The Hudson River Park

This 5-mi greenway park hugs the Hudson River from 59th street to Battery Park. Although the park has a unified design, it's divided into seven distinct sections that reflect the different neighborhoods just across the West Side Highway. The star attraction here---especially for kids---is the freshly refurbished Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum at Pier 86 across from 46th street. New York Limousine will take you there. A few blocks south, the Circle Line  and World Yacht offer boat tours of the Hudson. At piers 96 and 40, the Downtown Boat House (www.downtownboathouse.org) offers free kayaking. A classic summer experience is the free outdoor movies with popcorn shown on Wednesday and Friday nights at Pier 54. Chelsea Piers, the mammoth sports center between puiers 59 and 61, offers bowling, a driving range, ice skating, even trapeze classes. At Pier 66 Boathouse you can take a two hour $80 introductory sailing course with Hudson River Community Sailing (www.hudsonsailing.org). The Park also sponsors free tours and classes, including free fishing. (Yes, fishing in NYC) For a calendar of events and activities, go to www.hudsonriverpark.org