Highland Park to Forest Park Trail. Best for: solitude. 10 miles of trails through kettle pools and wild fields. Cuts into the park's hallmark - Queens' largest continuous oak forest. Glacier-created kettle ponds lend the trail its tranquility.

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Highland Park, Brooklyn

Those searching for a little peace and quiet would do well to spend a few hours at this verdant oasis. The garden, which abuts two other neighborhood gems—The Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park—was founded in 1910 and features hundreds of types of flora, laid out over 52 acres. Each spring, crowds descend on the space when hundreds of cherry blossoms bloom along the Cherry Esplanade.

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Brooklyn Botanic Garden

This park is Brooklyn's first, established in 1847 after serving as the home to several forts during the Revolutionary War. Now the forts are gone, replaced with basketball courts, playgrounds, tennis courts and plenty of space (more than 30 acres) to enjoy some time outside. On Saturdays, you can wander through the greenmarket just outside the park, then find a bench and enjoy your foodie finds.

Fort Greene Park

Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, this hidden gem offers a peaceful and serene hiking experience that feels like a world away from the bustling city. The morning hours provide the perfect opportunity for a tranquil meditation session by the waterfall, before the park becomes busy with sightseers and fitness enthusiasts. The lush forest and stunning views make it a must-visit for nature lovers, earning it the title of the Grand Canyon of New York City. As you explore the area, you may encounter locals and visitors engaging in various activities, from birdwatching to simply basking in the sun. The ravine's charm is further enhanced by the presence of a dog beach, making it an ideal spot for furry companions to cool off and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape or a scenic adventure, this hiking area offers a unique and rejuvenating experience for all.

Prospect Park Ravine

Visitors can traverse a hidden waterfront in north Brooklyn. The nature walk navigates a thin strip of shoreline between two toxic sites in Greenpoint. It is situated behind the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, the largest wastewater facility in New York City, a 53-acre complex that processes raw sewage from a million residents. Sculptures line the entire nature walk, guiding intrepid visitors through an adventurous public artwork that explores the histories of the creek and the universe. Here you can contemplate a curated collection of native plant species and simultaneously reflect on the ramifications of centuries of industrial pollution. The vistas can be inspiring, even while filled with contamination.

Newtown Creek Nature Walk

Washington Park & JJ Byrne Playground are part of the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation. The busy park provides many opportunities for quiet enjoyment, as well as play and exercise for you, your children and your pets, including a playground, turf fields, basketball courts, handball courts, a skatepark and a dog run

JJ Byrne Park

The 9th Street Community Garden is one of the largest community gardens in New York City. The garden was founded in 1979 and has continued to thrive as a botanic garden with flower and vegetable gardens, a fish pond, peach and cherry trees, a grape arbor, a Japanese garden, and a gazebo. The space also contains a rainwater harvesting system, a composting setup, and community spaces, including a stage and a barbecue area.

9th Street Community Garden Park

Miracle Garden was begun in 1983. It is a beautiful garden with a variety of plantings. A winding path leads visitors past a picnic table, benches, and ornamentals, and opens into a meeting area obscured from the street, making it a calm, cool respite on a hot summer day. The rear part of the garden also includes a gazebo/stage area, a tool shed, rainwater harvesting system, and plenty of seating.

Miracle Garden

This popular park in the middle of the East Village is a perfect centerpiece for its eclectic neighborhood, which houses artists, radicals, fashion lovers, and those who have lived in the neighborhood for decades and witnessed its many changes. The performances hosted by the park are as unique as its visitors: the annual lineup includes the outdoor drag festival Wigstock, the Howl Festival commemorating Allen Ginsberg, and the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. 

Tompkins Square Park

Waterfront parks are having a moment, so if your kiddos can play while taking in breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, why not? Hunter's Point South Park in Long Island Cityboasts accessible playground equipment for all little visitors, including swings, ground-level play features and more. Be sure to stop by the volleyball and basketball courts or take your little crew for a bike ride through the cycling routes.

Hunters Point South Park

Antonio Vázquez

Discover what the Outdoors scene is like in New York City. Bigfoot is the local's guide to new experiences in your city so you can get the most out of every weekend.

Find Outdoors in New York City

The idea of setting aside areas of land for recreational use first started  in New York 1686 when Governor Thomas set aside land for municipal care. That land is still a park today - Bowling Green. Since those very early days, New York has grown, and so have the parks. Today there are over 1,700 across all five boroughs.


<p>From the Bronx to Staten Island there is no end of choice on how to enjoy and explore the great outdoors in New York. Local parks and recreational areas are free in NYC, although they will often host events that may charge money. A great example is <a href="https://cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/">Summer Stages</a> in Central Park, and this event offers free and ticketed performances.  Smoking is not permitted in any NYC park.</p>


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