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Aren't you just itching to get your butt outside now that it's spring in NYC? Y'know, once this polar vortex ends? Well, we have a feeling you'll be spending a lot of time in Bryant Park, because this New York landmark is jam-packed with activities to keep you entertained all year.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer in NYC
In case you didn't know, Bryant Park’s spring and summer programming includes super-fun (and super-free!) outdoor games, activities and fitness classes now through November. So use this opportunity to partake in some adult recess! The best part? The materials and gaming necessities are fully provided—all you have to do is show up with your game face (some require registration). From mini golf and ping-pong to fencing lessons and art classes, there's an outdoor activity for everyone. Note: Some of this information is subject to change, so make sure you keep this tab handy for the full schedule.
Activities
Art Cart at Fifth Ave terrace; Apr–Oct; Daily,11am–8pm
Get creative and show off your artistic talents with free drawing and craft supplies.
Péntanque at North of Fountain Terrace; Apr–Oct 7; Mon-Fri 11am–7pm
Members of La Boule New Yorkaise will teach you how to play this popular European game.
Tournaments: Gravel around Lawn; May 14, 28, June 25, 26, July 10, August 28, Sept 10, 10am–6pm
Ping Pong at 42nd St Allée; Apr–Nov; Daily, 11am–8pm
Get your paddle ready! Gather your friends and challenge park-goers to a riveting game of ping pong.
Tournaments: Select Wednesdays at 6:30pm; Monthly, May 4, Jun 1, Jul 6, Au 3, Sept 7, Oct 5; Doubles, May 18, June 15, Jul 20, Aug 17, Sept 21, Oct 19.
Chess at 40th St Plaza; Apr–Oct; Daily, 11am–8pm
Endorsed by the Marshall Chess Club, challenge your mind and unwind with a game of chess or backgammon.
Tournaments: Fountain Terrace; Jun 12, Jul 17; 9am–4:30pm
Games at 40th St Plaza; Apr–Oct; Daily, 11am–8pm
Can you say Yahtzee? With over 50 tabletop board games to choose from, you and a friend can relive the glory days of Scrabble, Jenga and more.
Game Socials: Forbidden Island and Shadows Over Camelot (Tue), Settlers of Catan and Carcassonne (Wed), Wits & Wagers and King of Tokyo (Fri); May–Aug; 6pm–8pm.
Kubb at The Green, near Sixth Ave; Apr–Oct; Daily, 11am–8pm
Also known as Viking Chess, learn how to play this popular Scandinavian lawn game.
Tournaments: Lawn; May 25, Jul 27, Sept 28 and select Wednesdays at 6pm.
Putting Green at The Green, near Sixth Ave; Apr–Oct; Daily 11am–8pm
Don't forget to yell, "Fore!"
Mini Golf Socials; Apr–Oct; First Tuesday of every month, 11am–8pm.
Putting Tournaments: Aug 4, 11, 18; 12:30–1:30pm.
Bingo! at Fountain Terrace; Jun 2, 9, 16; 7–8:30pm
Comedians Andy Ross and Dave Hill host this round of Bingo with music provided by DJ Flip Bundlez.
Classes
Juggling at various locations; year round; Mon–Fri noon–1pm, Tue 5:30–7:30pm, Sat 11am–2pm
Clown around and learn a new party trick!
Fencing at Fifth Ave Terrace; Apr 15–Jun 3 and Sept 9–Oct 14; Fri 1:30–2:30pm
En garde! Masters from the Manhattan Fencing Center will teach you the basics of the sport before you duel.
Language Classes at Upper Terrace; May 2–Aug 29; Mon 11:45am–12:30pm
Beginners are welcome to learn Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese and Italian at these one-off classes presented by inlingua.
Knitting at Upper Terrace; Jun 21–Aug 30; Tues 1:30–3pm
Want to become a knit wiz? Learn how to make a scarf just in time for winter with folks from Knitty City.
Fitness
Boot Camp at Fountain Terrace; every Wednesday; 6:30–7am
The Rise NYC will surely raise your heart rate with this blend of cardio and strength training.
Tai Chi at Fountain Terrace; May 3–Sept 29; Tues and Thurs 7:30–8:30am
This class, instructed by members of the Tai Chi Chuan Center under the direction of Jeremy Hubbell, will get you focused and in the zone for your work day.
Yoga at Upper Terrace (Tues) and the Lawn (Thu); May 17–Sept 22; Tue 10–11am, Thu 6–7pm
Find your inner zen thanks to Athleta and instructors curated by Yoga Journal.
Moves with Limon Dance at Northeast corner of Lawn; Jun 4–Sept 24; Sat 10–11am
Shake your rump and learn how to move with dancers from the world-renowned Limon Dance Company.
Walking Mediation at Upper Terrace; May 4– Sept 28; Wed 8:30–9am
Relax and de-stress before a big work day with this soothing walk around the park, led by a meditation guide.