Black Friday is almost upon us. You could doom scroll on the couch for the latest deal, or get mobbed in a mall. But why not spend the day outside, soaking in the limited hours of sunlight we get during this deeply dark time of year.
The city’s parks department is luring people into the great urban outdoors with a series of guided two to three mile hikes Friday.
“We wanna give people and escape from the hustle and bustle of shopping,” said Marc Sanchez, the Deputy Director of Urban Park Rangers for the City’s Parks Department. “When you come on a hike with a ranger, you’re gonna learn something new whether it’s a new species of plant, a species of tree or a type of bird that is found in the park.”
More on that and some other ideas for an outdoors anti-consumerist Black Friday.
Hike Through NYC Parks With Guided By An Urban Park Ranger
Urban Park rangers are offering guided hikes of six New York City parks on Friday across the five boroughs. On one of those hikes you can ogle what’s thought to be the city’s oldest and tallest living organism, The Alley Pond Giant, an imposing 133 foot tall tulip tree that’s estimated to be 350-years-old located in Alley Pond Park in Queens. On another hike, a ranger will guide you through trails in the city’s largest park Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx. Bring comfy shoes, water, a snack, and a raincoat just in case. Hikes start promptly at their scheduled start time.
Shoreline Cleanup of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Help protect the hundreds of species of birds that inhabit the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Sanctuary by collecting trash along the shoreline. Volunteers are convening at 175-10 Cross Bay Blvd at 9 am Friday morning. Gloves, bags and tools will be provided. Sign up here.
Get in the Holiday Spirit Early in Dyker Heights
The bulk of holiday lights in Dyker Heights go up the weekend after Thanksgiving, though some will be in place for Black Friday. Get into the holiday spirit early, before the crowds, with a jaunt around the south Brooklyn neighborhood with the gaudiest take on Christmas.
Ice Skate For Free in Bryant Park (WIth Your Own Skates)
If you’ve got a pair of skates, ice skating at Bryant Park is free, though you have to reserve a time slot online. Practice your hockey stops and glide across the ice. 'Tis the season!
