The Foundation creates programs in parks in all boroughs including free concerts, theater, dance, and kids sports programs. City Parks Foundation brings Summerstage to Central Park, Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park, and free tennis lessons to kids 5 to 16 in 36 parks throughout the five boroughs. Free senior fitness programs meet twice a week at each location and participants are encouraged to maintain regular attendance to maximize health benefits.

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Almost 100 free events for the whole family involving music, dance films, sports at Riverside Park. Summer On the Hudson, one of New York City’s largest free summer festivals, opens with a Irish Dance Festival and continues with the Quadricentennial of the Hudson River: the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s discovery of and first journey up New York’s waterway, as well as the 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton’s maiden voyage on a steamboat. Celebratory happenings include the Nieuw York/New York “Movies Under the Stars” series opening July 8, with historically-themed favorites that span the centuries such as the 1993 The Age of Innocence starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Michelle Pfeiffer; and special programming on the July-August Kid Acts! Series.

In addition, throughout the summer there will be ongoing sports, wellness and recreation activities for the whole family, from spring into fall, in yoga, kayaking and pilates.

Riverside Park South is a unique combination of greenspace, esplanades, winding pathways, wooden boardwalks, plazas, and ball fields, with panoramic north and south views of the Hudson River. Summer on the Hudson strives to present events that meet the cultural and recreational needs of the community, enrich the daily lives of New Yorkers, and brings diverse groups of people together in a magical setting.

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Families can join the Urban Park Rangers for a free camping experience at any of the listed parks within the five boroughs. We start with a cookout, then a variety of evening activities, such as stargazing and night hikes. You can sleep under the stars and awake to the birds. Everything is included but you must RSVP at their website.

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View this helpful list of all the NYC playgrounds listed by borough and accessibility level.  You can also find out the highlights of the facilities, directions, and other nearby playgrounds.

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Riverside Park stretches four miles from 72nd to 158th Streets along the Hudson River and offers some of the most spectacular views and relaxing settings. Check out the free events and facilities.

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Check out the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation website for Biking and Greenways. There you can find general bike information and car-free hours.

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