Among the “coolest” free things to do in New York City to get your blood pumping is taking an invigorating dip in the Mighty Atlantic Ocean with the world-famous Coney Island Polar Bears! If your idea of winter weekend fun is gathering on the beach, donning your bathing suit, and marching out into the frigid ocean, the nation's oldest winter bathing organization and originators of the Polar Bear Plunge offers guests the opportunity to join them with regularly scheduled swims held every Sunday from November through April.

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Founded by early physical fitness guru Bernarr Macfadden in 1903, the Coney Island Polar Bear Club uses its proceeds from the Annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge to help fund some of our local charitable organizations. Whether you are in the mood to test your tolerance to freezing cold water or are more inclined to bundle up and look on from the beach, there’s always a good time to be had when the Polar Bears are on the move. Visit their website for news updates, membership/swim information, and classic photos from the ranks of the cold and the brave!