New York City is home to some of the most impressive parks. From Central and Prospect Parks, to Flushing Meadows Corona Park and The High Line, there’s no shortage of green space here. In fact, NYC even has more than 10 percent of its land dedicated as parkland!
#1 Central Park
It’s the most famous park in the world. It’s home to the largest city zoo, lots of different playgrounds, a free ice-skating rink, concerts and more.
You can go for a run through Central Park and see hundreds of people practicing yoga or running on treadmills inside their apartments (and sometimes even in their underwear). There are also tons of activities you can do with your kids like rent bikes from an old man near Sheep Meadow or take them to see one of many Broadway shows that play at various locations throughout the park.
For people who are seeking something low-key though, Flinderslane suggests going for a picnic with friends at Sheep Meadow where there’s plenty of room for volleyball games and frisbee tosses with dogs running around chasing after each other or just laying down next to each other taking naps together; this place is fantastic!
#2 Prospect Park
This large, urban oasis is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of NYC. Located in Brooklyn, Prospect Park has a zoo (with its own bear den), a lake, an extensive carousel collection, playgrounds and more. It also houses the popular Brooklyn Botanic Garden and has a golf course for all your golfing needs.
The park’s main attractions are its many green spaces — including lawns that are perfect for picnics — but it also offers plenty of things for kids to do: from climbing trees at the Little Red Lighthouse to riding on one of several carousels within the park. The Museum at FIT is located within Prospect Park as well; this museum offers exhibits on fashion history from pre-colonial times up through present day fashions by designers like Vivienne Westwood or Yves Saint Laurent.
#3 Flushing Meadows Corona Park
It’s a massive green area located in Queens, New York. It’s home to the 1964 World’s Fair and the Unisphere, which is a large globe sculpture that represents the Earth.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park also hosts several museums including the New York Hall of Science, Queens Museum of Art and Queens Zoo! If you’re looking for some free entertainment while you visit Flushing Meadows Corona Park — you may relish summer performances or catch some music at one of many outdoor concerts throughout the city this summer!
#4 The High Line
It’s a public space on a former elevated railway in Manhattan. It’s 1.45 miles long, making it the longest elevated green area in the world to date. It has become one of New York’s most popular attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year.
It’s also a great place for those who wish to exercise: walkers, joggers and cyclists use it every day to get their cardio fix or just enjoy some fresh air with their pets on their leashes. If you’re interested in seeing wildlife (birds!), there are plenty of them around The High line too!
If you’re looking for an opportunity to get some breathtaking views of Manhattan skyline then The High Line will not disappoint!
#5 Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a waterfront public green space in the DUMBO neighborhood of the New York City borough of Brooklyn. The area, which has been open since 2009, is located on the site of the former Fulton Ferry Landing. It is a joint project of the City of New York and New York State to create a continuous pedestrian promenade and bicycle path along Brooklyn’s waterfront from Old Fulton Landing in Red Hook to Atlantic Avenue at Clinton Street in DUMBO. The territory includes several recreational facilities for residents, including an artificial turf soccer field, basketball courts and baseball diamonds; mostly grassy areas for lounging; playgrounds for children; public art installations; three piers (Terminal 7-9) with large open spaces suitable for fairs or festivals; small boat marinas with slips available for lease by boaters who own boats less than 20 feet long (not available to non-residents); numerous docks along both sides where fishermen may fish without license requirements as long as they keep their catch within 100 feet from shore (this excludes fishing in any portion designated as environmental protection area); several small pavilions throughout which may be reserved by groups wishing to host events such as birthday parties or wedding receptions (availability depends on availability).
#6 Battery Park City Esplanade
It’s a great place to walk, jog, or bike if you desire to take in some of the best views of lower Manhattan and New York Harbor. You can also go here if you desire to take a stroll with your dog or kids.
