Relax and Rewind at Bryant Park

If you want to get away from the city without actually leaving the city, Bryant Park is definitely the place to go.  The grounds are covered with gardens and a lawn that stretches as long as a football field, allowing city dwellers their nature fix.

The park offers a number of free activities that include ping pong, pétanque, a putting green, chess, backgammon, and other tabletop games like Scrabble and Monopoly.  All games and game pieces are provided free of charge.

The picturesque Le Carrousel in Bryant Park provides a European feel while playing sounds of French cabaret music.  Le Carrousel runs year long and costs $3 per ride.

During the summer months of June through September, Art Cart, which lends free professional quality art supplies to kids and adults alike, is available to those who want to draw or sketch while in the park.

Winter Village at Bryant Park is open from October 21, 2014-January 4, 2015 and will open their annual ice skating rink.  The rink is free to the public, but offers rental skates if needed.  During the season, over 125 boutique style holiday shops will line the sides of the park, providing people an opportunity to get their christmas shopping done after a few laps around the rink.

The park offers various free events year round that include yoga, dancing, tai chi, pilates, and much more.  To see the full calendar, click here.

Bryant Park is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Street in Midtown.