opened in September of 1996, this is the world's first all 3-D motion simulator ride (like the ones in Disney World) including Galactic Flight, Atlantis Submarine Race, Roller Coaster Crazy and Ski Ride.
• CIRCLE LINE - Pier 83 (42 Street at the Hudson River), (212) 563-3200 A three hour 35-mile tour of the harbor and city.
• CITY HALL - Broadway at Murray Street, (212) 788-3000 This beautiful landmark building has period furniture and portraits of notable early American figures.
• CLOISTERS MUSEUM - Fort Tryon Park, (212) 923-3700 Uptown branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this landmark includes a dazzling collection of medieval art. Adults $12 / Students $7
• CON EDISON CONSERVATION CENTER - Lexington Ave (42 Street in Chrysler Building), (212) 599-3435 Hands on exhibits present energy and money saving ideas. Experts answer questions.
• CON EDISON ENERGY MUSEUM - 145 E. 14th Street, (212) 460-6244 The age of electricity - past, present and future. Guided tours available
• COOPER-HEWITT MUSEUM - 2 E. 91 Street, (212) 849-8400 Housed in restored Andrew Carnegie Mansion, the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of Design owns extensive decorative art collections. Adults $10 / Students $7
• DYCKMAN HOUSE - 4881 Broadway, (212) 304-9422 This 18th century farmhouse contains a collection of Indian and Revolutionary War artifacts. Tours/ Classes $3
• EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO - 1230 Fifth Ave, (212) 831-7272 This museum was founded to keep alive the heritage of all Spanish speaking peoples. The permanent collection includes pre-Columbian artifacts, folk art, sculptures, paintings and carvings. Adults $6 / Students $4
• ELLIS ISLAND - New York Harbor, (212) 363-3200 Ferry, (212) 269-5755 This was the entry point for more than 17 million immigrants from 1892 to 1954. The immigrant museum has recently been restored. Admission is free but ferry fare is: Adults $7 / Children 3-17yrs $3
• EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - 34 Street and 5th Avenue, (212) 736-3100 This 1,250 foot marvel was the tallest building in the world for 40 years. The 86th floor observation deck affords a 50-mile view. Adults $11 / (12-17) $10 / Under 12 $6
• FEDERAL HALL NATIONAL MEMORIAL - 26 Wall Street, (212) 825-6888 Site of Washington's inauguration in 1789, the memorial's exhibits illustrate historic events, such as the drafting and adopting of the Bill of Rights. Free Admission
• FEDERAL RESERVE BANK - 33 Liberty St., (212) 720-6130 The bank offers one hour tours through one of the world's largest depositories of gold. Free Tour/ 16+ Only
• FRAUNCES TAVERN MUSEUM - 54 Pearl Street, (212) 425-1778 The site of Washington's farewell to his troops, the museum explores the history and culture of 18th and early 19th century America. Adults $3 / Children $2
• FRICK COLLECTION - One E. 70th Street, (212) 288-0700 European 14th to 19th century masters and decorative arts in Henry C. Frick's former mansion. Adults $12 / Students $5 / Under 10 not permitted
• GENERAL GRANT NATIONAL MEMORIAL - Riverside Drive at 122 St., (212) 666-1640 Find out who is buried in Grant's tomb, located in the heart of Riverside Park.
• GRACIE MANSION - East End Ave. at 88th Street, (212) 570-4751 A 1799 country house serving as the official residence of New York mayors since 1942. Tours available.
• GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM - 1071 Fifth Ave at 89th Street. (212) 423-3500 This recently renovated and expanded museum is a Frank Lloyd Wright designed landmark holding a permanent collection of Impressionist , Post Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary masterpieces. Adults $15 / Students $10
• GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM SOHO - Broadway at Prince Street, (212) 423-3500 Adults $5 / Students $3
• HAYDEN PLANETARIUM - Central Park West at 81 Street, (212) 769-5921 Located in the Museum of Natural History, the domed Sky Theater brings the heavens to life with black holes and stars. Also offers weekend Laser Rock shows.
• HISPANIC MUSEUM - 613 West 155th St. at Broadway, (212) 926-2234 The museum celebrates the culture of Hispanic people with fine and decorative arts from Spain and Portugal.
• INTERNATIONAL CENTER OF PHOTOGRAPHY – 1133 Ave of the Americas, (212) 857-0000 This is New York City's only museum devoted exclusively to photography. Adults $10 / Students $7
• INTREPID SEA-AIR-SPACE MUSEUM - Pier 86, 12th Ave and 46th St. (212) 245-0072 Converted WW II aircraft carrier depicting 20th century naval technology and history. Also experience submarine Growler, destroyer Edison, Theatre and Flight Simulators. Adults $14 / Students $10 / Children (6-11) $7
• JAPAN SOCIETY GALLERY - 333 E. 47 St., (212) 832-1155 This exhibition features a wide array of traditional and contemporary Japanese art.
• JEWISH MUSEUM – 1109 5th Ave at 92nd St., (212) 423-3200 The recently restored museum contains one of the world's most extensive collections of Jewish art and culture. Adults $10 / Students $7.50
• LINCOLN CENTER - Columbus Ave at 64 Street, (212) 875-5350 This cultural complex includes the Vivian Beaumont Theatre, Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, the Metropolitan Opera House and the New York State Theater. Tours daily.
• LOWER EAST SIDE TENEMENT MUSEUM - 97 Orchard Street, (212) 431-0233 This "living history" museum is devoted to the urban immigrant experience and is a favorite among New Yorkers. Adults $10 / Students $8 / Discount for groups
• MADISON SQUARE GARDEN BACKSTAGE TOUR - 33rd St & 7th Ave, (212) 465-6080 A behind the scenes tour of the world's most famous arena. Group Rates
• MUSEUM OF MODERN ART - 11 W. 53 St., (212) 708-9480 Closed through 2005, Museum’s exhibition program and operations temporarily based at new Queens location. This world famous museum contains a wide range of paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, and other works from the 1880's to the present
• MUSEUM OF TELEVISION AND RADIO - 25 W. 52 St., (212) 621-6800 The museum contains more than 20,000 tapes of television and radio programs dating from the 1920's to the present. Adults $10 / Students $8 / Children (under 14) $5
• MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK - 1220 5th Ave at 103rd St, (212) 534-1672 A favorite among city residents, this museum presents a showcase of New York Life and history. Adults $7 / Students & Children $4
• NATIONAL ACADEMY OF DESIGN - 1083 5th Ave at 89th St, (212) 369-4880 Located in one of Fifth Avenue's most elegant townhouses, the Academy displays a rich variety of painting, sculpture and other art exhibits. Adults $8 / Students $4.50
• NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN - One Bowling Green in the Alexander Hamilton US Custom House, (212) 514-3700 Over one million artifacts depicting the life and culture of the American Indian. Free
• NBC STUDIOS TOUR - 30 Rockefeller Plaza, (212) 664-3056 This one hour tour explores the NBC television studios. You will visit sets of NBC shows, make up rooms, and see props as well as technical devices.
• NEW MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART - 583 Broadway, (212) 219-1222 Internationally known for its exhibitions, the museum displays a range of works, including those of lesser known artists. Adults $6 / (Under 18) Free
• NEW YORK CITY AUDUBON SOCIETY - (212) 691-7483 Offers outings to local bird habitats in town and country. Annual Photography contest every June.
• NEW YORK CITY FIRE MUSEUM - 278 Spring St., (212) 691-1303 This is one of the world's largest collections of fire fighting memorabilia and apparatus from the colonial period to the present.
• NEW YORK CITY MOUNTED POLICE - (212) 239-9352 Tour one of the six barns the mounted police have throughout the boroughs. Meet the 90 Morgan horses and the people who handle them.
• NEW YORK SKYRIDE - Empire State Building, 2nd Floor (5th Avenue/34th Street) , 800-9-SKYRIDE This thrill ride rockets visitors through city streets. Adults $16.50 / (12-17) $15.50
• NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE - 20 Broad St., (212) 656-5167 Tour the world's busiest exchange where 1,500 brokers crowd the trading floor every day. Free
• POLICE ACADEMY MUSEUM - 235 E. 20 St., (212) 477-9753 One of the world's largest collection of police memorabilia.
• RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL - 50 St. and Avenue of the Americas, (212) 632-4041 Tour this art-deco theater which is the site of year round entertainment and home of the Rockettes.
• RINGLING BROS AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS - Madison Square Garden (33 St. and 7th Ave.), (212) 302-1700 This lavish 3 ring circus arrives in New York in mid-March and stays until mid-May. The best part is the arrival parade when the animals are brought to the Garden, if you can stay up that late at night. Prices from $12.50 to $28
• RIVERSIDE CHURCH - 490 Riverside Drive at 120th St, (212) 870-6700 This majestic cathedral now offers guided tours. Renaissance stained-glass windows and the largest tuned bell ever cast.
• SCHOMBURG CENTER - 515 Malcolm X Boulevard, (212) 491-2200 The museum provides valuable resource materials documenting African-American culture and achievements.
• SONY IMAX THEATRES LINCOLN SQUARE - Broadway and 68th Street, (212) 336-5000 See New York 3D, Across the Sea of Time and experience the movie that takes sightseeing in New York to another dimension on a screen 8 stories high. Adults $9 / Children under 13 $6. Special group discounts (20+) available.
• SONY WONDER TECHNOLOGY LAB- Madison Avenue at 56th Street, (212) 833-8100 This hands on technology lab is a favorite among kids. An ID card is issued to each guest with their photo, name and voice print digitally recorded. At the end of the day a certificate is printed out with the guests’ photo and lists all the exhibits attended. Free
• SOUTH STREET SEAPORT - 207 Water Street, (212) 748-8590 A favorite among New Yorkers and tourists alike, the recently renovated seaport has a museum, walking tours of ships and buildings, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Museum: $5
• STATEN ISLAND FERRY - Whitehall St. and South St., (718) 815-BOAT, Free round trip to Staten Island offers magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor.
• STATUE OF LIBERTY - Liberty Island, (212) 363-3200, Ferry, (212) 269-5755 A national landmark in New York Harbor for more than 100 years, the statue provides viewing decks from the feet and crown. Ferry: Adults $10 / Children (4-12) $4
• STUDIO MUSEUM IN HARLEM – 144 W. 125 St., (212) 864-4500 Features exhibitions from famous and new African-American artists as well as those from Caribbean and African artists. Guided tours available. Adults $7 / Students $3
• UNITED NATIONS - First Ave at 46th St, (212) 963-4440. Guided tours- Adults $10 / Students $6.50 / Ages (5-14) $5.50
• WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART - 945 Madison Ave at 75th St., (800) WHIT-NEY, This museum has what art circles consider to be the foremost collection of 20th Century American art. Adults $12 / Free to NY Students

QUEENS

• ALLEY POND ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER - 228-06 Northern Blvd., (718) 229-4000 APEC offers a wide range of program for scouts, groups and volunteers including nature walks, a natural history museum, astronomy programs, organic gardens and workshops. They also maintain an extensive system of nature trails. Call for fees.
• AMERICAN MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE - 35 Ave at 36 St., (718) 784-4520 Dedicated to the art, history, technique, and technology of film, TV and digital media. Adults $10 / Children (5-18) $5
• MUSEUM OF MODERN ART QUEENS - 33 St. at Queens Blvd (212) 708-9400 Full exhibition schedule through 2005 while Manhattan building on West 53rd St is renovated.
• NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE - 47-01 111 St. in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, (718) 699-0005 Hands on science and technology exhibits. Student Groups- $5 each
• QUEENS BOTANICAL GARDENS - 43-50 Main St., (718) 886-3800 Formal gardens, 39 acres; include wedding, bee, bird, woodland and rose gardens, pinetum, arboretum.
• QUEENS COUNTY FARM MUSEUM - 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, (718) 347-FARM Restored 200 year old farm traces city's agricultural history. Outdoor weekend events.
• QUEENS MUSEUM - Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (in NYC Building), (718) 592-9700 Twentieth century art including painting, sculpture, drawing and photography. Also a detailed scale model of all five boroughs. Adults $5 / Children $2.50
• QUEENS ZOO – 53-51 111th St. at Roosevelt Ave, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, (718) 271-1500 Open 7 days a week and features many animals including American Buffalo and a large indoor free-flying bird exhibit. Adults $5 / Children $1

STATEN ISLAND

• HISTORIC RICHMOND TOWN - 441 Clarke Ave., (718) 351-1611 Historic 25 acre village complex and museum authentically furnished, seasonal activity demonstrations of centuries old Staten Islander lifestyles.
• SNUG HARBOR CULTURAL CENTER - 1000 Richmond Terrace, (718) 448-2500 National historic district of American architecture, on 83 acres. Concerts, art, children's museum, gardens and gifts.
• STATEN ISLAND BOTANICAL GARDEN - 1000 Richmond Terrace, (718) 273-8200 Specimen trees, ponds, natural marsh, habitat, greenhouse, gardens, display plantings.
• STATEN ISLAND CHILDREN'S MUSEUM- 1000 Richmond Terrace, (718) 273-2060 This museum features interactive exhibits from the arts, sciences, and humanities. Reachable by ferry and bus. Admission $4
• STATEN ISLAND INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES - 75 Stuyvesant Pl., (718) 727-1135 This fine museum holds more than two million art, science and historical artifacts.
• STATEN ISLAND ZOO - Barrett Park 614 Broadway, (718) 442-3101 This small, excellent zoo has one of the world's finest reptile collections. Group Rates Available

OUTSIDE OF NYC

• GREAT ADVENTURE - Jackson, N.J. (732) 928-1821, 500 acre amusement park and safari. Discount to groups of 15 or more
• RYE PLAYLAND - Rye, NY (914) 813-7010, 40 acre amusement park with 48 major rides, game arcade, mini golf course, live entertainment, and ice skating.
• SESAME PLACE - Langhorne, PA. (215) 752-7070 Lots of fun for kids 3-13 years old. General Admission $42
• POINT PLEASANT CANOE & TUBE - Point Pleasant, PA. (215) 297-TUBE
• JONES BEACH STATE PARK - Wantagh, L.I. (516) 785-2420 Beach, pool, boardwalk, pitch putt & mini golf, paddle tennis, basketball, softball field, shuffle board, marina and shops
• LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER - Liberty State Park, Jersey City, (201) 200-1000 This hands on science museum is just across the river from the city and can easily be reached by the PATH train for $1.50 fare. The museum has over 250 interactive exhibits, 75 species on view including giant exotic insects that you can handle, live demonstrations every 60 minutes, a 3-D laser show, the worlds largest IMAX Dome theatre over 180 feet high and overnight camp-ins. Group Rates for Scouts (201) 451-0006 x328
• U.S. MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY - Kings Point, Nassau County, (516) 773-5000 Just over the Queens border into Nassau, you can visit the Memorial Chapel honoring the service’s war dead and see exhibits of shipping history. They also sponsor an annual invitational Scout Camporee every May.
• GARVIES POINT MUSEUM AND PRESERVE – Glen Cove, Nassau, 516-922-4447 See exhibits on the geological formation of the region and it's history of Indian settlement. You can also follow 5 miles of nature trails through forests, meadows and high buffs overlooking boulder strewn beaches.
• THEODORE ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL SANCTUARY AND TRAILSIDE MUSEUM - Nassau, 516-922-3200 11 Acres of woodland maintained by the Audubon Society as a refuge for wild birds.
• COLD SPRING HARBOR - Just over the Suffolk County line is the Whaling museum (516-367-3418) with a completely outfitted whaling boat. Nearby is the Fish Hatchery (516-692-6768) where you can observe trout in various stages of maturation and see exhibits on fish and amphibians native to New York
• VANDERBILT MUSEUM - Centerport, L.I., (631) 854-5555 Several enormous hobby collections and a natural history display of over 17,000 marine and wildlife specimens, many of them quite rare. Also on the grounds is the Vanderbilt Planetarium. Various Pricing Packages
• FORT LEE HISTORIC PARK - Fort Lee, N.J., 201-461-1776 Features historic exhibits, audiovisual displays, and a short film. Winding trails take you through the southern part of the 33 acre park to reconstructed gun batteries and an 18th century soldiers hut where demonstrations of colonial life are staged.
• BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK, Bear Mt., NY 914-786-2701 Activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, roller and ice skating, sledding, cross country skiing as well as the popular Trailside Museum and Zoo which has exhibits on the history and natural history of the area.
• BERGEN COUNTY WILDLIFE CENTER - Wyckoff, NJ 201-891-5571 The 81 acre grounds is a great place to introduce kids to Mother Nature. Features include a nature trail, a wildlife pond, seasonal displays, observatory, natural history exhibits and two large aquariums, one for freshwater and one for salt water.
• NEW YORK RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL, Sterling Forest, Tuxedo, NY (845) 351-5174. Eight week festival beginning in early August. where you can spend a day with a knight. Thrill to the spectacle of knights in shining armor jousting on horseback, strolling minstrels, plays, medieval crafts and food and lots more. Fun for the whole family. Also hosts Forest of Fear for Halloween and snow tubing park/ skiing during winter.
• GREAT SWAMP NATIONAL WILDLIFE PRESERVE, Basking Ridge, NJ, 908-647-1222 This 6,783 acre refuge is 40 miles from the city and was formed 25,000 years ago by a huge glacier. The Great Swamp is home to a great variety of flora, over 200 species of birds and numerous mammals, reptiles and amphibians with 10 miles of trails. At the eastern end is the Outdoor Education Center (201-635-6629) which offers a varied program of activities and workshops.

CITY PARKS

• URBAN PARK RANGER TOURS - Call 311 for a listing of Ranger tours offered in the New York City parks. New listing every 2 months.
• FLUSHING MEADOWS-CORONA PARK - Jewel to Roosevelt Aves., Queens Site of the 1939 and 1964 World's Fairs and the home of the Children's Farm Zoo and the Queens Museum, the park has activities for the whole family, such as ice skating, swimming, boating, tennis, strolling and even lounging.
• GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATIONAL AREA - Staten Island, (718) 354-4606 Over 26,000 recreational space and shoreland acres extends through 3 NYC boroughs and into northern NJ. Beaches, tennis, volleyball, basketball, baseball, soccer, football, special events and much more.
• GREENBELT - 200 Nevada Ave., Staten Island, (718) 667-2165 Over 2,500 woodland, meadow and wetland acres. Trails, visitor center, carousel, ice-age glacier shaped properties, gallery and special programs.
• JACOB RIIS PARK - stretches from Beach 169 St. and 149 St. Jamaica Bay, (718) 474-4600 Magnificent beach, huge pool, mini golf course, handball court, boardwalk. Free
• JAMAICA BAY WILDLIFE REFUGE - Cross Bay Blvd. between the communities of Broad Channel and Howard Beach, Queens. (718) 474-0613 Over 2,860 acres of land and 9,152 acres of land/water. Nature walks and bird watching. Call for special programs offered.
• ORCHARD BEACH - Hunter Island, Park Drive - Bronx If it's summertime, be sure to make a day of it at the Bronx's favorite ocean resort.
• PELHAM BAY PARK - Off Bruckner Expwy, Bronx, (718) 430-1890 Over 2,100 acres purchased from native Americans in 1654. Beach, cycling, boats, horseback, fishing, tennis, hiking and picnicking.
• PROSPECT PARK - Brooklyn Over 520 recreation acres, including zoo, Civil War memorial arch and 1776 Dutch colonial homestead. Free
• ROCKAWAY BEACH - Rockaway Beach Blvd., Queens Each summer, people from all over the city go to this Queens treasure to enjoy the sand, sun, and a splash in the ocean.
• VAN CORTLANDT PARK - Bronx, Nearly two square miles of boating, horseback, cricket, golf and tennis.
• WILLIAM T. DAVIS WILDLIFE REFUGE - Travis-Richmond Aves., Staten Island, (718) 727-1135 Over 260 acres of woodland, marsh, fields, wetlands. Trails show plants, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
• JONES BEACH STATE PARK - Wantagh, L.I., 516-785-1600 A 2,413 acre playground with 5 miles of ocean front beach, additional swimming at Zach's Bay and in saltwater and freshwater pools, boat dock and rentals, fishing, nature trails and a host of other activities.
• ALLEY POND ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER - 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. (718) 229-4000 The center offers exhibits of live animals, has a museum, guided tours of trails, picnic area, and programs for children. A calendar of events and trail maps are available. Free

CENTRAL PARK

• CENTRAL PARK is 843 acres of the world's most valuable real estate, It is bounded on the north by 110th Street and on the south by 59th Street. The east side border is Fifth avenue and the west side is Central Park West.
  In Central Park you may bicycle, row a boat, sail a boat, ride the carousel, or take a carriage ride around the park. There is ice skating, roller skating, tennis, running, a zoo and playgrounds. There are marionettes, storytelling, workshops, music, and theatre. For a copy of the Central Park Calendar of Events stop by the Arsenal at 830 Fifth Avenue (at 64 Street) or the Dairy at 65th Street, midpark (212) 794-6564.
  There are four Visitor Centers in Central Park
• BELVEDERE CASTLE – mid-park at 79th St., (212) 772-0210 A 19th-century stone castle with views in all directions, features Observatory and exhibits.
  DAIRY VISITOR CENTER – mid-park at 65th St., (212) 794-6564 A Victorian-style building with exhibit of history and design of Central Park, reference library and gift shop.
  DANA DISCOVERY CENTER – inside park at 110th St. between 5th & Lenox Aves., (212)860-1370 Features hands-on exhibits and programs for all ages
  NORTH MEADOW RECREATION CENTER – mid park at 97th St., (212) 348-4867 Offers indoor/ outdoor climbing programs, basketball and handball courts..
• PARK ACTIVITIES
  • BICYCLING The park is closed to motor vehicles on weekends and in summer months. In the spring there is a bicycle safety clinic, a bike-a-thon and other activities. If you prefer to rent a bike and ride it in the park there are two shops, one on the east side and one on the west side.
  • GENES, 242 E. 79 St. at 2nd Avenue, (212) 249-9218 You must provide a deposit of $20 in cash, a drivers license and a major credit card. Three speed bikes are $10.50 a day or $3 an hour. Mountain bikes are $21 a day or $6 an hour and require a $40 cash deposit.
  • WEST SIDE BICYCLE, 231 W. 96 Street, (212) 663-7531 A deposit of $100 in cash or a NY drivers license is required. Seven speed city bikes rent for $6 an hour or $25 for the day. Helmets can also be rented for $2.50.
  • THE CAROUSEL Located in midpark at 64 St, (212) 879-0244 90 cents for this nostalgic treat, weather permitting.
  • GOLF IN CENTRAL PARK Located east of the Wollman Rink, (212) 517-4800. Each hole represents a different New York City landmark. $6.50 for adults and $3.50 for children.
  • HORSEBACK RIDING 175 W. 89 St. between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves. New York's oldest and largest riding academy. The fee is $33 per hour and riders must be experienced.
  • ROWBOATS At the northeast corner of Central Park Lake at 76 Street, (212) 517-2233. Rowboats may be rented from April to October for $8 an hour with a $20 deposit. Lifejackets are provided free. The maximum number of people in a boat is 6 and you must be 16 years or older.
  • ICE SKATING (November-March) Wollman Rink located at 64 Street, midpark. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children under 12. Skates may be rented for $3. The rink is 33,000 square feet and offers a snack bar.
  • ROLLER SKATING (Mid April-October) Wollman Rink. Same prices as ice skating with Tuesday night specials of $2.50 for all ages including skate rentals.
  • RUNNING
  • RUNNING AT THE RESERVOIR, 85th Street and Fifth Avenue. You can do it - 1.57 miles! If you can't, it's okay. Nobody's watching. When running in the park, use the left lane of the roadway at all times.
  • SAFARI RUNS, First through sixth graders. Usually an April event with prizes.
  • NY ROADRUNNERS CLUB, (212) 860-4455 This group has something for every age, with activities throughout the year. Contact them for schedules and current registration fee.
  • CENTRAL PARK ZOO - Fifth Avenue at 64 Street. (212) 439-6500 Admission is $6 for Adults and $1 for children under 12. First built in 1864, many of the old materials were retained and incorporated into the new buildings. The sea lions pool has been updated and is a favorite, especially at meal time. The polar bears are also well housed. The small animals are housed in three exhibits representing three different climatic zones: the Temperate Territory, the Tropic Zone, and the Polar Circle. For the botany buff, try the Intelligence garden. The Tisch Children's Zoo offers special programs for kids.