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.
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.
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.
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
Faber Park Recreation Center (in Faber Pool and Park), Staten Island
Alfred E. Smith Afterschool Program
Friday, November 22, 2024Multi-Use Room (in Alfred E. Smith Playground), Manhattan
Walker Park Afterschool Volunteers
Friday, November 22, 2024Walker Park Field House (in Walker Park), Staten Island
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.