Now that May is finally here, you are probably anxiously waiting to get outside and enjoy the friendly fresh air. If you’ve been in New York City for some time, you’ve probably already made your way to Central Park and perhaps other frequently visited green areas in the city already. One spot that you most likely haven’t seen yet, just because it’s at the southern tip of Manhattan, is The Battery. Facing the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty, this area offers sights that you just can’t find anywhere else in the city. With many attractions and things to do in this region, you definitely won’t get bored, and it goes without saying that you’ll easily put your English learning skills to use while visiting this part of the city. With tons of history and meaning behind this park, you’ll be practicing your English reading as well as your speaking during your day of fun. Pack your comfy walking shoes, bring some sunscreen and your shades, and get ready for an adventure by the water!
- Plenty of memorials
The park itself and the surrounding area received its name after the artillery batteries that were positioned there in the early years to protect the area behind them. As a result, there are quite a few memorials in this region to honor those lost in the battles, like the East Coast Memorial, the American Merchant Mariners’ Memorial, as well as other statues that honor specific dedications to individuals that contributed to the city’s development and preservation. This is a great opportunity to practice your English reading, as you can study the stories of these people on their plaques and information surrounding them.
- The Gardens
You came to Lower Manhattan for some green, right? So what better place to get your nature fix than the perennial gardens? With over 195,000 square feet of stunning flowers and plants, you’ll welcome spring with open arms. Be sure to also pick up a copy of The Gardens of Remembrance: A Garden Guide so you can study up on every green you see and learn about its history and value in this garden. Your English reading and comprehension skills will be put to use, and for an additional challenge, see how you can put those learned facts to use by sharing your learnings with your friends. They’ll appreciate everything that you retained, and you can be proud of your English reading and speaking crossover.
- Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island
Of course, one of the greatest symbols of the Big Apple is the Statue of Liberty, and what better time to take the ferry over to Ellis Island than when you’re in The Battery? With flexible hours and tons of availability, you won’t have any issue grabbing a ferry to check out one of the most popular landmarks in the world. Since this destination is a literal symbol of international peace and comradery, you will be travelling on the river with people from all over the world. Practice your social English skills by asking those around you from where they came and what this trip means to them. Don’t forget to pick up your souvenirs and take tons of pictures to remember your day!
- Staten Island Ferry and the Peter Minuit Plaza
As a huge transportation hub, you can get to any New York City borough from this station. The Staten Island Ferry leaves every 15-30 minutes and is free to take, so take advantage of the beautiful weather with an adventure in this plaza. With newly planted greenery and modern architecture, the hub can feel more like an attraction than an actual transportation hub! Since this spot caters to ferries, subways, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians, you can come across all sorts of individuals during your time at this plaza. Practice your English skills by asking them their favorite mode of transportation or rent a bike and do as the locals do. Your English will be tested, and you might be surprised at how much you retain when you’re on two wheels!
This May, skip Central Park and those other nature spots that tend to get packed and super busy in the beginning of spring and instead opt for a trip down to The Battery. Not only will you get your fresh air fix in, but you’ll be able to unwind, relax, and practice your English with others that are looking for some international culture.