Accessibility Info
Things to Do
No matter the season or weather, Parks has something fun to keep you active and amused. Through countless programs, events, and exhibits, we transform neighborhood parks and playgrounds into classrooms, theaters, gyms, planetariums, museums, and more. You can find fitness opportunities tailored to your age, location, and interests through BeFitNYC, or discover local events that match your availability and recreational desires in our Upcoming Events calendar. Add to that all of the Parks Department’s programs for the picking and first-class art for the finding, and you’ll learn that a visit to the park is the perfect antidote to a humdrum day.
Fitness Search: BeFitNYC
One benefit of living in the greatest city in the world is the amazing variety of recreational, athletic, and fitness opportunities available for people of all ages, interests and abilities. Parks offers many free or low-cost activities that can help New Yorkers get fit and stay fit. We’ve put information about our programs and others offered by local fitness organizations at your fingertips with our online guide and search engine, BeFitNYC.
Special Interests
Fall Foliage
Many parks in New York offer an abundance of wildlife, including deer, red-tailed hawks, owls, and even snapping turtles. Our Urban Park Rangers organize programs to teach you about the various wildlife throughout the Parks. 
Discover More Special Interests
Art in the Parks
Manolo Valdes, Manolo Valdes on Broadway
Manolo Valdes uses the work of past masters “as a pretext” (“como pretexto”) to create an entirely new aesthetic object..
Activities & Facilities
From swimming pools to wetlands and everything in between, Parks very own television show, It's My Park!, showcases the treasure trove of experiences waiting for you in NYC’s parks and recreational facilities.
More Facilities
Citywide Festivals
Parks produces a variety of large festivals and special events that provide unique experiences for thousands of New Yorkers year-round. Learn more about some of our biggest events by visiting the pages below.
Programs
Don’t get left out of the fun! Last year over four million people participated in our programs and special events.
Need guidance?
Urban Park Rangers
can help you discover New York City Outdoors.
Upcoming Events
Removal of Invasive Bittersweet at Van Cortlandt Park
Saturday, February 4, 2012Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
High Line Kids: Family Feather Flurry
Sunday, February 5, 201222nd Street Seating Steps (in The High Line), Manhattan
Tony Dapolito Recreation Center, Manhattan, Recreation Center Fifty-four (in Recreation Center 54), Manhattan, Hansborough Pool & Recreation Center (in Hansborough Recreation Center), Manhattan, Chelsea Recreation Center, Manhattan, Faber Park (in Faber Pool and Park), Staten Island, Lyons Pool, Staten Island, St. Mary's Recreation Center (in St. Mary's Park), Bronx, Pelham Fritz Recreation Center (in Marcus Garvey Park), Manhattan, Al Oerter Recreation Center (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens, J.Hood Wright Recreation Center, Manhattan, Greenbelt Recreation Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island, St. John's Recreation Center, Brooklyn, Sunset Park Recreation Center (in Sunset Park), Brooklyn, Hunts Point Recreation Center, Bronx, Sorrentino Recreation Center, Queens, Jackie Robinson Recreation Center (in Jackie Robinson Park), Manhattan, Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center (in Thomas Jefferson Park), Manhattan, St. James Recreation Center (in St. James Park), Bronx, Hamilton Fish Recreation Center, Manhattan, Lost Battalion Hall Recreation Center, Queens, Fort Hamilton Senior Recreation Center, Brooklyn, Owen Dolen Recreation Center (in Owen F. Dolen Park), Bronx, Metropolitan Recreation Center, Brooklyn, Roy Wilkins Recreation Center, Queens, Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center (in Alfred E. Smith Playground), Manhattan, Brownsville Recreation Center, Brooklyn, Red Hook Recreation Center, Brooklyn, Asser Levy Recreation Center (in Asser Levy Playground), Manhattan
Shape Up NYC: Leading A Healthy Lifestyle
Monday, February 6, 2012Tony Dapolito Recreation Center, Manhattan
Forever Wild
Parks’ 51 Forever Wild Nature Preserves include over 8,700 acres of towering forests, vibrant wetlands, and expansive meadows. These vital open spaces offer the chance to walk in the woods, paddle a stream, or observe wildlife.
