Central Park

Ninth Annual Adventures NYC Attracts Thousands Of New Yorkers To Kick Off The Summer By Celebrating All Things Outdoors

On Saturday, June 22, NYC Parks and Backpacker Magazine hosted the ninth annual Adventures NYC, the city’s largest outdoor adventure festival, at the bandshell in Central Park.
“Thousands of New Yorkers kicked off their summer today with some outdoor fun at Adventures NYC,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Veronica M. White. “This event offers the opportunity to try something new, like getting your feet wet at paddle boarding or trying your hand at fly fishing. We are extremely grateful to our partners at Backpacker Magazine, whose support has allowed this free event to continue to the delight of outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.”
An estimated 25,000 outdoor enthusiasts of all ages gathered to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities and exciting demonstrations including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing lessons, and outdoor gear exhibits.
Highlights of this year’s event included Winter in the Summertime by The North Face, featuring Freeskiing athletes and snowsport activities; the STIHL Lumberjack Show, featuring log rolling, speed climbing, and chain saw simulators; and expert guides from L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools®, offering free stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and fly casting instruction. A special appearance was made by the L.L.Bean Bootmobile, a larger-than-life version of the outdoor retailer’s iconic Bean Boot.
Visitors also participated in free Shape Up NYC fitness classes, and were entertained by performances from soul singer Jay Stolar, and live music from Stolen Rhodes.
Adventures NYC 2013 was presented by NYC Parks and Backpacker Magazine in partnership with The North Face, and sponsored by L.L.Bean, STIHL, Bear Naked, Ski Vermont, Cabot, NYC DOT, Bike and Roll, LivingSocial, Raw Revolution, Belleayre, Honest Tea, Manduka, Ecco, Tent & Trails, Primaloft, NYC DEP, Key Log Rolling, Citi Bike, Sazzi, Strider, The L Magazine, DNAinfo.com, and KTU 103.5
This summer, we’re encouraging all New Yorkers to Go Park and discover something new in the city’s 29,000 acres of parks and open spaces. Take advantage of our nature centers, sports fields, and recreation facilities – there’s so much more to explore in our parks! To learn more about NYC Parks’ special events and activities, visit www.nyc.gov/parks or call 311. Share photos of how you Go Park this summer on twitter with #GoPark.

Know Before You Go

Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Rink)

Harlem Meer Center