This small but beautiful botanic garden features a Japanese garden, as well as the Cranford Rose Garden, herb garden, the Children's Garden, and the Steinhard Conservatory of indoor flowers and plants. In all, there are 52 acres and 12,000 varieties of botanicals, ranging from the tiny bonsai to the towering oak. Self-guided tours, individual classes and certificate programs are all available. Students come with your valid id cards, if you want to avail of a discount.
Open to visitors from April until November, the Bailey Arboretum offers up a world of color during that time: daffodils kick off the season, followed by flowering trees and a variety of annuals and perennials all through the summer. This arboretum has a particularly wonderful collection of conifers, and features a sensory garden for the physically challenged. Many events are hosted here, along with guided walks and other educational opportunities. No entrance fee for children 16 and under; $3 for adults.
Brooklyn's Coney Island became one of the city's leisure hotspots in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, following the introduction of the Coney Island & Brooklyn Railroad streetcar line. Since then, the area has been swamped by resorts and attractions. Following the decline of World War II and the years of neglect the park endured after, the area has burst back into life and is home to Luna Park, the Aquarium and of course, the beach. A three-mile-long boardwalk runs the length of Coney Island into Brighton Beach. There is sometimes a circus, but always something strange to see. Also, don't let the non-holiday cooler months deter you from visiting; it is much less crowded, and the stores remain open.
McCarren Park Pool is one of the youngest entertainment destinations in Brooklyn. Although the pool has existed in McCarren Park in Brooklyn since 1936, it acquired its new identity in 2012. Next to the historic pool, a recreational facility was created, which has been the venue for several free and ticketed live music performances. Ample space and a well-designed structure make this open-air venue a great place to catch some fun with family and friends. Pool party shows by live bands are held every Sunday for free of cost. And there can be no better romantic setting for an outdoor film festival, that is conducted here for an entire month. The 37,950 square foot pool is a great way to beat the heat, with plenty of room for everyone.
At over 897 acres (363 hectares), the Flushing Meadows Corona Park is Queens' largest and New York City's fourth-largest. It is the site of two former world's fairs, one in 1939 and the other in 1964, as well as the home to the famous symbol of the 1964 Fair: the Unisphere. While its immaculate pastures are home to several public facilities such as the Shea Stadium, the home of the mighty New York Mets, the USTA National Tennis Center, along with the New York Hall of Science, the Queens Museum of Art, the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Citi Field and the Louis Armstrong Stadium are definitely Flushing Meadow's most noticeable sights. The park really comes to life during the American Open, when it receives its highest number of attendees.
This beautiful Brooklyn park was created by the same architects responsible for the splendid Central Park in Manhattan. Unlike its more famous cousin in Manhattan, Prospect Park sits pretty amidst a primarily residential area and is not surrounded by skyscrapers. Many Olmsted fans dub this 526 acre (212.87 hectare) park his crowning achievement. It features horseback riding, ice skating, tennis, paddle boats and a carousel, as well as the Prospect Park Wildlife Center. There is a band shell for concerts, and Prospect Lake is often teeming with ducks, geese and swans.
Bored of working out in a gym to lose weight? Then head to the ZLifestyle Dance Fitness Inc. for an innovative way from being flab to fabulous. Combining various elements of Latino dance forms, the trainers here guide you through an hour of dance-fitness party known as Zumba. These sessions are set against the backdrop of some of the best international beats, and the dance steps are easy to learn and follow. Apart from weight loss programs, the center also helps those looking for muscle-strengthening workouts and to increase stamina. Call ahead or visit their website to know more.
Prospect Heights Community Farm is run by BANG Land Trust, a not-for-profit organization which is known to protect green spaces in the community. It features several gardens like Woodland Whimsy, Alpine Herb, Textile and Dye Gardens. Members of this farm are offered space to grow their own vegetables and fruits in the garden. They host various events and workshops so they can encourage sustainable farming and collect compost to enrich the garden.
Located in Washington Heights, Fort Tryon Park and its 67 acres (27.11 hectares) of land are home to some of the best views in The Bronx, as well as a number of other worthy tourist attractions. Featuring one of the highest points in the city, Fort Tryon Park offers stunning views of the Hudson River, George Washington Bridge, and other magnificent vistas. Highlights of the park include the Alpine Garden and Heather Garden, as well as the full-service restaurant, New Leaf Cafe. Perhaps the most popular attraction of the park is The Cloisters, the medieval branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The park also contains two playgrounds and a gazebo, and visitors are welcome to picnic, run, or ride bikes through the park.
Indulge in a game of tennis at the Stadium Tennis Center at Mill Pond Park in Bronx. The cutting edge arena has sixteen courts, each equipped with advanced gear, ample lighting and modern surfaces. The center offers a number of programs for children and adults with professional coaches, including private training. Other amenities include free parking, a club, a café, a pro shop, shower areas and more.
Part of the larger string of mini spaces which Father Demo Park, Minetta Triangle and Minetta Green, this square pays homage to the British Bulldog. Its location on Downing Street is also derived from its namesake London thoroughfare. The diminutive square was dedicated in 1943 and even though its small, visitors will find plenty of benches and a bit of tranquility from the turbulent Village. Additionally, hidden off to the side, through the gates, visitors will also find the ensconced Downing Street Playground, where on weekends the kids leave and its mostly locals as well as a few lucky tourists who serendipitously stumble upon it.