Randalls Island, NY guide
Randalls Island, NY has loads of outdoor fun and entertainment as well as killer views of the East and Harlem River
If you’re searching for ways to have fun in the sun, check out some of the best things to do outside on Randalls Island this year. New York’s lush oasis—separated by the Harlem and East River—is chock-full of things to do in the summer, including free fitness classes, outdoor art and movie nights under the stars.
Where is Randalls 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 5am to midnight every day
How do I get to Randalls 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 Randalls Island?
Right now, programs and events on Randall's Island are suspended because of the citywide shutdown, however, with 380 acres of parkland, there's still much to do.
Over nine miles of waterfront pathway and all passive recreational activities are still available and the Scylla Playground and Sportime Tennis Center are open. You can also barbecue and grill out.
You can't get a permit for an athletic field until September 1, however, since large gatherings are prohibited right now.
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.
