# Nature for kids in NYC (97) > 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… URL: https://littlegotham.com/category/nature/ [Home](https://littlegotham.com/) / Nature ## Nature for kids in NYC 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. [Filter & map these](https://littlegotham.com/explore/?cat=nature) 80 free 17 indoor ### Nature by borough [Nature in Manhattan 26 ](https://littlegotham.com/borough/manhattan/nature/) · [Nature in Brooklyn 18 ](https://littlegotham.com/borough/brooklyn/nature/) · [Nature in Queens 16 ](https://littlegotham.com/borough/queens/nature/) · [Nature in the Bronx 16 ](https://littlegotham.com/borough/bronx/nature/) · [Nature in Staten Island 21 ](https://littlegotham.com/borough/staten-island/nature/) [Alley Pond Environmental Center](https://littlegotham.com/activity/alley-pond-environmental-center/): Douglaston Suggested $5 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. Ages 1–14 Daily Indoor [Green-Wood Cemetery](https://littlegotham.com/activity/green-wood-cemetery/): Greenwood Heights Free The Green-Wood Historic Fund 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. All ages Daily Outdoor [Brooklyn Bridge Park](https://littlegotham.com/activity/brooklyn-bridge-park/): Brooklyn Heights Free Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation 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. All ages Daily Outdoor [Fort Wadsworth](https://littlegotham.com/activity/fort-wadsworth/): Rosebank Free National Park Service – Gateway National Recreation Area 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. Ages 4–17 Mon, Fri–Sun Outdoor [Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge](https://littlegotham.com/activity/jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge/): Broad Channel Free National Park Service – Gateway National Recreation Area 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. Ages 3–17 Mon, Fri–Sun Outdoor [Pier 57 Rooftop Park](https://littlegotham.com/activity/pier-57-rooftop-park/): Chelsea Free Hudson River Park Trust / Pier 57 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. All ages Daily Outdoor [The High Line](https://littlegotham.com/activity/the-high-line/): Chelsea Free Friends of the High Line / NYC Parks 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. All ages Daily Outdoor [Brooklyn Botanic Garden](https://littlegotham.com/activity/brooklyn-botanic-garden/): Prospect Heights Price on site 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. All ages Tue–Sun Outdoor [Conservatory Garden](https://littlegotham.com/activity/conservatory-garden/): East Harlem Free Central Park Conservancy 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. All ages Daily Outdoor [Lefferts Historic House](https://littlegotham.com/activity/lefferts-historic-house/): Prospect Park Price on site Prospect Park Alliance & Historic House Trust 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. Ages 3–12 Sat, Sun [Prospect Park Audubon Center at the Boathouse](https://littlegotham.com/activity/prospect-park-audubon-center-at-the-boathouse/): Prospect Park Free Prospect Park Alliance & Audubon New York 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. Ages 2–12 Sat, Sun Indoor [Wave Hill](https://littlegotham.com/activity/wave-hill/): Riverdale Kids $4 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. All ages Tue–Sun Outdoor [Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center](https://littlegotham.com/activity/brooklyn-bridge-park-environmental-education-center/): Brooklyn Heights Free Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy 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. Ages 3–14 Thu–Sun Indoor [Gantry Plaza State Park](https://littlegotham.com/activity/gantry-plaza-state-park/): Long Island City Free NY State Parks 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. All ages Outdoor [Governors Island](https://littlegotham.com/activity/governors-island/): Financial District Kids free Trust for Governors Island 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. All ages Outdoor [Greenbelt Nature Center](https://littlegotham.com/activity/greenbelt-nature-center/): Heartland Village Free Greenbelt Conservancy / NYC Parks 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. Ages 2–14 Indoor [Hudson River Park](https://littlegotham.com/activity/hudson-river-park/): West Village Free Hudson River Park Trust 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. All ages Outdoor [Hudson River Park Wetlab at Pier 40](https://littlegotham.com/activity/hudson-river-park-wetlab-at-pier-40/): West Village Free Hudson River Park s River Project 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. Ages 3–14 Indoor [New York Botanical Garden](https://littlegotham.com/activity/new-york-botanical-garden/): Bedford Park Price on site A huge garden with forests, conservatory displays and themed gardens. Kids can dig into hands-on science at the Everett Children s Adventure Garden. All ages Tue–Sun Outdoor [Prospect Park](https://littlegotham.com/activity/prospect-park/): Park Slope Free NYC Parks & Prospect Park Alliance 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. All ages Outdoor [Alley Pond Park](https://littlegotham.com/activity/alley-pond-park/): Douglaston Free NYC Parks 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. All ages Outdoor [Central Park](https://littlegotham.com/activity/central-park/): Central Park Free NYC Parks & Central Park Conservancy 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. All ages Outdoor [Clove Lakes Park](https://littlegotham.com/activity/clove-lakes-park/): Sunnyside Free NYC Parks 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. All ages Outdoor [Flushing Meadows Corona Park](https://littlegotham.com/activity/flushing-meadows-corona-park/): Corona Free NYC Parks 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. All ages Outdoor ### Quick answers How many parks and nature spots for kids are there in New York City? LittleGotham lists 97 parks and nature spots for kids in New York City. Are there free 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. Which boroughs have the most parks and nature spots? Manhattan (26), Staten Island (21), Brooklyn (18). --- LittleGotham: things to do with kids in New York City. [Home](https://littlegotham.com/) · [Search](https://littlegotham.com/explore/) · [llms.txt](https://littlegotham.com/llms.txt) · [Sitemap](https://littlegotham.com/sitemap.xml) · [Open data (JSON)](https://littlegotham.com/data/activities.json)