97 parks and nature spots for kids across all five boroughs of New York City, 80 of them free. Parks, gardens, farms, beaches. Includes Alley Pond Environmental Center and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
An environmental education center in Queens with resident animal ambassadors, nature trails through Alley Pond Park's wetlands and woods, and a big menu of classes. Toddler classes start before age 2, with weekend, homeschool and free programs for older kids.
A sprawling 19th-century landscape of hills, ponds and monuments where families can wander, spot birds and hunt for famous graves using a free mobile guide. Guided walking tours, two-hour historic trolley tours and events like the August Battle of Brooklyn re-enactment add to the history lesson.
An 85-acre waterfront park along 1.3 miles of the East River, with big playgrounds at Pier 6, sports courts, lawns and pebbly beaches facing the Manhattan skyline. Hundreds of free programs a year include kids' nature education, bike lessons and outdoor movies.
A historic military site at the Staten Island foot of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, with a visitor center, fort ruins and views across the Narrows. Kids can explore old batteries and watch ships pass under the bridge.
Over 12,000 acres of water, salt marsh and upland habitat in Jamaica Bay that form one of the Northeast's largest bird habitats. Families walk the pond trails from the visitor center to spot egrets, ospreys and migrating shorebirds.
A public rooftop lawn on a restored pier with wide Hudson River views and family-friendly events like outdoor film screenings. Downstairs, the Market 57 food hall and educational spaces with a Discovery Tank round out a visit.
A public park built on an old elevated rail line, where families stroll through gardens, public art and overlooks above the West Side streets. Free docent-led tours and seasonal family programs run through the year.
A 52-acre garden with cherry trees, a Japanese garden and seasonal plantings. Young kids can explore the Discovery Garden and join drop-in family nature programs.
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.
An 18th-century Flatbush farmhouse in Prospect Park with a working garden and hands-on exhibits. Kids try imaginative play and outdoor activities while learning about the Lenape and African Americans connected to the site.
The nation's first urban Audubon Center, set in Prospect Park's Boathouse by the Lullwater. Families meet park animals at free Animal Encounter sessions, borrow gear for nature exploration and join beginner bird walks.
A public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson with flower gardens, greenhouses and wide lawns to explore. Families can join seasonal nature and art activities on the grounds.
A waterfront learning space where kids get hands-on with East River science, from local wildlife to the park's salt marsh and plants, during free open hours and scheduled programs.
A Long Island City waterfront park with restored gantry cranes, a tot lot playground, a fishing pier, mist fountain and famous views of the Manhattan skyline.
A 172-acre car-free island a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, with open lawns, play fields and winding paths perfect for kids on bikes and scooters. Public art, seasonal events and harbor views fill a day trip.
The hub of Staten Island's 2,800-acre Greenbelt, with nature exhibits and trailheads into LaTourette Park's woods and wetlands. Families join guided hikes and nature programs or head out on the Blue Trail.
A four-mile park along Manhattan's West Side with playgrounds, piers, a science-themed playground and tide deck at Pier 26, and the River Project's Wetlab at Pier 40 for up-close river wildlife.
A flow-through aquarium lab at Pier 40 where kids meet fish, crabs, seahorses and other creatures pulled from the Hudson River. Public look-ins and Science Saturdays let families see the animals and learn about the estuary.
A huge garden with forests, conservatory displays and themed gardens. Kids can dig into hands-on science at the Everett Children's Adventure Garden.
Brooklyn's 526-acre flagship park, with Brooklyn's only lake, a forested ravine, the Long Meadow, a zoo, a carousel and the Audubon Center. Kids can splash at the LeFrak Center, explore Lefferts Historic House and follow woodland trails.
A 635-acre Queens park stretching from Little Neck Bay to Union Turnpike with tidal wetlands, kettle ponds, old-growth trees and an adventure course. It's home to the Alley Pond Environmental Center and the Alley Pond Giant tulip tree.
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.
A 193-acre Staten Island park with a chain of lakes, rowboat rentals in season, woodland trails and a playground, right next to the Staten Island Zoo.
A huge Queens park built for two World's Fairs, home to the Unisphere, the Queens Zoo, a lake with boating, playgrounds and the Queens Museum and New York Hall of Science nearby. Wide paths are great for bikes and scooters.
LittleGotham lists 97 parks and nature spots for kids in New York City.
Yes. 80 of 97 are free to attend, including Brooklyn Bridge Park, Green-Wood Cemetery, Pier 57 Rooftop Park.
Manhattan (26), Staten Island (21), Brooklyn (18).