NYC for Adrenaline Junkies

Yes, New York City might be known for its world-class museums, thriving food scene, and performing arts, but you can also partake in some more thrill-seeking activities, both in the City and nearby.

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City Climb

@kaylafedeson

Yup, that's me in the photo. City Climb takes you more than 1,200 feet up and lets you hang off the side of the highest outdoor platform in NYC and "the highest open-air ascent in the world." There are few other places in the world you can do this, and there is no denying this is the best view in and of the entire City.

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Coney Island

@kaylafedeson

Coney Island has several roller coasters and the epic Wonder Wheel in which the cars roll back and forth on a track as the wheel turns, but the best thing here is the Cyclone. This wooden roller coaster that opened in 1927 is a NYC landmark and a must for any coaster enthusiast. I recommend riding it twice: once with someone else in the car with you and a second alone in your car... you'll be in for two completely different experiences.

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The BEAST Speedboat Ride

@kaylafedeson

The Beast isn't your traditional boat... it zips up and down the Hudson River with two fast turns that give you quite a splash. This is a great way to get out on the water, see the skyline, and partake in a lesser-known NYC adventure staple.

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RPM Raceway | Race Play More

@kaylafedeson

Go-karting is one of my favorite summer activities, but RPM lets you experience the rush all year long. There are hairpins, hills, and straightaways, and bowling lanes and an arcade for when you're finished.

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Area53 - Adventure Park

@kaylafedeson

Area 53 has a little bit of everything... paintball, an adventure park, and laser tag among other activities. A partner to Feroux Ninja Park (with trampolines and super difficult obstacle courses), both complexes offer an adult night each week (Thursday and Friday respectively).

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iFLY Indoor Skydiving New York-Queens

@kaylafedeson

I've wanted to indoor skydive forever, and this location let me achieve those dreams (now to do an actual skydive). iFly's wind tunnel will simulate a jump from 11,000 feet and give you that rush. iFly is the only location in NYC with two others in Paramus, NJ and Westchester, NY.

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If you're not afraid to brave New Jersey Transit or MetroNorth, these spots are worth it...

Six Flags Great Adventure- Theme Park

@kaylafedeson

This Six Flags is home to Kingda Ka, the tallest roller coaster in the world at 456 feet/139 meters, as well as many other world class rides. You can take a bus from Port Authority, and if you go during Frightfest in the fall, you'll get there when gates open and spend very little time waiting in line for the best rides.

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Boundless Adventures

@kaylafedeson

Ropes courses look pretty easy... but if you have any hesitation when it comes to heights, it's quite the challenging experience. Head to Boundless Adventures to experience some nature outside of the city, as well as one of the closer ropes courses available on public transportation.

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Supercharged Entertainment

@kaylafedeson

Supercharged has the world's largest indoor go-kart track. While Google Maps says this takes two hours to get to, if you take NJ Transit to Metuchen and then take an Uber, it should only take about an hour (this is nothing in City time). This is one of the best places close to NYC to get your Mario Kart skills put to the test.

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And if you have some time to get out of the city for a day with access to a car or want to take a Trailways bus...

New York Zipline Adventures LLC

@kaylafedeson

Just a few years ago, this was the longest and fastest zipline in North America and even the world, but since, a bunch of other ziplines now hold that title (the one in Puerto Rico is totally worth the trip). This zipline course is a series of zips, so you get to do several, in addition to walking across an elevated bridge. If you go in the fall, you'll also get the bonus of the foliage in the trees.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kayla Fedeson

Available for hire

Hey there, I'm Kayla! I have lived in New York City for over 10 years and have been traveling the world for more than 15. Through solo travels, those with friends, and group tours, I know firsthand what places you need to see on a trip, as well as those that you should see and may have never heard of. I am a history nerd, nature junkie, and huge sports fan, so my ideal trip combines all three of these things. I love ancient sites and exploring as many around the world as I can, am trying to go to all 400+ United States National Park Sites and all 30 MLB stadiums, and travel every four years for the Women's World Cup. If you are looking for guidance on where to take a short break, longer break, or adventure, I am your go-to. I can make recommendations on where you should look, tell you all of the things you can do in your destination, as well as the things you cannot miss. As I develop this page further, I want to be a resource full of fun facts and personalized recommendations on what you should do and where you should go. I have traveled to 34 US states, plus DC and Puerto Rico, and 38 countries. I've been giving friends my extensive travel guides for free for years, so now it's my turn to share with you. Living off a credit card and minimum wage for the first year in NYC with a ton of curiosity, I had to find ways to do everything on the cheap. I went to pay-what-you-wish nights at museums, found free things to do, and still very rarely do I pay full price for a Broadway show (and if I do, I know how to save at least $10). I can tell you about a lot of fun expensive things, but if you are looking to travel on more of a budget (it's a cruel world out there), I can help with that too. Travel is my passion, but I love rock climbing, softball, running, & reading too.

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