Baseball

The subway gets you directly to the stadiums of both New York–area major-league teams: the New York Mets play at Citi Field, at the next-to-last stop on the 7 train in Queens, while the Yankees defend their turf at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, accessible via the B, D, and 4 trains. The Mets-affiliated, minor-league Brooklyn Cyclones are named for Coney Island's famous wooden roller coaster. They play 38 home games at MCU Park, next to the boardwalk, with views of the Atlantic over the right-field wall and historic Astroland over the left-field wall. Most people make a day of it, with time at the beach and amusement rides before an evening game. Take the D, F, or Q subway to the end of the line, and walk one block to the right of the original Nathan's Famous hot dog stand.

For another fun, family-oriented experience, check out the Staten Island Yankees, one of New York's minor-league teams, which warms up many future New York Yankees players. The stadium, a five-minute walk from the Staten Island Ferry terminal, has magnificent views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

Brooklyn Cyclones. The Mets-affiliated minor-league Brooklyn Cyclones are named for Coney Island's famous wooden roller coaster. They play 38 home games at MCU Park, next to the boardwalk, with views of the Atlantic over the right-field wall and Luna Park amusement park over the left-field wall. Most people make a day of it, with time at the beach and amusement rides before an evening game. Take the D, F, N, or Q subway to the Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue Station, and walk one block to the right of the original Nathan's Famous hot dog stand. MCU Park, 1904 Surf Ave., at 19th St., Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York, 11224. 718/372–5596 ; www.brooklyncyclones.com.

New York Mets. The New York Mets play at Citi Field, at the next-to-last stop on the 7 train in Queens. Citi Field, 123-01 Roosevelt Ave., at 126th St. and Roosevelt Ave., Flushing, Queens, New York, 11368. 718/507–8499; www.mets.com.

New York Yankees. The Yankees defend their turf at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, accessible via the B, D, and 4 trains. Yankee Stadium, 1 E. 161st St., at River Ave., Bronx, New York, 10451. 718/293–6000; www.mlb.com/yankees.

Staten Island Yankees. For another fun, family-oriented experience, check out the Staten Island Yankees, one of New York's minor-league teams, which warms up many future New York Yankees players. The stadium, a five-minute walk from the Staten Island Ferry terminal, has magnificent views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Richmond County Bank Ballpark, 75 Richmond Terr., St. George, Staten Island, New York, 10301. 718/720–9265; www.siyanks.com.