Looking for a the best of the best? You can find them here – our Top 10 lists keep on growing. Today’s list, courtesy of our top 10 guru Liz Levine, is perfect for outdoor dates.

Though it may be swelteringly hot at times, summer in NYC is a great time to grab a special someone and go on a date with nature. There are countless adventures to be had out of doors, from taking in a classic landmark to indulging in the city’s nightlife. Coats have been shed, sunglasses are donned, and the intoxicating power of the sun fuels the chances for romance like not quite anything else. So grab you spf 45 and prepare to enjoy a day/night on the town beyond the confines of walls or roofs. -Liz Levine

1. P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center
Those into the contemporary art scene will appreciate the chance to combine fine handiwork with dancing and booze. A former public school in Long Island City dedicated to creative uses of space, this facility successfully unites the art and the viewer with their summertime Warm Up events. These Saturday dance parties feature musicians and DJ’s from all corners of the globe in the building’s lovely courtyard, and have proven to successfully transform the museum into a raging club. Each summer, the outdoor space is augmented by a unique installation from the latest winner of the MoMA/P.S.1 Young Architects Program, a contest that challenges builders create a space appropriate for such events complete with seating and a bar. The ten dollar fee affords you entrance to the museum’s regular exhibits as well, so take a nice stroll through the air conditioned rooms before heading into the sticky yet inviting space for a night of dancing with your date.

2. The Yard
Making its home in Brooklyn’s classy Carroll Gardens ‘hood, The Yard has made itself known this summer with its varied events, and many of them. While the romance of a waterfront location along the Gowanus Canal is arguably diminished by the fait scent of waste, ignore this minor obstacle as you treat your date to a public BBQ. Offering all the staples of this classic summer event without the hassle of planning or actually being invited by someone, The Yard offers delicious local eats, various forms of entertainment, and the intimate setting one would expect in the back of someone’s home. The space is compact enough so that those present tend to interact as if they were at a small party and not a NYC bar, which means you and your date can either retreat to a private corner or chat it up with the locals. Be sure to check ahead of time based on which day you wish to attend, as the spot doesn’t keep regular hours. Instead, special event ranging from concerts to tastings to movie screenings are scheduled for varying fees on specific days.

3. Kayaking at the Down Town Boathouse
For those who enjoy dates of the sporty variety and a have the desire to dip their feet in the Hudson, the free kayaking sessions offered by the Downtown Boathouse are an excellent activity. Run entirely by volunteers, the organization’s three locations offer a range of sessions and classes, making it free and easy to climb on board for a 20 minute romp or a three hour tour. This community-based program lends all the necessary equipment beyond the obvious kayak, such as life vests and paddles, and asks of you only that you know how to swim. While you can’t make reservations and there may be a bit of a line, the wait itself is scenic and sunny on the right day, leaving plenty of room for conversation and the thrill of anticipation. In a city that makes it hard to remember that nature does indeed exist, this free, all-equipment-provided outing is both refreshing and romantic.

4. Roosevelt Island
The fact that not many people venture to this tiny island resting between Manhattan and Queens makes it an excellent place to explore for those curious about NYC and its history. Arguably the best part of this journey is taking a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram, one of few similar transportation devices in the county, and one that offers spectacular views. The Tram has been in action since 1976 when it was built in order to temporarily provide access to the island before the subway made it there. A venture much delayed, the single F train stop wasn’t completed until 1989, but by this time the Tram had become loved by residents and an important part of the city. After the thrilling ride, stroll the island casually with your date as you gaze at the sea and beyond to views of either skyline depending on your location. This bit of land is small enough to access entirely on foot, and offers waterside walkways surrounding the Northern point. At the top tip of Roosevelt Island there are park grounds and an hilarious tiny lighthouse, so bring BBQ makings for a pleasant meal. If you can time your date accordingly, hop onto the Tram home during sunset for a pleasant return indeed.

5. Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
Every Monday night during the summer months, the kind folks at Bryant Park erect a giant screen and show an excellent film free of charge. The pictures shown usually fall into the “classic” category with comedies, dramas, and at least one representative from the Hitchcock catalog. The last Monday in the series if often saved for something slightly campy like everyone’s favorite terror-at-sea flick “Jaws.” Despite its large size, the lawn can quickly become packed with eager viewers, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a choice spot. But if armed with the proper amenities such as a blanket, picnic snacks, and a few brews, this can easily make for a lovely pre-movie romance opportunity. People-watching and the anticipation of sunset make the wait dandy, and as the entertainment begins the shiny, towering structures of Midtown provide the ultimate urban environment for your night.

6. Rooftop Films
Climbing to the top of a random building and taking in this city’s fantastic views is always an excellent conversation starter and way to bring excitement to your date. Add to this the presentation of underground films from around the world and you’ve got yourself a fine evening with Rooftop Films’ many summer events. With an ever-changing program and event location, these happenings are particularly suited for repeat visits should a first date turn into many more. Locally organized and dedicated to bringing a voice to the independent film community, the screenings are of both short and full length features, and may range anywhere from documentaries to comedies to silly home movies. As an added bonus, there are often live musical performances before the films go on, making these happenings suitable for all tastes. The views alone are worth the price of entry, but the various other forms of live entertainment ain’t too shabby.

7. Prospect Park
The many amenities of this large Brooklyn park make it an excellent place for spending the day in the sun with your special someone. For those looking to save cash, simply bring the makings of a picnic and spread out to casually enjoy the cheapness and beauty of nature. Once people- and dog-watching has lost its charm, head over to the Bandshell where free concerts take place often during summer evenings. You can take a spot up close for a true rock concert experience or stretch your blanket out on the massive lawn that still affords a view of the performance. For those who really want to up the romance factor, Prospect Park offers organized Twilight Tours where couples can enjoy a ritzy wine and cheese reception before going on a boat tour of the lake. One last perk not to be forgotten in the fact that they allow BBQing in approved areas, so there truly are no shortage of activities for making the date memorable.

8. Coney Island
This obvious city summer attraction (pictured above) might be packed with screaming children or sweaty tourists, but its very cheesiness makes it a great spot for goofy fun and adventure. Classic date offerings such as carnival games where you can win your sweetie an oversized stuffed toy, or the rickety old Cyclone that’s only somewhat terrifying, are time-tested activities that can break the ice on any date. The beloved Sideshow is entertaining to say the least, and gives you and your sweetheart the chance to help preserve a part of American history. What better way to impress you date then by taking them to see a fellow who calls himself Donny Vomit? Possibly the best part of the area it its seaside location, where you can stroll the boardwalk and sit on the beach as the action goes on behind you.

9. Skating in Central Park
Probably the safest place in the city to enjoying roller skating without the protection of a rink, the mostly car-free Central Park offers trees, trails, and plenty of comfortable benches for adrenalin-driven conversation. Once properly equipped with skates either your own or rented from one of the many businesses near the park, the opportunities to share this sport with fellow enthusiasts abound. The Central Park Skate Patrol trolls around on sunny days looking for skaters in need of lessons, first-aid, or any sort of help. They offer beginner’s classes every weekend, as well as special workshops based entirely on how to properly break. As hilarious as this may seem, such professional skill will surely impress your date, as will your ability to participate in the Central Park Dance Skater Association’s weekly dance circle. Twirl your partner ‘round and ‘round as you “dance” among the many who gather near the bandshell each Saturday and Sunday to hear the beats and giggle at the 70’s inspired crowd. Also, grabbing your date’s hand during a carefully calculated fall might be the best dating trick in the book.

10. Rockaway Beach
Surely such a list would not be complete without a mention of one of NYC’s real, live beaches. Once a Riviera of sorts for the classy and rich, this beach of Ramones song fame is a fine getaway for the pair who wants to enjoy the most straightforward of summer activities: relaxing in the sun. Slather your date up with sunscreen as you delight in the simple pleasures of sandcastle building, ocean diving, and consuming dripping ice-cream treats. A day spent on the coast will leave you refreshed from having actually enjoyed nature, and with as with a sense of satisfaction for having taken a mini-getaway. Technically located in Queens, Rockaway Beach feels amazingly far away from the bustle we must normally endure. One might be surprised to learn of the wildlife reserve, natural dunes, and historic beach houses all available to us city folk after an accessible subway ride some sunny afternoon.

Liz Levine lives in Brooklyn and is the co-founder and co-editor of lizandlaura.com where she writes about music, pens poetry, and covers a number of humorous topics. Her work also appears at thestonewailer.com.