New York City is more than bustling streets, towering buildings and bright lights. It is home to 28,000 acres of parkland – green areas of family fun that have been a key part of the city’s historical development. Numerous summer activities exist within their boundaries, each providing an avenue of escape for New Yorkers and tourists alike.
| Summer activities in New York City parks are as
numerous as the people that frequent them. Take
Central Park
for example - New York’s best and the United States first urban
landscaped park. What family doesn’t like sporting activities?
Central Park
is home to numerous playing areas including seven baseball and softball
fields as well as six set aside for soccer. In addition, a fabulous
tennis facility is available with twenty-six clay and four asphalt
courts. All activities are open to the public. So go on, lace up those
sneakers and be prepared for some active family fun.
Central Park will also showcase numerous summer cultural and holiday activities. One of the best known, and most attended, is the New York Philharmonic Concert Series. |
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This event, located on the Great Lawn from 79th to 85th street, is host to top notch performances which began at 8pm. Plan to be there at least one and a half hours before the show starts to ensure a great seat. This series is also performed throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Long Island parks.
“Picnic in the Park”, a wonderful 4th of July event, is also a must do activity. This event, held at the world famous Tavern on the Green, features delectable salads, entrees and desserts. The Wildlife Center and Children’s Zoo will satisfy your family’s natural needs. This is not your ordinary zoo, but rather a wildlife park full of animals able to enjoy natural freedom. Families should check out the June 4th event, “Plants Parts We Munch for Lunch”. This family workshop will provide educational activities including how roots, stems, leaves and seeds are used in cooking as well as children’s games, drawing and charades. Finally, your family will enjoy the numerous dance, spoken word and music events at the Central Park Summer Stage. This spectacular summer activity will be located on the Rumsey Playfield off 72nd and 5th Avenue and surely please the whole family.
But Central Park is not the only green escape within the city limits. The Urban Park Ranger program, for example, exists every summer weekend in all five boroughs. Highly trained park rangers teach families, adults and seniors the wonders of New York’s 28,000 green acres. Activities on the card include bird watching, nature walks, flower and tree naming and many other educational treats. The ever popular horseback riding adventure is also available in many of the city’s parks including Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx, Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Central Park and Forest Park in Queens. Many of the bridle paths run through scenic woods, meadows and ravines and are up to 3.5 miles in length.
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| The Bronx’s St. Mary’s Park will host a Turn 2 Baseball Clinic on June 11th and 18th for the kids. This event is free for boys and girls aged 8-13 and provides training and skills from seasoned players and coaches. Parents can stay and watch and will benefit from the fun the children will have. Inwood Hill Park in Manhattan will host “Drums Along the Hudson: A Native American Fest” on May 1st. This family friendly festival will celebrate the drum – the heart, culture and tradition of the Native American people. Included in the festival will be social dances, crafts and food. |
All the major parks in New York City have assigned greenways – linear open spaces with paths or trails lining a natural corridor. There are over 350 miles of connective greenways that form a city wide network of family fun. Families can cycle, run, roller blade, skate or stroll along the beautiful paths. One of the best places to rent a bike is at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park. Families can ride along the scenic corridors, enjoying their time together and the natural beauty that exists before them.
New York City has numerous parks in which families can enjoy their much deserved summer activities. Children will love the variety of activities planned for the summer and parents will be relieved that they will be occupied during the summer months. Enjoy what New York City parks have to offer and relax during those lazy summer months.
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