FREE Outdoor Fitness Classes Around NYC for Families and Parents

Get moving this summer and beyond! Whether you’re looking for a new addition to your exercise routine or you’re looking for a fun activity to get your family moving together, outdoor fitness classes may be the right choice for you and your family.

We’ve rounded up some of the best outdoor fitness class options around New York City. These are offered through NYC Parks, so many of them are available at no cost! Some of them require registration in advance, so be sure to check.

And be sure to stay hydrated, especially when working out outside in the summer heat!

Psst… Here’s How to Stay Cool In and Around NYC During a Heat Wave!

Summer on the Hudson: Pilates

The Plaza at 66th St in Riverside Park South

Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 pm through Aug. 13

Take a flowing, multi-level pilates class with an instructor from Base Fitness. This pilates class will tone your muscles, strengthen your core, align your body and more.

Groove NYC – Dance for Kids

Socrates Sculpture Park

Wednesdays, 11 am to 12 pm through Aug. 14

Kids can dance their hearts out! With Groove NYC, kids can engage in expression through dance and music. This is perfect for kids ages 5 to 10, and parents and caregivers are welcome as well. Be sure to check out Socrates Sculpture Park’s Instagram stories for day-of alerts about cancellations due to heat or rain.

Sunset Meditation

Socrates Sculpture Park

Tuesdays, 7 to 8 pm through Aug. 27

Participate in the art of mindfulness and meditation with Mindful Astoria in Socrates Sculpture Park. This practice is designed for all experience levels, and participants will be able to work on mindful breathing, mindful movement and loving-kindness meditation. Get comfy on a yoga mat, blanket or cushion and enjoy the sights and nature of Socrates Sculpture Park.

Yoga in the Park

East River Picnic Area in Randall’s Island Park

Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 pm through Sept. 10

Stretch, breathe and find your inner peace at this weekly yoga class in Randall’s Island Park. Be sure to bring your own mat if you have one!

Summer on the Hudson: Yoga – Evening Salute to the Sun

The Plaza at 66th Street in Riverside Park South

Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 pm through Sept. 25

Wrap up your day with a yoga class under a picturesque sunset with Meg SantaMaria of Roadside Yogi. This class is perfect for all fitness levels.

Waterfront Workouts

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Various days weekly through Sept. 25

Enjoy a variety of workouts with a gorgeous view. Drop in for zumba, yoga, pilates and more with different instructors from fitness establishments throughout the city. Classes are free, but be sure to register ahead of time.

Summer on the Hudson: Yoga – Sunset Yoga

145th and the Hudson River in Riverside Park

Thursdays, 6:30 to 7:30 pm through Sept. 26

Drop in for a multi-level sunset yoga practice with Sweet Water Dance & Yoga. Stretch out and relax alongside a view of a sunset over the Hudson River. Be sure to wear your comfiest athleisure and bring your yoga mat!

Free Kayaking

Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Saturdays, 10 am to 3 pm through Sept. 30

Family fitness doesn’t have to include a rigid class! Get out and paddle in the East River with free kayaking with Brooklyn Bridge Park. Be sure to register ahead of time. All equipment is provided and no prior experience is necessary.

Double Dutch

Garibaldi Plaza in Washington Square Park

Thursdays, 6 to 7 pm through Oct. 24

Learn to double dutch with the Double Dutch Aunties! They’ll teach participants the basics of street-style and competitive jump rope. This class is great for kids.

Forest Fitness

Margaret Corbin Circle in Fort Tryon Park

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 to 8:30 am through Dec. 31

Explore the outdoors in this year-round exercise program. Climb stairs, stretch and strengthen your muscles while participating in nature experiences, like tree identification and forest bathing. All fitness levels are accommodated in these classes.

Camp Lee Mar

A private 7 week residential summer program offering a unique curriculum incorporating a strong Academic and Speech program with traditional camp activities. Our campers flourish at Lee Mar due to the structured environment we provide which allows our campers to feel comfortable and secure. Careful study is made of parent input, school (IEPs), camper interview, etc., so that the interests and needs of each child can best be determined for suitable grouping prior to the camper arriving. At Lee Mar the children find comfort and friendship with children of similar age and functioning level. From this foundation we encourage our campers to embrace and learn new skills and have new experiences which they can build upon on their return home. We also focus on building friendships which last throughout the year, as well as learning how to cope with the dynamics of group situations. Development of the whole child is our goal. We work hard at improving the daily living, social, and life skills of our campers, while giving them the happiest summer of their lives!

The Parkside School

Empowering Students with Language-Based Learning Differences Through Comprehensive Education and Support The Parkside School offers a comprehensive and nurturing educational experience for students with language-based learning differences and disabilities. Our program is designed to support the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of each child, empowering them to thrive in a structured yet flexible learning environment. At the heart of Parkside&rsquo;s approach is a robust curriculum that integrates literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts, all tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles. Our team of dedicated teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and counselors collaborate closely to provide individualized instruction and therapeutic support, ensuring that each student receives a holistic education. Small class sizes enable our staff to build strong relationships with students, fostering a deep understanding of their strengths and challenges. Parkside&rsquo;s multi-disciplinary team utilizes evidence-based interventions such as The Zones of Regulation and executive functioning strategies to promote self-regulation and problem-solving skills. Our occupational therapy program supports sensory integration and fine motor development, while speech and language services target communication skills, helping students express themselves more effectively and build stronger connections with peers. Beyond academics, Parkside emphasizes social-emotional learning through a community-centered approach. We provide students with a safe, supportive space to build self-confidence, social skills, and independence. Our inclusive community is further strengthened through partnerships with families, who are encouraged to take an active role in their child&rsquo;s educational journey. At Parkside, we are committed to helping children discover their potential, preparing them not only for academic success but also for meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Advantage Care Health Centers

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #434343; background-color: #ffffff; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Advantage Care now offers in-person and Tele-Health services to all new and current patients through their secure online platform visit: <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://advantagecare.doxy.me/"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #434343; background-color: #ffffff; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://advantagecare.doxy.me</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #434343; background-color: #ffffff; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to see how it works.&nbsp; Tele-Health Services for Children and Adults include the Following: Primary Care, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry.&nbsp; Advantage Care continues to take proper measures to keep their patients, community, and staff safe during the pandemic. Advantage Care Health Centers are Long Island&rsquo;s premier Federally Qualified Health Centers. They accept Medicaid, Medicaid Managed Care Plans, Medicare. The mission of their centers is to provide the highest quality comprehensive primary, dental, mental, and behavioral health care services.&nbsp; They offer these services to all members of the community with a commitment to those who might otherwise be excluded from the health care system, while remaining cost-effective and efficient. Advantage Care specializes in providing services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.