Put a bit of a twist on the flying around town that families typically engage in during a whirlwind weekend in New York City. Instead of hopping from one standard tourist attraction to another, grab hold of life — and get a firm grip on the trapeze bar — at Trapeze School New York.
Located atop Pier 40 at Hudson River Park on the lower west side of Manhattan, Trapeze School guarantees that even Gotham veterans will suddenly see the city from a whole new angle (for those up for a challenge, that angle can be upside down). Just a two-hour trapeze class from trained experts, including safety and low-bar lessons, and fun-loving families can go from grounded to off-and-flying in no time. Visitors ascend a 23-foot ladder to make their first leap, often stopping to take a gander at the impressive sight of the Statue of Liberty, as well as the sun glinting off the Hudson River.
As participants dangle their toes off the edge of the platform and reach out into space to grab the bar (don’t worry: a TSNY staffer is on the platform, too, holding your belt tight until you’re really ready to go), any sense of apprehension dissolves instantly as you swing out into the air. Besides, there’s no better way to prove to your kids that you’re way cool than by taking a leap off into space.