Belvedere Castle [Courtesy of Central Park Conservancy]

Belvedere Castle (The Ramble)

Take your family on a nature trek into the woodlands of Central Park, with a little help from Belvedere Castle. Step into the historic tower to purchase a large kid-friendly map of The Ramble ($2.00), and borrow a Woodland Discovery Kit before heading out. The kits are small backpacks filled with binoculars, a hand lens, flora and fauna identification guides, colored pencils and paper. Explore peaceful pathways, sketching nature and spotting birds perching in the dense canopy of tree tops. Resist the urge to pull out the GPS on your phone in favor of getting a little lost. It’s much more likely that you’ll stumble across the Loeb Boathouse before you need to call in the park rangers. If you didn’t have the foresight to pack lunch, sit down to a meal at the Boathouse before dropping off your discovery kit and heading home.

Mid-park at 79th street  212.772.028 centralparknyc.org

Bike and Roll NYC

Biking through the city can be a hair-raising experience that multiplies exponentially when you have to keep an eye on young riders. That doesn’t mean you need to abstain—just keep it simple. Stick to parks and piers when they’re closed to traffic, and rent in or near the park. Biking newbies can relax at Pier 54, an officially designated safe and open space for adults and children to learn how to ride from dawn to dusk. Later in the spring, take the ferry out to Governors Island. Kids will love tooling around on the four-wheel quad cycle available at the Bike and Roll outpost. Parents can breathe easily with no traffic on the island other than the occasional golf cart or delivery van.

Bike and Roll has numerous spots throughout the city: Pier 84, Hudson River Park, Central Park at Columbus Circle, Central Park at Tavern on the Green, Hudson Battery Park, Governors island, Riverside Park, East River Park, West Harlem Piers Park   212.260.0400  bikeandroll.com

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy 

Horseback riding on the beach isn’t just for Old Spice commercials and cheesy romance novels. Saddle up at the Jamaica Bay Riding Academy for a group or private trail ride in the beautiful Gateway National Wildlife Preserve. Dress in long pants and closed-toe shoes for a 40-minute excursion along wooded trails and the beach with your guides. No reservations, so bring some good humor and patience when you arrive to stake out your place in line.

If you can’t make it over to the academy, Kensington Stables in Prospect Park is a convenient option. While the scenery won’t be nearly as thrilling, it’s still a great way to expose your children to horseback riding.

7000 Shore Parkway, Mill Basin, Brooklyn;  Located in the Gateway National Wildlife Preserve 718.531.8949  horsebackride.com

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

It’s a bit sad that most New Yorkers are strangers to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, the 9,000-acre treasure right in our backyard. Spring is ideal for a visit: it’s the migratory season, while the heat and humidity that plague the park in the summer are absent. Stop at the front desk to secure a visitor’s pass, then make your way to either the East or West pond. They’re both 1.5 miles in circumference, scenic, and easily walkable. Wear long pants and mud-resistant shoes to protect against ticks and poison ivy. Pack sandwiches, snacks and drinks for the picnic tables by the visitor center, since no food is sold on premises.

Broad Channel, Queens 718.318.4340 nyharborparks.org

Charles A. Dana Discovery Center

City kids rarely encounter aquatic life outside of a maki roll. The free catch-and-release program at the Harlem Meer is a great way to introduce them to the time-honored tradition of fishing as well as to a thriving ecosystem of fish, waterfowl, turtles, and plants. Fishing poles and bait are on loan (bring your photo ID), and the staff will provide instruction. Teach your children to be mindful of both the wildlife and the plants by sticking to the marked pathways.

Starting this Sunday, try the Big City Fishing program every Sunday and Tuesday afternoons at multiple locations in Hudson River Park, a free program suitable for kids as young as five.

Inside Central Park at 110th Street Between Fifth and Lenox Avenues  212.860.1370 centralparknyc.org

Randall Island’s Golf & Sports

Some say that you can’t please everybody, but that may not be true at Randall Island’s Golf & Sports. It’s a short trip to this 25-acre outdoor facility that overlooks the East River and upper Manhattan. Practice your swing at the grass tees, play an unlimited round of mini golf, or try your hand at the batting cages. Family members in a less athletic mood can seek out ping-pong, shuffle board and even board games. At the end of the day, pull up a seat at the Beer Garden & Grill to enjoy dinner and watch the sunset.

1 Randalls Island  212.427.5689 randallsislandgolfcenter.com

Pier 25

Pier 25 is perfect for families that love to be outside but prefer watching Man vs. Wild over foraging for edible grass and onions. This pier features an affordable mini golf course, an over-the-top playground, and lounge chairs that overlook the water. Babies and toddlers can amble about the artificial turf and marvel at boats in the distance. If you’re feeling energetic, the Cowgirl Hall of Fame is a 20-minute walk from the pier and a great spot for early dinner. Or go alfresco and dine outside at the Pier 66 Maritime Bar & Grill at the Frying Pan, where they serve up everything from crab cakes to hamburgers to kid-sized ice cream.

225 North Moore St, Tribeca 212.627.2020 hudsonriverpark.org

Trapeze School

Strap on your safety equipment at the Trapeze School and soar through the sky while taking in beautiful views of the city. Of course, that assumes you’re brave enough to keep your eyes open. Pull your hair back with an elastic band if necessary, and wear comfortable, snug clothes and socks for your airborne adventure.

Pier 40 (West St. at Houston); South Street Seaport on Pier 16 (South St between Fulton and John Streets) 212.242.8769 trapezeschool.com

Thain Family Forest [Courtesy of New York Botanical Gardens]

Holiday train shows and tropical orchids are great, but The Thain Family Forest is a different kind of impressive. This incredible tract of native forest once covered most of New York City. Tour guides lead walks that reveal Native American hunting trails and trees dating back to the American Revolution. Strike out on your own with a map that points the way to a waterfall, a historic bridge, and scenic overlooks. Or grab a paddle and take a canoe trip with The Bronx River Alliance.

2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx 718.817.8700 nybg.org

The Cloisters

Deep breathing is a great way to stay calm and focused, but most of us could take a break from the aroma of exhaust and hot dog carts. Escape to The Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park and head straight to the herbal garden where jasmine, lavender and thyme fill the air surrounding the boxed hedges. It might be tough to pull yourself away, but the stone castle holds a rich collection of priceless, medieval artworks. When you’re done exploring, it’s easy to grab a sandwich from the onsite cafe. However, the New Leaf Restaurant & Bar is a wonderful choice if your children are old enough to both appreciate the food and behave.

Fort Tryon Park, 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Washington Heights   212.923.3700 metmuseum.org

The Intrepid for Fleet Week

Our military’s finest (or rowdiest) invade New York’s shores for Fleet Week (May 23-28). It’s not just about bars and people watching, there is fun for the family too! Climb aboard Intrepid’s Pier 86 for special performances, tall ship tours, movies and even the infamous military Tug of War. Expect added merriment this year since it’s the Intrepid’s 30th Anniversary.

Governor’s Island Park

Escape the crowds in The Hamptons with an easy day trip to Governor’s Island Park, which opens for the summer this Memorial Weekend. To kick off the season the park will feature sing-along performances, food and a special Family Fun Festival. Explore the storied, quaint plot of land that has gone from Lenape, Cacapeteyno and Pewihas Tribes to the Dutch to the Brits to the U.S. Army and now, during the warm months, New Yorkers! Take the ferry from Brooklyn Heights or Battery Park from 10AM – 7 PM to check out various arts, cultural and recreational programs, biking, a picnic or long walk. Governors Island is closed on Fridays however.

Prospect Park

Why not settle in lush Prospect Park for Memorial Day? Their antique carousel (now 100 years old) is finally open and ready for thrills at only $2 a ride. For Monday, May 28 the Audubon Center will be free for admission. Ride your bike to the main green for a family feast or if your kid has a focused historical attention span, meander the 19^th century Lefferts Historic House on a tour. We’ll be in Fort Greene Park or at Prospect Park’s Tennis Center warming up for Roland Garros!