We all need to get in touch with nature and take advantage of the outdoors. Despite the fact that New York City is a concrete jungle, there’s a lot of amazing parks and greenspaces in Brooklyn that you definitely need to visit. Here are my favorites.
1. Greenwood Cemetery
Main Entrance – 5th Ave and 25th Street (Greenwood Heights)
Greenwood is a historic cemetery located in Greenwood Heights (or sometimes referred to as South Slope). The cemetery was founded in 1838 and is actually home to a Dutch cemetery within it. The space also holds events, from Halloween tours to music concerts to tree plantings to film screenings.
2. Sunset Park
41 St, 44 St, between 5 Ave and 7 Ave. (Sunset Park)
Sunset Park is the highest peak in Brooklyn, so if you want an amazing view, this park is for you. It has chess tables, a swimming pool, green fields, pedestrian walkways, a sand volleyball court, a recreation center, and a living memorial commemorating September 11th.
3. Bush Terminal Park
Marginal St between 44 St and 50 St. (Sunset Park)
Located in Sunset Park, this is a relatively unknown park to those who don’t live in the area. Home to baseball and soccer fields, it’s also an amazing view of the city. This site, once a port complex, was cleaned up and opened as a public park in 2014.
4. Owl’s Head Park
Shore Rd, 68 St, Colonial Rd. (Bay Ridge)
Owl’s Head is definitely one of my favorite parks. Located on a hill, it has wonderful pathways and views of the Verrazano, while also home to basketball courts, a playground, a pool, and a skate park. A perfect park for a picnic.
5. Prospect Park
Prospect Park W, Parkside Ave between Flatbush Ave, Ocean Ave and Prospect Park SW (Prospect Heights)
Prospect is an old favorite, and one of the biggest parks in all of New York City. It has everything, from spaces to grill, a lake to bird watch, historical houses on site, a zoo, an ice rink, and home to lots of free concerts and events.
6. McGlorick Park
Russell St, Monitor St between Nassau Ave and Driggs Ave. (Greenpoint)
This park is one of my favorites because it is home to some wonderful sculptures and a lovely dog park.
7. WNYC Transmitter Park
West St between Kent St and Greenpoint Ave. (Greenpoint)
This is a hidden gem in Greenpoint that you might not have been unless you live in the neighborhood. It’s a small park that faces the water and has an amazing view of the cityscape. You can lay on the grass or walk on the pier to admire the view. The park also hosts family movie nights.
8. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Furman St, Water St and John St between Atlantic Ave, Old Fulton St, Main St, Adams St, and Jay St. (Brooklyn Heights)
Explore Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO’s waterfront area. It’s the best way to enjoy NYC’s iconic cityscape across the East River while strolling along a continuous promenade of six diverse piers. You can also catch a ferry to Governor’s Island while you’re there.
9. Fort Greene Park
Myrtle Ave, De Kalb Ave between Washington Park and St. Edward’s St. (Fort Greene)
On a hill, Fort Greene Park is an expansive green space that is quite gorgeous. Originally the site of forts built for the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, the community surrounding the land started using it as public space shortly after the threat of the War of 1812 passed. By 1847, it was designated Brooklyn’s first park.
10. Valentino Pier
Ferris St between Coffey St and Van Dyke St. (Red Hook)
This pier is beautiful and used to be part of NYC’s illustrious shipping industry. Now it’s home to the Red Hook Flicks series, where you can see movies on the water and under the watch of Lady Liberty. Get a key lime pie while you’re there.
11. Cooper Park
Maspeth Ave, Sharon St between Olive St and Morgan Ave. (Williamsburg)
This is an overlooked park in Williamsburg that is quiet and spacious. It’s home to a dog park as well, so good for furry friends.