Things to do in New York during COVID
It’s still summer out there but creeping into fall, and with most of us having spent the best part of the year indoors, you’re wondering how to make the most of all the sunlight and slightly cooler temperature. This 'things to do in New York during COVID' list has been designed to take in your key considerations during this time including:
Be safe. Get active!
On Location Tours: Central Park Filming Location Walking Tour
Did you know that Central Park’s 18,000 trees play a critical role in fighting climate change by cooling the urban heat of Manhattan? Team your appreciation for stunning outdoor spaces (and everything they do for us) with your love of entertainment, while getting your step count up. Join an On Location Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour to visit the places your favorite movies were shot. Step into the shoes of Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone 2 and feed the pigeons. Visit the Boathouse Café used in When Harry Met Sally. Your expert guide will point out key locations from iconic movies to ensure that you swap passing by for being part of the action! There are also some points to consider on the timing of your visit here so read is New York Safe for further tips.
Availability: Daily
Ages: All ages
Duration: 2 hours
Great for: Entertainment and nature lovers, outdoor types, sightseers, local explorers
Booking Type: Pre-book or join free with The New York Pass
The great thing about a crisis is that creative minds among us think of inventive ways to the things they love uninterrupted. So while most conventional marathons are cancelled, for now, New York Road Runners virtual marathon is allowing runners to race five boroughs virtually, from around the globe. To learn more about and sign up for the Run for Guaranteed Entry or Run for the Medal tiers, visit the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon guide. And if you need a bit of a training boost, enjoy 10% off NYRR Coaching Lab Essentials 26.2 and a 30-day Strava subscription. This is definitely one of the more challenging things to do in New York during COVID, so if you're entering, good luck!
Availability: October 17 - November 1
Ages: All ages
Great for: Fitness enthusiasts, locals
Booking Type: Pre-book
Brooklyn Bridge Tours & Rentals by Unlimited Biking
Twenty-one elephants walked across the Brooklyn Bridge in 1884. Why not trace their footsteps on your bike in the present day? This Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tours & Rentals brought to you by Unlimited Biking, allows you to see some of the best parts of Brooklyn from the saddle. Opt for an all-day self-guided bike ride or be part of a 2-hour guided bike tour. Spot the Statue of Liberty. See Ellis Island and Staten Island. Coast past New York Harbor. All while soaking in views of the famous New York City skyline.
Availability: Daily
Ages: All ages
Duration: 2 hours
Great for: Outdoor types, fitness enthusiasts, sightseers, local explorers
Booking Type: Pre-book or join free with The New York Pass
Get excited for Halloween
Pumpkin picking at Decker Farm
If you’re worried about the pandemic affecting your Halloween, it's time to get back into the spirit of the season. Set in Historic Richmond Town, Decker’s Farm is NYC’s oldest working family farm. Impressively, it was also designated a New York landmark in 1967. Visiting the attraction not only supports the farm itself, but bolsters the work they do. They're a key part of the Staten Historical Society, who preserve and present centuries of American life.
Have a great day searching the patch for the perfect pumpkin. Learn about the farm. And have some delicious autumnal food, all while making a little slice of history.
Availability: Saturdays and Sundays in October
Ages: All ages
Great for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, history enthusiasts
Booking Type: Pre-book
Re-embrace culture
The Guggenheim is an NYC architectural masterpiece. It's also home to one of the finest modern art collections in the world. If you haven’t been before, why not go during this quieter period? The museum opens its doors again on October 3, giving adoring art enthusiasts the opportunity to safely experience the art housed within. Ascend the landmark's grand spiral and experience the Guggenheim’s special exhibitions and permanent collections.
Availability: Daily from October 3
Ages: All ages
Great for: Art & culture lovers, families, sightseers, local explorers
Booking Type: Pre-book or enjoy free entry with The New York Pass
The Whitney Museum of American Art
As a thank you to the local community, The Whitney is asking visitors to donate what they want to enter. Just remember to pre-book. The affordability and general experience of The Whitney make it one of the best things to do in New York during COVID. Explore one of New York City's most prominent art museums, specializing in art from the 20th and 21st centuries. And surprisingly so. It features works from artists like Georgia O'Keeffe, Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns and Jackson Pollock. But the museum has also made a reputation for purchasing art from upcoming artists within the same year the pieces were created. Expect dynamism that captures your attention and imagination from this great museum.
Availability: Closed on Tues & Weds
Ages: All ages
Great for: Art & culture lovers, families, sightseers, local explorers
Booking Type: Pre-book or enjoy free entry with The New York Pass
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MoMA)
With limited tickets available, it’s worth mentioning from the offset that art lovers need to pre-book early to avoid disappointment. With over 5,000 years of art, more than 2 million works and more than 30 annual exhibits behind its doors, it’s no wonder the Met is one of the most famous museums in the world. Discover the art centre of the city (and one of the best things to do in New York during COVID).
Availability: Daily - check the official site for updates
Ages: All ages
Great for: Art & culture lovers, families, sightseers, local explorers
Booking Type: Pre-book or enjoy free entry with The New York Pass
Be a part of nature
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is New York’s beloved oasis. From the 500-year-old Shogun lantern from Japan to its Fragrance Garden for the visually impaired, the attraction is an amazing piece of American horticultural history. And it's home to secrets that make every visit unique.
Creating a paradox between the city’s urban landscape, every garden on display showcases a rich and diverse mix of botany in every color and size. It’s a great day out for the entire family. Kids will love the Children's Garden, which also features award-winning raised fruit and vegetable beds. The project was designed to teach children the importance of a sustainable environment for growing food.
Availability: Daily - check the official site for updates
Ages: All ages
Great for: Families, sightseers, local explorers, nature lovers
Booking Type: Pre-book or enjoy free entry with The New York Pass
There's still so many things to do in New York during COVID, make sure you check them out. And keep an eye on our attractions page for a reactive list of open and closed attractions.