15 Best NYC Parks & Nature Spots

Joni Monacell:  This 2,880 acre park in the center of Staten Island boasts 35 miles of hiking paths. They have everything from short loops, good for younger kids, up to a 12 mile hike. Most can be accessed from the park's nature center, where you can get a trail map to plan your hike.

Annette Parks:  With Silver Lake as its natural centerpiece, you can lounge around the lake or enjoy the sports fields, playgrounds and trails. If you come with the kids, be sure to rent bikes and see the park in its entirety.

Lisa R:  The oldest waterfront NYC park has 240,000 square feet of perennial gardens, plus lawns and woodland, a splash fountain, one of NYC's best playgrounds and the unique Sea Glass carousel.

Nancy L.:  Governors Island has military beginnings with the colonial militia in 1755. It became a major headquarters for the U.S. Army and Coast Guard and was one of the longest continually operating military installations in the U.S. until it closed in 1996. Now it's a beautiful park and national monument filled with family-friendly activities. Try the Slide Hill, bike paths, and play areas. Tour Castle Williams, Fort Jay, and the National Historic Landmark District. Access the island by ferry from lower Manhattan or Brooklyn.

Kelly R:  This waterfront park along the western edge of Manhattan spans six neighborhoods. There are several piers and miles of path to explore, with athletic fields, restaurants, multiple playgrounds, skateparks, a carousel and one of the best mini golf courses in NYC.

The High Line is one of the world's first and few elevated linear parks, built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Families can enjoy the many food vendors along the way, beautiful greenery, and family programs, as well as playgrounds and water features.

Nancy L.:  Stop into this hidden gem on Hudson Street in the West Village for an escape. It's beautiful, quiet, and free. St. Luke's Church was built in 1821 and the first planting occurred in 1842. Over the centuries the garden has been expanded numerous times. It's now two-thirds of an acre and features a mix of "garden standards, rare hybrids, and native American flora."

Kelly R:  Known for its breathtaking views of the Brooklyn bridge and lower Manhattan, this beautiful 85-acre park has plenty to interest kids, too. There are multiple cool playgrounds and play spaces, plus an Environmental Education Center, a beach and Jane's Carousel.

Washington Square Park is home to three playgrounds that appeal to kids of all ages. Play Hills features rolling turf-covered hills with an elevated rope course for climbing. A Big Kid Playground features swings, sand play, slides, and more. There's also a separate Toddler Playground for the little ones.

Nancy L.:  At 585 acres, Prospect Park is Brooklyn's second largest park and it's brimming with family-friendly activities. There are exhibits at the Audubon Society and Lefferts Historic House. There's the Greenmarket, playgrounds, ride a horse through park, the carousel, and much more.

Nancy L.:  Central Park stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West. There are countless things to see and do at the park and the Central Park Conservancy's website has it all outlined in detail. Enjoying the day in the park is free but if you choose to partake of certain activities such as the carousel, the Central Park Zoo, or Wollman Rink, there is a charge.

Joni Monacell:  This is the largest park in Brooklyn and a great place to go on a family hike. Many species of birds, fish, turtles and crabs live in the park's preserved wetlands and grasslands. There's a playground, nature center, and plenty of space for sports and biking.

Lisa R:   The wide array of free public events, festivals and learning opportunities hosted on this NYC gem make Randall's Island a great destination for families. A walk or bike ride down the eight miles of meandering, car-free paths takes visitors by an urban farm, numerous public gardens, and waterfront natural areas.

Joni Monacell:  Home to forest and salt marsh, this park is said to look like Manhattan before it was developed. There are three trails, two of which trails are paved. There are some great views of the Hudson River, and you might even spot a bald eagle.

Joni Monacell:  This park in Queens is home to a number of hiking trails where you can see wetlands, tidal flats, meadows and forests. In addition to hiking trails, the park has a high ropes adventure course, an environmental center, and one of the city's oldest trees (a 350-450 yr old tulip tree that stands 133.8 ft high)!