A Nature Lover's Guide to New York City
Where to Find Nature in New York City
Even in a city as compact and bustling as New York City, it's possible to find a bit of nature. New York City has a surprising number of parks and outdoor settings where you can escape the chaos of urban life. From small squares with beautiful landscaping, to large areas like Central Park, nature is surprisingly common in the big city.Central Park
New York City, New York
Bryant Park
6th Ave at 41st Street, New York, New York, 10018
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Washington Square Park
Washington Square Village, NYC, New York
Prospect Park
New York Botanical Garden
Belmont, NYC, New York
Alice’s Garden
In Chelsea, this small "secret" garden on 34th St and 10th Ave hosts a variety of flowers in a cozy and beautiful environment.
34th and 10th Ave, New York City, New York
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
This historic house dates back to the mid 1800's, and was built on the land which Thomas Pell purchased from the Siwanoy Native Americans in the 1700's to form the Bronx. Now the estate and its gardens are owned by the city and are open to the public. Visitors can tour the house which features a Greek-Revival style, as well as the beautiful formal-style gardens which are home to a variety of sculptures, sculpted landscapes, flower beds, and more. Events, children's activities, classes, group trips, and other festivities can be experienced here, too.
1 Orchard Beach Road, NYC, New York, 10464
Battery Park
Battery Park is most notable for its beautiful views that look out over the water towards the Statue of Liberty. This is a larger park that can offer a quiet retreat from the chaos of the nearby Financial District. But it also serves as the departure point for the ferries to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, so there can be crowds of tourists in certain areas. Street performers are common in the park as well, but be prepared because watching for too long will likely come with a high price tag.Planning a trip to New York City? You might also be interested in Free Things to Do in Brooklyn and A Train Lover's Guide to New York City.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden was created in 1910 and is situated in the Prospect Park neighborhood. Here you can find a number of special plant collections a s well as the Steinhardt Conservatory which is home to the Bonsai Museum. Also in the Conservatory are several themed areas featuring various climates, a glass aquatic plant house, plus an art gallery. While admission is not free, a huge number of visitors enter every year making this a popular and well-visited destination. They host events, children's activities, and classes, too. While an admission fee is usually charged for entry, it's free on Tuesdays, Saturday mornings, and a few other days of the year, too.
1000 Washington Avenue, Prospect Heights, NYC, New York, 11238
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sitting on the edge of the water between DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights, this park offers a number of great facilities and recreational activities. There's a bouldering wall, a roller skating rink, a pop-up pool during the summer months, and bocce courts. This is the perfect park to enjoy a run or a bike ride. The park also offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline as it meanders along the waterfront, with the most spectacular spot being by Jane's Carousel, between the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway
From Greenpoint Park to Sunset Park, this 26-mile route follows greenway paths around and on the East River so you don't have to worry about traffic. The views are also quite nice as you'll see greenery as well as the New York City skyline. It passes by Red Hook and the Bay Ridge neighborhood, too.
Brooklyn, New York City
Central Park Conservatory Garden
Flowers bloom across multiple seasons in this quiet area of Central Park located between 104th and 106th streets by Fifth Avenue. The Conservatory Garden spreads across 6 acres and opened to the public in 1937.
1230 5th Avenue, NYC, New York, 10035
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
This beautiful park has many flowers, green spaces, outdoor art, and cultural institutions. There's also a lake, historical walks, sports fields, a skating rink, marina, and carousels. It's the perfect place for a family to hang out and there's entertainment here for kids and adults of all ages.
Queens
Fort Tryon Park
Fort Tryon Park, in Hudson Heights, has 67 acres of forest area that overlooks the Hudson River and George Washington Bridge. A certain 3-acre section resembles an English estate garden. Other areas have a unique collection of trees which bloom during various seasons.
63 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort George, NYC, New York, 10040
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Gantry State Park
This 12 acre park runs along the East River and has a unique mix of industry and nature. There are abandoned steel structures, but also natural green spaces, a playground, a water play, area, and a concession stand.
4-09 47th Rd, Queens, NY, 10007
Greenacre Park
This small "vest-pocket" park on E. 51st Street between 2nd & 3rd Ave is a nice spot to relax. While it's small, it features a beautiful waterfall surrounded by shade trees, tables, and benches. Locals use it for a place to escape the office and enjoy the outdoors in the busy city for a lunch break or a quick coffee.
225 East 51st Street, NYC, New York, 10022
Hudson River Park
Stretching from Battery Park to 59th Street along the river, this is a nice grassy spot with bike and running trails. You can bike or jog along the waterfront looking at the river and across to the NJ side. You'll also find a playground here as well as some nice picnic spots in the grass.
Battery Park City to 59th St, Manhattan, New York City, NY
Liz Christy Garden
This was the first and oldest community garden in New York City.
111 East Houston Street, NYC, New York, 10013
Queens Botanical Gardens
Located at 43-50 Main Street in Flushing in Queens, the 39 acres of the Queens Botanical Gardens features rose, bee, herb, wedding, and perennial gardens, as well as an arboretum, art gallery, and more. They also host seasonal events, children's activities, and community classes.
13598 Elder Avenue, Murray Hill, NYC, New York, 11355
Queens County Farm Museum
This fun and family-friendly museum lets kids and adults explore everything about life on a farm, including getting to know the animals. They have pigs, alpacas, sheep, goats, and chickens, as well as hay rides, a bush maze, and a variety of education events. They also have seasonal activities such as pumpkin picking in the fall and more. Most days are free, except during special events.
73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens, Floral Park, New York, 11004
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Riverside Park 91st Street Garden
The curated garden at 91st Street in Riverside Park was made famous from a final scene in You've Got Mail starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Located right by the water, this small but scenic garden hosts a variety of flowers blooming throughout the warmer months.
Riverside Drive at 91st St, New York, New York, 10024
Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island is a great place to hang out with a family. There are two miles of waterfront that you can explore with impressive views of Manhattan and Queens. There is also plenty of green space, parks, and a playground. For a picnic, head to the southern tip of the island and grab a spot at Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, which has views of both Manhattan and Queens.
Manhattan
Silver Lake Park
This park spreads out over 200 acres and it offers an excellent spot to run, bike, or explore. There's a large lake that's perfect for bird watching, and several great spots where you can enjoy a picnic. There's also a nearby 18 hole golf course. Kids will love the playground and scenic bridge.
Staten Island
Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden
On Staten Island this 83-acre garden and cultural center is home to not just gardens, but also historical buildings from the 19th century which were a home to retired sailors. Tudor and Victorian style buildings are mixed in with interesting garden areas representing different environments. A Chinese garden area has a koi pond and bamboo paths which make for a scenic walk. The cultural center hosts events and educational programs as well.
Cottage Road, West New Brighton, NYC, New York, 10301
St. Vincent's Triangle Park
This triangular plaza is in the middle of Greenwich Village and is the location of the New York City AIDS Memorial. The park also has beautiful vegetation and plenty of seating where wanderers can rest their weary legs. Whether you want to watch the people passing by or just take a moment to reflect to yourself, this is a nice space to spend some time.The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art
This museum was built in the style of a hillside Tibetan monastery. It maintains the largest private collection of Tibetan art in the country, and the complex offers a peaceful and beautiful setting where you can explore, sit bay the goldfish pond, or look out at the water. There are often Sunday programs and shows with music, dance, and art, that are perfect for families.
338 Lighthouse Ave, Staten Island, NY, 10306
The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
This unique Long Island museum combines a grand mansion, a beautiful park, and a marine and natural history museum, as well as a planetarium. In addition to shows in the planetarium, there is also a rooftop observatory viewing every Friday night.
180 Little Neck Rd, Centerport, Long Island, NY, 11721
Washington Market Park
This urban park in the Tribeca neighborhood has a large playground and community gardens.
308 Greenwich Street, NYC, New York, 10013
Wave Hill
Once a private estate with a beautiful garden dating back to 1843, this home is now owned by the city and is open to the public, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can tour both the gardens and the house for a small admission fee. The gardens consist of a variety of flora along with a few spots with magnificent views over the river. Also on the premises is an art gallery and gift shop. An entry fee is normally charged, but it's free before noon on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
665 West 252nd Street, Riverdale, New York, New York, 10471
How much does it cost?
Prices for activities, things to do, and tours range from $3 to $709. The average cost for a tour or tickets is $80. A few of the best options are below.
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