Looking for the perfect spot to lay out your blanket and pretend you're not surrounded by millions of New Yorkers? Check out our list of open parks in NYC that offer quiet green spaces to eat your cheese and crackers in peace.
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Fort Greene
Features: Prison Ships Martyr’s Monument, a historic Revolutionary War memorial site for those who had perished during the war.
Sunset Park
Features: Views of the Statue of Liberty can be seen from the park’s highest point. There's a volleyball court and pool. Also, the park contains a September 11th Living Memorial Grove.
Silver Lake Park
Features: Contains nice, open spaces for picnicking as well as golf courses, sports fields and tennis courts.
Central Park
Features: Let your mind wander into the magical fairy tale of knights and princesses at the Belvedere Castle. Their are also plenty of waterfront views, trails and unique wildlife. Try the Great Hill for a spot away from the tourists and close to public restrooms.
Battery Park
Features: Enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Staten Island Ferry dock.
St. Nicholas Park
Features: Open space for picnicking and recreational sports. The ground hold historical ties to the American Revolution.
Inwood Hill Park
Features: Caves, valleys and ridges exist from its prehistoric roots when glaciers melted. The park also has a newly developed mash.
Brookville Park
Features: Picturesque bridge pathways, streams and open space for picnicking and sports.
Van Cortlandt Park
Features: Home to the oldest house in the Bronx and the borough's largest freshwater lake. Find bocce ball courts, cricket fields, horseback riding, and hiking trails here too.
Prospect Park
Features: Has waterfront space with beautiful nature views and plenty of places to lay down a towel for a picnic and enjoy the sun. We'd suggest finding a spot on the Long Meadow which offers a huge space to lay out your picnic blanket.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Features: Plenty of trails and scene lake views, in addition to model aircraft fields perfect for hobby enthusiasts. Sports fields are also available.
Governors Island
Features: The 172-acre island features multiple fields and sweeping views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Visitors can rent bikes, lounge in hammocks and find explore historic buildings. Plus, you can reserve a tent for overnight camping.
McCarren Park
Features: 35 aces of wide open space for sports activities and picnics.
Fort Tryon Park
Features: Views of the Hudson River and Palisades and contains 500 varieties of plants and trees.
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