Parks & Gardens New York

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 Park

Central 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

The entirety of Central Park can be too much to navigate on your own intuition. Check out this downloadable map from this official website to get your way around.
There is always something to see or do in Central Park. From time to time, new facilities are opened for the public to enjoy. Check out all of the things that you can see or do here.
There are many fun events happening at the central park. Take a look at their calendar of events and activities.
Learn the story of the Park's history, design and ecology to get an insider's look at the world's greatest urban park by getting an official central park group tour in this link.
Check out the Central Park Shop and avail yourself with one of their various goods and merchandises.

basic information

Central Park, New York, NY 10006, USA

Free

Monday - Sunday: 6am - 1am

86 St. Station

12123106600

www..centralparknyc.org

East River State Park

Cradled 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.

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The park is a perfect spot for passive culinary recreation; it is a good place for you and your family to partake in picnicking and barbecues.
You should be aware that pets, biking, and alcoholic drinks are currently not allowed at the East River State Park.
The park also hosts various friendly games of adult dodgeball and pool parties. A park is simply a perfect place for a game of outdoor sport.
On weekends, there is a market to keep you occupied while you are nearby the park. Check it out if you have the chance.
The stellar view of the NYC skyline is one of the park’s highlights, perfect for a photo op with you, your friends or your family.

basic information

East River State Park, 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA

Free

Monday- Sunday: 9am - 9pm

Kent Avenue

17187822731

www.parks.ny.gov

New York Botanical Garden

If 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

All visitors, including Members, need tickets for entry to the Garden. Reserve your tickets online and print them at home in advance to avoid lines at the entry gates.
Because of the limited parking spaces, it is expected that peak hours will have reached maximum capacity for parking spaces. Get to the botanical garden using public transportation instead.
Public buses and taxis are the easiest way to get to the garden. Check out this official directions guide.
Check out all of the available and upcoming events at the botanical garden in this link.
Learn more about the history, research notes, programs and other educational resources of the garden in this link.

basic information

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

7188178700

www.nybg.org

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

This 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

Check out this page for the Botanic Garden’s admission prices. Do note that Members of the botanic garden can get in and out for free. Fridays before noon also have a free admission time which you can take advantage of.
Familiarize yourself with the botanic garden’s rules and regulations before you visit the park.
Check out where and what the availability is for each and every garden at the park here. Sometimes, there are parts of the garden that are closed so be on the lookout.
Most of Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s species, subspecies, varieties, hybrids and cultivars can be found in this searchable database.
BBG's award-winning horticultural handbooks have offered practical information in a compact, easy-to-read format. Check out these handbooks and their availability on this page from their website.

basic information

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

17186237200

www.bbg.org

Fort Tryon Park

The 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

The park's 8-mile pathways are a popular destination for the city's joggers. Try it out for a healthy run.
The Fort Tryon Park is home to the Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art which offers a tour of one of their magnificent art spaces. Check it out for a one of a kind artistic experience.
Visit the park’s New Leaf Restaurant & Bar, a stylish restaurant great for a romantic dinner.
Manhattan’s largest dog run is annually held at the Fort Tryon Park. Bring along your favourite pets and inquire more at their desk for this event.
Are you in the park but somehow still having a difficult time navigating the place? Avoid being lost by checking out this downloadable Fort Tryon Park map.

basic information

Riverside Dr To Broadway, New York, NY 10040, USA

Free

Everyday 6am - 1am

Dyckman St. Subway Station

12127951388

www.nycgovparks.org

Forest Park

In 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

The Forest Park is home to the Athlete’s playground. Softball, baseball, tennis, Bocce, handball and golf are a few of the options that you, your friends and family could avail from.
Horses can be hired from a private sable in order to cover more ground from a higher perspective. Be sure to check in with the staff in charge when renting a horse.
Free musical concerts are held here regularly in the summer. Check at the help desk at the park for more details.
The park is also home to what might be the oldest carousels of New York City that you and your children will surely love. Check out the beautiful details of the carousel rides at the park.
Attend an Urban Park Rangers event for an introduction to Forest Park’s geology, forestry or animals. Check out this offer at the help desk at the park.

basic information

Myrtle Ave, Queens, NY 11421, USA

Everyday 6am to 9pm

104 St. Subway Station

17182350815

www.nycgovparks.org

High Line Park

Walking 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

Enhance your next visit to the High Line Park with their new app that you can share with your friends and family. This useful app is Available for iPhone on Itunes and Google Play for Android.
Download the official High Line Pocket Guide in this link. Be sure to share this with your travel buddies on your way to the park.
All the current and upcoming events at the High Line Park can be accessed here. Plan your next visit to coincide with one of the many exciting events at the park.
Bring your whole family to the High Line with this official family visit plan from the official website.
The High Line Shop can be accessed here. Being a member can have exclusive advantages such as discounts on all shop purchases.

basic information

High Line New York, NY 10011, USA

Free

Monday - Sunday: 7am - 11pm

23 Street Station

12125006035

www.thehighline.org

Flushing Meadow - Corona Park

As 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

The New York Hall of Science is located at this park. Curious visitors should take a gander at what the hall of science has in store for them.
The park is also home to the Queens Museum of Art who has an amazing diorama of New York City’s five boroughs. Check them out if you have the chance.
Check out the Park Pool & Rinks schedule and rules and regulations on this page.

basic information

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

17187606565

www.nycgovparks.org/parks

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn 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

Parking near Brooklyn Bridge Park is very limited. They highly recommend taking public transportation, biking or walking to the park. You can check out this link for a guide on how to get there.
Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of Brooklyn Bridge Park. Check them out in this link.
There are multiple activities such as Kayaking, music, soccer, history, movies, fitness, swimming and more at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Plan your perfect park visit with this event calendar.
Lockers are available to store your possessions while you play at Pier 2 and Pier 5. Pier 2’s lockers are accessible for 25 cents, while Pier 5’s lockers require a personal lock.
Looking for a lost item? Call Brooklyn Bridge Park’s front desk at (718) 222-9939 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

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

7182229939

www.brooklynbridgepark.org

Battery Park

The 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

If you still feel a little lost, check out this direction guide from their official website. This useful guide will be your navigating tool to the park.
If you want to get around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, ferries usually dock at the shore of Battery Park every other hour. Be sure to check in at the port booths for this offer.
Join the bird walks at The Battery with NYC Audubon. Explore the diversity of migrating birds that find food and habitat in The Battery.
Yoga in The Battery is held every summer twice a week. Bring your own mat or borrow one of theirs while supplies last, first come first served.
Learn about the park's rich history, many important landmarks, and monuments, the Seaglass Carousel, 195,000 square feet of beautiful perennial gardens designed by renowned Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf every Thursday from 1 PM to 2 PM.

basic information