Parks, Gardens and Nature
Beyond New York's towering skyscrapers and its busy city scene are hidden gems which can sweep you off your feet - New York City parks and gardens. The city's stunning landscapes extend beyond its concrete jungle - in fact, when you've already visited its parks and gardens, you'll surely look for more. The east side's most popular city is home to many gardens and parks - both hidden ones, and ones open to the public - that offer serene spots for those who would like to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Whether you are with your family, a group of friends or on your own, you'll enjoy the sights and the endless activities found in many gardens and parks in New York.
Central ParkCentral Park is Big Apple's favourite backyard and the best place to enjoy New York family activities. The lush green fields and the panoramic views are irresistible to both locals and tourists. The park's calendar of activities are always jam-packed - the things you can do at the park are as endless as its fields. Central Park is for the whole family - the playgrounds, the Marionette theatre and the zoo offer so much entertainment that will surely want to make you stay longer.
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New York's favourite hang out spot is home to the Central Park Zoo - an engaging attraction where you can see up close and interact with almost 130 animal species. The 6.5-acre zoo is home to various amphibians, fun birds and farm animals such as goats and cows. If you're looking for kid-friendly activities, visit the Children's Zone. Here, you'll find the Friedsam Memorial Carousel, the classic amusement park known as Victorian Gardens and the Ancient Playground. tips
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Central Park, New York, NY 10006, USA
Free
Monday - Sunday: 6am - 1am
86 St. Station
East River State ParkCradled along the East River in the neighbourhood of Brooklyn is the East River State Park, a seven-acre green space located across Manhattan. The vast expanse of this waterfront park offers a myriad of activities to its guests - the play area allows kids to frolic and play, while the dazzling Manhattan skyline provides a breathtaking contrast that's perfect for photographs. East River State Park isn't as crowded as other parks in New York, thus, it's a great place for anyone who wants to enjoy a quiet moment.
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Postcard-worthy spots - which include 19th-century shipping docks, cobblestone pavements and old railroad tracks - riddle the area. The park is known for its preservation of historical landmarks and natural attractions located near the river. Historic interpretative signs are provided for the convenience of guests. Picnic and barbecue areas are readily available for visitors. tips
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East River State Park, 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA
Free
Monday- Sunday: 9am - 9pm
Kent Avenue
New York Botanical GardenIf you have a passion for both modern cities and beautiful gardens, New York is for you. A short distance away from the Bronx Zoo is the New York Botanical Garden, a haven for anyone who enjoys anything that blooms. This flourishing garden is an attraction that blooms and booms - adults and children will surely take delight in its bright flowers and exotic flora and fauna. The entire garden is a 250-meter stretch filled with greenhouses, plants that bloom in different seasons and various mini gardens.
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Walk along its flower-filled pavements to see what plants are in bloom. Take lots of photos inside the enchanting rose garden. Have an educational tour of the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory - home of World of Plants - and discover the wonders of tropical rainforests, aquatic plants, vast deserts and palm collections from all over the world. If you desperately need a change of scenery while in New York, the New York Botanical Garden is the place to be. tips
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2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
Weekdays:
Adults: $23 Seniors (65+): $20 Students (with valid ID): $20 Children (2–12): $10 Children under 2: Free Members: Free* Adults: $28 Seniors (65+): $25 Students (with valid ID): $25 Children (2–12): $12 Children under 2: Free Members: Free* *Ticket prices are subject to change depending on season and current exhibition. Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 6pm
Monday Closed Botanical Garden Train Station
Brooklyn Botanic GardenThis beautiful attraction - located at the heart of Brooklyn, New York - is a place of beauty and knowledge. Brooklyn Botanic Garden holds the preservation of different floras and faunas all over the world. This 52-acre attraction built in 1910 is home to a collection of miniature gardens, a Bonsai Museum, the Steinhardt Conservatory, climate-themed pavilion and an art gallery. With almost 14,000 taxa of plants inside, there's something to see in every corner. Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York with 900,000 visitors yearly.
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A walk around Brooklyn Botanic Garden is nothing short of enchanting - exploring here feels like you're visiting various gardens around the globe. Feel as if you're in Japan by visiting the Cherry Esplanade - a pathway filled with cherry blossom trees - and the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. Let the roses of Cranford Rose Garden enamour your senses. At sunset, take a romantic walk along the pavements of Shakespeare's Garden. Kids have a special spot here, too. Inside the Children's Garden, young tourists will have the chance to plant various kinds of seeds on small plots. Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a family attraction in New York that will surely leave a mark. tips
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990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA
Adult $15
Seniors and Students $8 Under 12 Free Tuesday - Sunday: 8am - 6pm
Monday Closed Botanic Garden Station
Fort Tryon ParkThe verdant surprise in the middle of Hudson Heights, Washington Heights and Inwood neighbourhoods is Fort Tryon Park - a beautiful green space that occupies Manhattan's northern end. Situated on top of a hill full of woods, Fort Tryon Park is a popular New York attraction that presents visitors with panoramic vistas of Hudson Park, the Bronx Zoo and Upper Manhattan.
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Fort Tryon Park is an off-the-beaten-path attraction that is free from large groups of tourists - it's a great place to unwind and relax. The greenery that surrounds the park provides a fresh and peaceful ambience which isn't too common in the Big Apple. Along with its 8-mile stretch, you will find The Met Cloisters - a branch of the MET Museum that holds a collection of medieval artefacts. Fort Tryon is a favourite spot for photographers - you'll find photo shoots here every now and then. If what you are looking for is a relaxing day out, a trip to Fort Tryon is a must. tips
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Riverside Dr To Broadway, New York, NY 10040, USA
Free
Everyday 6am - 1am
Dyckman St. Subway Station
Forest ParkIn the heart of Queens, New York is Forest Park - a 538-acre stretch of lush, unadulterated greenery. The Forest Park is Queens' largest forest and a great place to see some of nature's delights like the changing leaves, the stillness of the forest and some migrating birds. As one of the most popular New York forests, this location offers a great spot for bird watching - some of the most notable kinds seen here include the vireo, the warbler and thrush.
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Known for its knob and kettle terrain marked by small hills, the park is a must visit for anyone who loves to explore off-the-beaten-path nature sights. The eastern part of the park is for nature lovers - the area is filled with hiking trails and bridle paths which can be explored via horse ride. The western side is for sports lovers - here, you can find a softball and baseball field, a tennis court and a golf course known to be one of the most challenging ones in the world. To get to know more about one of the most popular parks in New York, avail of the Urban Park Rangers Tour - a tour which introduces guests to the park's history and geology. tips
basic information
Myrtle Ave, Queens, NY 11421, USA
Everyday 6am to 9pm
104 St. Subway Station
High Line ParkWalking High Line's well-decorated pavement can sometimes make tourists wonder "Did this really come from an old, dingy railroad?" Considered as one of the fanciest trails in New York, High Line stands as an example of sophisticated urban renewal. This popular public park was once close to demolition until residents - who call themselves Friends of the High Line - did all they could to keep it. Today, it is one of the city's favourite green spaces attracting visitors to enjoy a relaxing stroll or have a picnic 30 feet above the city while enjoying the panoramic views of Manhattan's landscape.
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While at the High Line, enjoy stunning vistas of the Hudson River, public art displays, wide lounge chairs that allow you to enjoy the New York sun, relaxing landscape and food vendors which allow you get a taste of popular local delicacies. Kids will enjoy the clean, wide pavement where they can run around while seeing the busy lanes of the Big Apple. At night, the High Line transforms into an uber-romantic spot where couples can enjoy some quiet time, a scenic walk, and a romantic ambience. The High Line is a famous spot for various parties and events -- make sure to check out their official site. This iconic attraction continues to thrive through donations - if you want to show some love to the High Line, donate here. tips
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High Line New York, NY 10011, USA
Free
Monday - Sunday: 7am - 11pm
23 Street Station
Flushing Meadow - Corona ParkAs the largest park in Queens - and fourth in size in all of New York - Flushing Meadows Corona Park has something for everyone. Known popularly as the site of famous World Fairs flocked by millions of people, Flushing Meadows Corona Park draws thousands of tourists every single year. The park's sprawling fields and various attractions cater to jocks, nature lovers, artists and families!
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The vast greenery calls for soccer and baseball games and even a cricket match. The breathtaking recreational complex is a great spot for families who want to bond and unwind on a bright New York day. Kids will surely enjoy the six playgrounds located inside Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The park's botanical garden will undoubtedly pique the interest of nature aficionados. Couples will love it here too - the Flushing Meadows Promenade is a perfect path for those who want to enjoy a romantic stroll. Clearly, there's something for everyone here. tips
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Queens, NY, USA
Annual memberships for recreation centers with pools cost $150 for adults, and $25 for seniors (ages 62 and older). Membership is free for anyone under the age of 18. As of July 1, 2013, memberships will cost $25 for young adults (ages 18-24).
Monday- Sunday: 6am - 9pm
Mets-Willets Po Stationt
Brooklyn Bridge ParkBrooklyn Bridge Park - as indicated in its name - is a recreational attraction in New York located under the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. This attraction is one of the popular parks in New York visited weekly by thousands of visitors. While at the park, one can see stunning vistas of Manhattan and can enjoy a relaxing picnic on one of the picnic spots in the area. Regular events that can be enjoyed in this park include free Movies with a View, fitness classes, kayaking and rowing.
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A newer Brooklyn Bridge Park is currently under construction to provide more glitzy coastal attractions. Some of the big additions to the park include large lawns and bright promenades, walkways and a large playground. With a variety of restaurants available around the park, a stay in Brooklyn Bridge Park does spell relaxation and fun. tips
basic information
334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
Pier 2: 6am-8pm
Pier 5: 6am-11pm Pier 6 Volleyball Courts: 6am-11pm Squibb Park & Bridge: 6am-11pm 99 Plymouth: 8am-11pm Playgrounds are open dawn to dusk The remainder of the park is open 6am-1am High Street - Brooklyn Bridge Station
Battery ParkThe Battery - previously known as the Battery Park - is a 25-acre recreational park situated in the southern part of Lower Manhattan. The park got its name from the artillery batteries that were placed in the city's first years to protect the settlement behind them. The Hudson River's esplanade is one of Battery Park's main attractions. With a total length extending from Battery Park to Tribeca, it offers a great place for strolling, running, biking and sightseeing. if you want to enjoy some quiet time, sit down on one of the benches available near the river.
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Explore Battery Park's 195,000 square feet perennial gardens which are home to lush floras and faunas. Take a ride in the fascinating sea glass carousel which is inspired by the beauty of the ocean. Get to know more about The Battery's interesting history by visiting the park's interactive timeline. tips
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Date Modified: 08/10/2019