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Things to Do

Climbing a wall at the adventure course

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.

Fitness Search: BeFitNYC

One benefit of living in the greatest city in the world is the amazing variety of recreational, athletic, and fitness opportunities available for people of all ages, interests and abilities. Parks offers many free or low-cost activities that can help New Yorkers get fit and stay fit. We’ve put information about our programs and others offered by local fitness organizations at your fingertips with our online guide and search engine, BeFitNYC.

BeFit NYC Cartoon Characters

 Explore BeFitNYC

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.

Nature CentersNature Centers

PlaygroundsPlaygrounds

PoolsPools

Recreation CentersRecreation Centers

Skate ParksSkate Parks

Tennis CourtsTennis Courts

 More 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

Create, Preserve, Maintain: Natural Areas in New York City

Thursday, March 18, 2010
Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street)

Pysanky Ukrainian Easter Egg Workshop

Saturday, March 20, 2010
Pelham Bay Park, Bronx

Saturday Night Live: Jam at Marsh

Saturday, March 20, 2010
Marine Park, Brooklyn

Atka Returns to the Greenbelt

Sunday, March 21, 2010
Blood Root Valley (Greenbelt), Staten Island

Ethno Botany of the Hallet Nature Sanctuary

Sunday, March 21, 2010
Central Park, Manhattan

 View all Upcoming Events

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.

Autumn leaves in the water next to rock outcrop on shoreline