Outdoor volleyball

Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6

The newly renovated pier adds an amenity-filled 1.8 acres to the harbor-front park and features three regulation-size sand volleyball courts. Use of the courts is first-come, first-served, and they're open late for under-lights play until 10pm. Nets are provided, so all you'll have to bring is a ball. After the game, spike your thirst and hunger at the adjacent rooftop bar and food court, which offers frankfurters and beer from Bark Hot Dog, shakes from Milk Truck and Italian ice from Uncle Louie G's.

Hudson River Park at Pier 25

• Free

Home to an impressive 18-hole minigolf course, this riverfront pier also sports three sand-filled volleyball courts. On Saturdays, participate in community volleyball (11am–3pm; requested donation $5), which includes both instruction and game play. If you're looking for something more serious, Metro Beach Sports (metrobeachsports.com) and NYC Social Sports Club (nycsocialsportsclub.com) run leagues on the courts on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, respectively.  (212-627-2020, manhattanyouth.org). Sign up at manhattanyouth.org for e-mail updates on open-play times. Available for rental daily 10am–11pm; $30–$100 per hour.

Central Park

• Free

The park is home to one sand and two asphalt courts east of Sheep Meadow that host pickup games year-round (plus two more asphalt courts on the northeast side of Great Lawn at 86th Street). The courts are first-come, first-served, and no permits are required (unless you're planning a tournament or special event)—though to square off on the asphalt, you will need to bring your own net.

Esplanade Plaza, Battery Park City

• Free

Work up a sweat when you're done at the office at Battery Park City's free pickup volleyball games, which go down each Wednesday (6--7:30pm) atop Esplanade Plaza. The coed matches are meant to be fun (no pro spikers, please), and a scorekeeper and balls are available at each game.

Jones Beach

• Free

This prime swimming destination is just a 45-minute train ride from Penn Station (take the LIRR to Freeport and then the bus to Jones Beach). And if doing laps in the frigid Atlantic doesn't strike your fancy, partake in some pickup beach volleyball on one of the eight lighted courts. League nights are available through the Long Island Volleyball Association (longislandvolleyball.com). Field Four, 1000 Ocean Pkwy at Wantagh Pkwy, Wantagh, L.I. (516-785-1600, nysparks.state.ny.us). $10 plus $10 deposit.