by NYC Parks & Riverside Park Conservancy
Photo: riversideparknyc.org
A six-mile stretch of Hudson River parkland from West 59th to 181st Street with 16 playgrounds, a bird sanctuary, waterfront bike paths and summer events. The Riverside Park Conservancy runs kids' nature workshops and story hours.
Open daily; most NYC parks open 6 AM–1 AM
Free
Pick a date to add it to your plans.
All ages.
Free
Open daily; most NYC parks open 6 AM–1 AM
Riverside Drive to Hudson River, W 59th to W 181st Streets, 10024, in the Upper West Side, Manhattan.
No. Riverside Park is outdoors, so plan for weather, sunscreen and water.
A 36-acre woodland in the middle of Central Park with winding paths, rustic bridges, a stream and rock outcrops. It is one of the city's best places to see migrating birds, so it's great for young birders with binoculars.
Hands-on outdoor science workshops in Riverside Park for kids ages 4 to 10, exploring topics like migrating birds, bugs and plants through activities and observation.
Manhattan's 840-acre backyard, with lakes, woodlands, lawns, the Central Park Zoo, a carousel and more than 20 playgrounds. Families can bird-watch in the Ramble, borrow Discovery Kits at visitor centers and explore quiet corners like the Hallett Nature Sanctuary.
Central Park's only formal garden, six acres of French, Italian and English-style plantings with fountains. Kids who love The Secret Garden can find the Burnett Fountain, which honors the book's author with sculptures of two children.
A Central Park visitor center on the north shore of the Harlem Meer where families borrow Discovery Kits for self-guided nature exploration and play free lawn games like ring toss. It also hosts free Conservancy programs, exhibits and holiday events.
A large island park between Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens with waterfront paths, restored wetlands, an urban farm, sports fields and Scylla Playground with sprinklers. Free environmental and arts programs run through the warm months.