The Bronx, located across the Harlem River northeast of Manhattan, is in New York City. It is the borough that provided us with icons like Mary J. Blige, Tony Curtis, George Carlin, and Floyd Mayweather.
The Bronx doesn’t receive as much attention as other New York boroughs such as Queens, Brooklyn, or Manhattan. Nonetheless, it is one of the most diverse, authentic, and historically significant places in the whole nation.
It is also a borough with a few green spaces and parks, including the biggest park in New York City.
Discover some of the best parks to visit during your vacation in the borough with our well-curated list.
Let’s explore the best parks in The Bronx, NY.
Best Parks in The Bronx, NY
1. Wave Hill
Wave Hill
Wave Hill is part horticulture garden and part park. It provides visitors with an incredible opportunity to bond with nature.
The City of New York now owns this 28-acre once-private estate. It is found in the Hudson Hill section of Riverdale.
Spend a few hours browsing art at the Glyndor House Gallery before going on a stroll on wooded trails. These trails provide extensive views of the Hudson River and the cliffs of New Jersey Palisades.
Wave Hill has manicured lawns and gardens, benches at picturesque overlooks, and lily ponds.
It also offers yoga classes, guided walks, art workshops, exhibitions linked to nature, concerts, and environmental programs.
Entry to this year-round public parkland is free on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
Address: 4900 Independence Ave, c, NY 10471, United States
2. Van Cortlandt Park
Van Cortlandt Park
Have you ever had the opportunity to visit a place that combines nature, history, and recreational fun in one big box? If you haven’t, you are lucky because Van Cortlandt Park is a place like that.
Van Cortlandt Park, situated in the center of the Bronx, has something for every family member, pals, and individual visitor.
It is a place where you can watch kids laugh around the fountains in the playground, challenge yourself in the sports facilities, and enjoy a BBQ in the designated areas.
The Park’s beauty blooms in its verdant trails, where you may find yourself getting lost in the peacefulness of nature, encircled by the outstanding forest, lakes, and the myriad of flowers and birds it hosts.
Strolling through these trails with your loved ones will make the activity more fun and memorable.
History lovers will have an amazing time and fun time at this park. Every tree in the park has a story linked to it, and the museum is proof of the park’s rich past.
For sports lovers, Van Cortlandt Park’s golf course is a sanctuary.Former visitors have praised the course for its approachable rangers and fun layouts.
Van Cortlandt Park also has basketball courts, a horse stable, and a pool. It is undoubtedly one of the best parks in The Bronx, NY.
Address: Broadway and Van Cortlandt Park S, Bronx, NY 10471, United States
3. Williamsbridge Oval
Williamsbridge Oval is one of the best places to be on a sunny afternoon. The park draws people with its extensive green expanses, carefully maintained sports fields, and fun walking trails.
It is a serene place despite being in the center of the city. The trees provide a lovely shade, perfect for those who want to sit and enjoy the environment or read a book.
You can also sit on the benches in the park just to watch people going about their day.
You can head to the basketball court whenever you feel like indulging in physical activity. It is always in great shape and never too crowded.You can also use this opportunity to socialize or make friends with the other visitors at the park.
Another incredible amenity at Williamsbridge Oval is the playground, always teeming with activities.Watching children roam around, their laughter reverberating around the park is a pleasure.
You can also decide to walk along the paved path to wonder at the cleanliness and well-kept nature of the park.
Public toilets are always open during the day and are shockingly neat for a public facility.
The park’s staff does a good job of upkeep, and it is something that locals have often appreciated about the place. Another reason why locals love Williamsbridge Oval is its nearness to the historical Bronx houses and the neighborhood stores.
Whether it is a planned outing or a sudden visit, Williamsbridge Oval won’t disappoint.
Address: 3225 Reservoir Oval E, Bronx, NY 10467, United States
4. Ferry Point Park
Ferry Point Park, nestled in the center of the Bronx, is a treasure most locals see as a hidden gem. It is rated as one of the top parks in The Bronx, NY.
You can stroll along the peaceful walking and riding trails, drinking in the serenity that the park seems to surround itself in.
With a couple of baseball fields and many soccer fields, Ferry Point Park is a sanctuary for fitness buffs and local sports teams. The fields are carefully maintained, and the general sense of community is exciting.
For those who like a more casual or simple day at the park, there are many picnic and cookout spaces where families can enjoy a delightful outdoor meal.
Ferry Point Park is always kept clean by the Parks Dept workers, who ensure the bathrooms are open and functional. Parking, however, can be a problem because of the small parking lot and very limited Street parking.
The charm of Ferry Point Park becomes more obvious as the day progresses. As the sun sets, the park changes into a natural spectacle.
You will also see an enchanting spectacle of fireflies as you head south along the trail after sunset. The perfect view of the NYC skyline under the bridge is something you will not forget in a hurry.
However, according to some locals, the leading treat is the stunning views under the Whitestone Bridge.
The NYC Ferry dock is also situated along this route, adding to Ferry Point Park’s general charm.
Address: 10 Hutchinson Riv Pkwy, Bronx, NY 10465, United States
5. Soundview Park
Soundview Park, nestled in an urban landscape, is more than just a green space; it is an abode of peacefulness and a place for community gathering, nature exploration, and fitness.
Biking through the winding paths of the park is something the locals enjoy doing.
The forested areas are lush and provide a feeling of peace, and the paths along the sound offer astonishing views.
The city’s Parks Department does an applaudable job maintaining the area, so the Park is always pristine and inviting.
Many people’s favorite spot for a picnic is near the fishing area. Sharing a meal with your loved ones while marveling at the sunset over the water is indeed magnificent.
Soundview Park is also a home for different species.It is quite a delight to spot Italian Wall Lizards, numerous bird species, and the occasional rabbit or snake.
Aside from the natural beauty, the Park is a haven for sport and fitness lovers. You can even come here to cheer for the local teams at the baseball and soccer fields.
The outdoor workout area is well-furnished, and the running track is suitable for a quick morning jog.
Soundview Park also has a dog park and a fun-filled playground that both kids and adults will enjoy.
The Park has restrooms and water stations, which makes it easy for guests to spend the entire day.
Address: Soundview Park, Bronx, NY 10473, United States
6. Roberto Clemente State Park
Roberto Clemente State Park, perched on 25 acres of waterfront land, features a range of amenities that cater to everyone regardless of age. It’s no surprise it’s among the best parks in The Bronx, NY.
One of the park’s leading amenities is the Olympic-size pool that draws people during the hot summer days. It is large, pristine, clean, and well-guarded. Since the pool is not an all-day pass, you must pay up every time you return.
In addition to providing much-needed relief during the sweltering hot days, Roberto Clemente State Park is perfect for a family barbecue.Grills and tables are available, but be sure to bring your charcoal and maybe bug repellant.
The Park is also extremely kid-friendly, with a roomy playground and sufficient space for kids to run around.
The Park’s view of the river is magnificent. They reckon there is something peaceful and soothing about watching boats float along the water.
The Park is filled with ball fields, picnic areas, and a gorgeous promenade for strolls.
According to some regular park-goers, what makes this park different from others is the feeling of safety and order.The Park is well-patrolled by security and cops, guaranteeing a secure environment for everybody.
Address: 301 W Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY 10453, United States
7. Starlight Park
Among the fun parks in The Bronx, NY, is Starlight Park. It is an important part of the Bronx River Greenway system, offering a plethora of amenities to the surrounding community.
It is located along the peaceful banks of the Bronx River. The Park’s picturesque oasis is part of the Bronx Greenway, offering a scenic escape from the city’s noise.
The Park was constructed on the one-time Starlight Park Amusement Park site, which is also how it obtained its name.
Here, you can walk, bike, and paddle along the mild river currents or attempt fishing in designated areas.
For athletes, Starlight Park boasts well-maintained soccer fields and basketball courts, which provide abundant space for games with your pals. Kids can also have fun in the park’s playground.
Address: 1490 Sheridan Blvd, Bronx, NY 10459, United States
8. Mill Pond Park
Mill Pond Park is a lovely 10-acre park located on the banks of the Harlem River in the center of South Bronx.
This park opened in 2009. It features picnic and grass areas, a sand play area, an outdoor classroom, children’s spray showers, a restored seawall, and two water channels.
Mill Pond Park also has 16 Deco Turf Courts that function during the outdoor tennis season, from April to December.
On the park’s northern side, you will find the historic Powerhouse, built in 1923 to provide refrigeration for Bronx Terminal Market.
It is also furnished with a green rooftop. The energy-efficiency facility features public restrooms, an indoor café, a locker room, a tennis clubhouse, and offices.
Address: Exterior St & E 150th St, Bronx, NY 10451, United States
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9. The Thain Family Forest
The Thain Family Forest is a 50-acre plot of trees inside the New York Botanical Garden.This tiny forest in the Bronx could be the most significant woodland in New York.
The Forest offers a rare opportunity to wander among trees dating back to the American Revolution. For centuries, Thain Family Forest has transformed, adapted, and survived.
Guests can travel the paths that follow the earliest hunting trails of the Lenape Native Americans and see the marks left by glaciers centuries ago.
The forest’s unique beauty and ecological significance are why the founders chose the site of the New York Botanical Garden in 1895.
The Thain Family Forest remains a majestic reminder of the beauty and strength in the face of complicated human-caused disturbances.
Address: Bronx Park Rd, Bronx, NY 10458, United States
10. Crotona Park
Crotona Park previously belonged to the Bathgate family, a renowned landowning family in the South Bronx.
This park, named after the Greek colony of Croton, famous for its Olympic athletes, has steadily served the Bronx community since it was purchased by the City in 1888.
Crotona Park is popularly known for its variety of trees and beautiful 3.3-acre lake, which serves as a home to ducks, fish, and turtles.
The park also has many recreational facilities, such as the swimming pool, the largest in the borough at 30 feet.
Tennis lovers can visit the park’s 20 hard courts during the warm weather, while the baseball team can head to its five diamonds.
Additionally, families can spend hours playing in the eleven playgrounds scattered throughout the park.
Address:Charlotte St, Bronx, NY 10457, United States
11. The Queens Botanical Garden
The Queen Botanical Garden began as an exhibit at the 1939 World’s Fair. The present garden still has historical plantings from the first exhibits.
The Queens Botanical Garden features many areas inspired by the mixed communities in Queens.
The Circle Garden comprises plants meaningful to Korean cultures, an orchard of cherry blossoms explodes with color during spring, and the Herb Garden contains Native American and Asian Flora.
Aside from being serene and scenic, the garden has many lovely places to picnic
There is also a children’s and a bee garden if you want some hands-on ecological exploration.
The Queens Botanical Garden is in Queens, 33 minutes from The Bronx, NYC.
Address: 43-50 Main St, Queens, NY 11355, United States
12. Gantry Plaza State Park
Gantry Plaza State Park offers 12 acres of green space directly on the eastern bank of the Hudson River.
The most unique features and the park’s namesake are the renovated gantries that serve as a remembrance of the park’s industrial past as a barge unloading station. The gantries now function as stages for outdoor shows during the warm season.
You can easily spot the United Nations Headquarters, the Empire State Building, and the remaining midtown parts from across the water. Stroll around the piers and the manicured gardens, then sit by the mist fountain.
If you are feeling more energetic, you will find handball courts, playgrounds, a fishing pier, and basketball courts here. Have a friendly match with the locals or watch other people play.
Gantry Plaza State Park is popular but seldom congested, and there are many places to lounge and take in the view.
Address: 4-44 47th Rd, Queens, NY 11101, United States
13. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is nestled in the center of the marshy tidelands close to JFK. It is one of the most serene places in Queens.
This 12,600-acre wildlife refuge provided a habitat for numerous birds, aquatic critters, and small mammals of the salt marshes.
Keep an eye out for magnificent herons, osprey, and falcons, among many others. During migration season, you may spot hundreds or even thousands of birds.
The West Pond is especially beautiful. You can go hiking around the pond’s loop trails, then head over to the shorter trails on the east pond.
Don’t forget to bring your bug spray, as well as your binoculars if you have one. The Refuge is open from dawn to dusk.
Address: 175-10 Cross Bay Blvd, Queens, NY 11693, United States
14. Alley Pond Park
Alley Pond Park
The Alley Pond Park on Union Turnpike in Oakland Gardens perfectly captures these significant histories. This public park spans 655.3 acres and is the second-largest in Queens.
Alley Pond Park provides numerous trails that take you over its tidal flats, Meadows, wetlands, and forests.
However, the most famous thing in the park is the Queen’s Giant, a 133.8-foot-tall tulip Poplar tree.
In addition to being the tallest of all trees in New York, it is also the oldest, between 350 and 450 years old.
Alley Pond Park is dotted with courts, fields, a barbecue area, and playgrounds, which makes it even more thrilling to visit.
Address: Union Tpke, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364, United States
15. Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Do you know that not only does the “valley of ashes” from Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby exist, but it is also totally different from how it was described?
Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the most extensive park in Queen, NYC. Although it was developed for the 1939 New York World’s Fair, it attained fame at the same event in 1964.
The Park is teeming with remarkable recreational areas, including a museum, a zoo, a theater, and activities like boating, biking, and hiking.
However, the most well-known attraction is the Unisphere, a 140-foot steel Earth structure featured in the 1997 movie Men in Black.
Address: Grand Central Parkway and Van Wyck Expy, Queens, 11354, United States
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Plan Your Trip to The Bronx
After exploring the lush green parks and the vibrant neighborhoods of The Bronx, you will agree that this borough is a veritable treasure trove.
The parks in The Bronx, NY, promise an unforgettable experience at every corner, whether you want a casual stroll in Van Cortland Park or a picnic at Roberto Clemente State Park.