A true concrete jungle with events at every hour, New York City’s fast paced environment sometimes feels overwhelming. For many, taking a walk or playing a sport outdoors can help calm those feelings. Here are some of the best outdoor spaces around New York that will help you relax and recharge:
McCarren Park
Brooklyn
https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/mccarren-park
If playing sports is your way to recharge, then McCarren Park is the place for you. In the heart of the Williamsburg neighborhood, this pet friendly park is the site of endless games of soccer, baseball, handball, tennis, and more. On the weekends, you’ll find the park filled with family BBQs and community gatherings that are sure to liven up your spirits.
Central Park
Manhattan
https://www.centralparknyc.org/
A park that needs no introduction. Spanning over 843 acres, Central Park is the perfect place for those looking to seek comfort in nature. With stunning views including the Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Fountain, and the Bow Bridge, a day out at Central Park fills the heart up with joy.
Washington Square Park
Manhattan
https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/washington-square-park
With all the energy of New York, Washington Square Park is a playground for artists, a battleground for chess enthusiasts, and a meeting spot for university students in the city. There’s a place for everyone including your pets! Make sure to visit this park on the weekend, you are certain to find your niche here.
High Line
Manhattan
Runners rejoice! The highline provides 1.45 miles of solitude with a sprinkling of New York’s industrial history and beauty. The High Line is a masterpiece of urban development dotted with public art, greenery, and some of the best views in the city. Here you will find a rare opportunity to be above the noise and hustle of a big city. A must visit!
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn
https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/
One of the most iconic sites of New York is the Brooklyn Bridge and this treasure of a park offers breathtaking views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. You can do everything here from basketball to bird watching and roller skating to running. Brooklyn Bridge Park is truly a playground for people of all ages.
These parks made our list of must visit outdoor places in NYC, but there are hundreds of other facilities that offer other unique opportunities. You can use the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation website to discover them.