“It’s New York or nowhere!” We know that New York City is known for that iconic skyline, Times Square, and for being the seat of many beloved American sitcoms. Yet, NYC parks are a stunning escape into nature, culture and deserve a spot on your vacation checklist.
Discover the best parks NYC has to offer, from world-famous landmarks to hidden gems! Visiting soon and ready to see all that NYC has to offer? Check out our things to do in New York guide for more adventure ideas!
Discover the Best NYC Parks
New York City’s parks are more than just green spaces, they’re cultural and social hubs, historical landmarks, and recreational havens.
Whether you’re a brand-new visitor or a seasoned local, these parks provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and exploration.
New York City’s iconic green spaces are home to a variety of outdoor activities, stunning landscapes, and community events year-round. Think fitness classes, art installations, volunteer days, hayrides, science exhibits, and so much more.
Visit Central Park
Spanning 843 acres, Central Park is the queen of NYC’s parks. Full stop, she’s iconic. She’s been in huge blockbuster films and TV shows like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Maid in Manhattan, Elf, Enchanted, Sex and the City, and Gossip Girl.
Central Park was the first public landscaped park in the United States and remains a vibrant attraction for locals and tourists alike.
From the scenic Bow Bridge to the lively Bethesda Terrace, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and casual wanderers alike. From exploring its winding trails, enjoying a picnic on Sheep Meadow, or visiting the Central Park Zoo, there’s something for everyone.
💡 Did you know? Since 1908, Central Park has appeared in over 240 feature films, making it the most filmed public park in the world.
Explore Prospect Park
Brooklyn’s Prospect Park was designed by the same architects behind Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Prospect and Central parks are pretty similar in design – sisters, not twins!
Enjoy the park’s vast Long Meadow, the historic Lefferts House, or a boat ride on the lake. The park is also home to the Prospect Park Zoo and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, making it a fantastic destination for families.
💡 Did you know? Prospect Park has more than 30,000 trees, including a 300-year-old Fallen Black Oak.
Enjoy Bryant Park
Nestled in Midtown Manhattan, Bryant Park is a lively community spot known for fun seasonal events, from summer movie nights to its famous winter ice skating rink.
With cafés, public seating, and live performances, it’s a great place to take a break and unwind during the day. Whether you’re reading a book under the trees, enjoying a coffee from one of the kiosks, or participating in the park’s free activities, Bryant Park is an awesome social hub.
Walk the High Line
A park like no other, the High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated greenway built on a historic freight rail line. It offers breathtaking views of Manhattan, art installations, and lush gardens. The park also hosts seasonal events, cultural exhibits, and live performances, making it a must-visit for art lovers and city explorers.
💡 Did you know? The High Line was transformed from a freight rail line into a park, blending industry and nature, and was completed in 2014.
Experience Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches along the East River, offering stunning skyline views, playgrounds, and picnic spots.
Once a cargo pier, it has been transformed into one of NYC’s most vibrant waterfront parks. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, cycling, and visiting Jane’s Carousel while taking in breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan.
💡 Did you know? Brooklyn Bridge Park was developed from former cargo operations piers and now features playgrounds, basketball courts, and a mini beach.
Circus Fun Awaits You!
Why juggle plans when you can watch the pros? Discover amazing circus shows in New York Amazement guaranteed!
NYC Parks by Neighborhood
Each NYC borough has unique parks that cater to different lifestyles and interests. Here’s a guide to NYC’s best green spaces by neighborhood – trust us, there’s something for everyone!
Manhattan's Urban Parks
Manhattan is home to some of the most famous parks, including Central Park, Bryant Park, and Washington Square Park.
These spaces offer a blend of history, entertainment, and nature in the heart of the city. Whether you want to take a leisurely walk, watch a street performance, or admire historical monuments or New York landmarks, Manhattan’s parks are a must-visit.
Brooklyn's Green Spaces
Manhattan is home to some of the city’s most beloved green spaces — each with its own charm and character:
Central Park: The city’s crown jewel, perfect for strolls, picnics, boat rides, and scenic photo ops.
Bryant Park: A lively midtown oasis known for its seasonal events, open-air reading room, and vibrant lawn.
Washington Square Park: Famous for its arch, fountain, street performers, and artsy Greenwich Village vibe.
Why visit? These parks offer a perfect blend of history, entertainment, and nature — all in the heart of the city. Whether you're:
- Taking a peaceful walk,
- Watching a spontaneous jazz performance,
- Or soaking in the skyline from a shady bench…
Manhattan’s parks are the ultimate urban escape.
Queens' Public Parks
Brooklyn offers some of the city’s most spacious and scenic parks — ideal for everything from laid-back lounging to full-on weekend adventures.
Prospect Park: Designed by the creators of Central Park, this 500+ acre gem features rolling meadows, woodlands, a lake, and a charming boathouse.
Brooklyn Bridge Park: Stretching along the waterfront, this park boasts jaw-dropping Manhattan views, picnic spots, playgrounds, and even kayaking.
More to explore: Beyond the big names, Brooklyn’s neighborhoods are filled with cozy community gardens and peaceful promenades — just the thing for a quick recharge.
The Bronx's Nature Areas
The Bronx offers some of the most expansive green spaces in the city — rich in history, fresh air, and outdoor adventure.
Pelham Bay Park: At 2,765 acres, it’s NYC’s largest park — three times the size of Central Park! Think beaches, picnic spots, playgrounds, and sports courts, all in one vast landscape.
Van Cortlandt Park: A leafy retreat filled with oak trees, hiking trails, and deep roots in history. It’s home to the oldest house in the Bronx and the city’s first public golf course.
Whether you're swinging clubs, hiking trails, or building sandcastles — The Bronx knows how to do green space right.
💡 Did you know? Pelham Bay Park covers 2,765 acres, making it the largest park in NYC.
Staten Island’s Outdoor Spaces
Often called New York City’s “borough of parks,” Staten Island is a nature-lover’s paradise — full of quiet trails, open fields, and unexpected gems.
The Staten Island Greenbelt: A vast network of forested trails, wetlands, and woodlands — ideal for hiking, bird-watching, or simply getting lost in nature (in the best way).
Clove Lakes Park: A recreational haven with baseball diamonds, a football field, basketball courts, and playgrounds galore — all set around peaceful lakes and shady groves.
Whether you're in the mood for adventure or just need a quiet moment among the trees, Staten Island’s parks offer a breath of fresh air — literally.
💡 Did you know? Clove Lakes Park in Staten Island is home to a 300-year-old tulip tree!
Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Parks
Keep reading, because here, we’re answering your top questions about exploring NYC parks.
What are the best parks to visit in NYC?
Central Park, Prospect Park, Bryant Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park are iconic must-visits, with each park offering a unique experience. Whether you’re looking for a gorgeous walking or hiking trail, science and art exhibits, community and cultural events, or a place to exercise, these parks have it all.
Are NYC parks open year-round?
Yes, most parks are open all year, with seasonal activities like ice skating in winter and concerts and exhibits in summer. Some facilities and attractions within the parks may have specific operating hours, so we recommend checking ahead.
What activities can I do in NYC parks?
From community events to swimming, hiking and biking to kayaking and picnicking, NYC parks offer a massive variety of recreational activities for the entire family or friend group. Many parks also host multi-cultural festivals and fun fitness classes throughout the year.
Make the most out of your NYC visit!
Looking for an unforgettable experience beyond the parks? Catch one of our shows in New York and immerse yourself in gravity-defying, world-class entertainment!