About NYC: Best Places to Relax

Central Park is the place to getaway from it all within the City. Not only does the spacious grounds offer ample room to just sit on a bench or blanket and read a book, there are any number of attractions within the park that offer an escape. The Wildlife Center, skating rink, carousel and row boats are just the start. Check the schedule to see when the New York Philharmonic will be performing on the Great Lawn, or when there will be a play at the Public Theater. And don't forget the bike trails and jogging paths to burn a little energy.

What's better than taking a short boat ride over to a small island to take a break from it all? And even though Lady Liberty's crown and torch are off limits, there is still plenty to see and learn while visiting, including looking out from the 10th story of Fort Wood.

This is truly a treasure of the City's, located along the Hudson River. The Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and is dedicated to medieval Europe. The architecture, art and gardens invite you to escape for a few hours. This offers a totally relaxing experience to enjoy by yourself or with a few friends.

When you want to get a break from it all, going into a mall with 100+ shops doesn't immediately come to your mind. But trust us on this one. The Seaport is more than a mall. It brings together a maritime museum, great food, unique New York City views and of course, shopping, all together along the waterfront. And there is always something entertaining going on, whether it's a traveling exhibit like 'Bodies...The Exhibition' or a film festival.

In addition to being a beautiful place for a picnic, bike ride or to get close to the Statue of Liberty without taking a ferry, Governor's Island offers you the chance to act like a kid again and take part in a Scavenger Hunt. This is a great way to spend a few hours outdoors and learning a little more about an historic part of New York. Things you should be looking for can be found at the Governors Island Ferry Waiting Room, or on the Island's website.

At the aquarium there are over 8,000 animals to watch and learn about. This is the only aquarium in New York City, and is filled with unique creatures from all over the world, including octopus and sea lions. You're sure to fall in love with all the wonderful animals you lay eyes on when you visit.

And you have thousands of animals to choose from. The grounds are filled with unique creatures from all over the globe, including the Malayan tapir and the African wild dog. This is the place to go when you want to feel close to nature.

And where would you least expect a park? On top of city buildings, of course. This state of the art, 28 acre state park along the Hudson is home to numerous recreational facilities, including basketball courts, pool and running track. There are also arts experiences to be had at the cultural theater and the amphitheater.

Want to get some fresh air and see a little history? Ride your bike on over to Riverside Park. Here you can visit Grants Tomb, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument amd the Eleanor Roosevelt Monument among other sites. And of course, you don't need a bike to see all of this. Taking a leisurely walk would work just as well.

Golf lessons. Ice hockey. Batting cages. Cimbing wall. Bowling. Can you think of anything else? It's probably here. Work up a sweat or hone your athletic skills at the Chelsea Piers.