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Photograph: Courtesy Randalls Island Park Alliance

Randall's Island, NY guide

Randall's Island, NY has loads of outdoor fun and entertainment as well as killer views of the East and Harlem River

Shaye Weaver
Written by
Shaye Weaver
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New York's oasis, Randall's Island, which is separated from Manhattan by the Harlem and East Rivers, is chock-full of things to do in the summer, including free fitness classes, outdoor art and movie nights under the stars. If you’re searching for ways to have fun in the sun, check out some of the best things to do outside on this purely recreational island below:

Where is Randall's Island?

Randalls Island, which is connected to Wards Island, is located along the Harlem River near the New York City borough of Manhattan as well as from Queens by the East River and Hell Gate. The attraction is made up of green spaces. The best things to do occur at Randall’s Island Park, located at 20 Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY. The park is open from 6am to 1am every day.

How do I get to Randall's Island?

You can walk, bike, drive or take the M35 bus to the Island from the Northeast corner of 125th Street and Lexington Avenue. You can transfer from the Lexington Avenue 4, 5, or 6 subway at 125th St. The Randall’s Island Park Alliance also offers gratis shuttle service around the park’s northern and southern areas. Check the schedule here.

What is there to do on Randall's Island?

With 380 acres of parkland, there's much to do. Walk over nine miles of waterfront pathway, rent an athletic field for your team or take your kids to the Scylla Playground. The Sportime Tennis Center is great for getting on the court and its waterfront areas are perfect for sitting and taking in nature. You can also barbecue and grill out at one of the island's picnic areas. 

Normally, art lovers flock to Randall’s Island Park for Frieze—a dreamy display of works from 130 international art galleries—and New Yorkers typically bring a blanket and pack a picnic for free movie nights held on select weekends in summer.

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The guide to Frieze New York

The guide to Frieze New York

Every May, Randalls Island becomes the epicenter of the art world for four days thanks to Frieze New York, the art fair housed under a massive tent. Every year...