EXPLORE · PARKS
Last updated: October 30, 2026
Quick overview
What are the best parks in Brooklyn for kids? My top four are Prospect Park, Domino Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Bridge Park and Fort Greene Park. Below, I rank them with highlights and how to get there, then break down the best outdoor activities at each.
The most to do: Prospect Park, with playgrounds, the carousel, Lakeside, big lawns and wooded trails
Waterfront: Brooklyn Bridge Park and Domino Park
Quick outings near Prospect Heights: Mount Prospect Park and Brower Park
The best parks in Brooklyn, ranked
My favorites first, then the outdoor activities that make each park worth the trip.
Parks are one of our best resources in this city. We might be known for restaurants or the bustling city, but the outdoor space is the best version of community and connection. Whether you’re looking for a place to picnic, exercise, or unwind, Brooklyn’s parks have something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the best parks in Brooklyn, with an emphasis on family-friendly options, as that’s my specialty.
Jump to: Prospect Park · Domino Park · Brooklyn Bridge Park · Fort Greene Park · Honorable mentions
1. Prospect Park
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the creators of Central Park, Prospect Park is Brooklyn’s crown jewel of green space. Spanning over 585 acres, the park offers something for everyone:
Prospect Park Highlights
The Long Meadow: Perfect for picnics, jogging, and outdoor games.
Prospect Park Zoo: Great for families with young children. (Take the b41 here for the shortest walk.)
Boathouse & Lake: Ideal for paddle boating or a peaceful walk.
Lefrak Center at Lakeside: This offers ice skating in the winter, roller skating in the spring/summer/fall, and the best splash pad in Brooklyn during the summer.
Playgrounds: There are several playgrounds in the park. On the West Side, there is the Garfield Tot Lot and the Harmony Playground. On the East Side, you have Imagination Playground and Lincoln Road Playground. On the South Side, you have Vanderbilt Playground. There is also the nature playground towards the north end, which is a unique exploratory area for children. I highly recommend it but it is under construction for awhile.
Farmers Market: The Farmers Market is held on the park's north end near Grand Army Plaza.
Prospect Park Carousel: The carousel has limited hours (Thursday to Sunday, 12-6 pm), but it is one of the most affordable kids' activities in Brooklyn. (Tickets start at $3/ride but go down with ticket books.). I highly recommend combining with a trip to the Prospect Park Zoo, as they are right by each other.
Smorgasburg: This food festival is a fantastic option for family members of all ages. It runs Sundays from the end of April through the end of October
Prospect Park Tennis Courts, located at the Parade Grounds, offer a wide range of court options (not an easy thing to find in Brooklyn), year-round.
Transportation To Prospect Park
Grand Army Plaza Stop (2,3): The 2,3 will place you at the very North end of Prospect Park
B41: The B41 runs along the park's east side of the park on Flatbush Avenue. These stops are excellent for Grand Army Plaza, the Prospect Park Zoo, Smorgasburg, and LeFrak Center.
Prospect Park (B, Q, Shuttle connects well to the activities on the Southeast side of the park. Don’t sleep on the shuttle- I think many people forget about it. You can also use the Q train at Parkside for similar access.
15 St- Prospect Park (F, offers: This stop is the best access for the Southwest side of the park. I’d use this for Vanderbilt Playground and also the ball fields on this side.
Prospect Park is huge, so the best way to get there depends on where in the park you’re headed. A bike is an excellent option for any of these, and the bike lanes that flank Prospect Park West & Flatbush Avenue are very well protected.
Prospect Park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a mix of recreation and relaxation in Brooklyn. Its expansive trails, sports fields, and seasonal events make it a hub for locals and visitors alike.
2. Domino Park
Located along the Williamsburg waterfront, Domino Park has quickly become a favorite among Brooklynites. This modern park combines stunning views of the East River and Manhattan skyline with engaging features and great access to food.
Domino Park Highlights
Waterfront Promenade: Perfect for walking and watching the sunset.
Playground & Water Fountain: Designed for kids of all ages. Warning: It does get quite crowded.
Excellent Food & Drink Options: This park feels more integrated into the community than the others.
Vibes: Williamsburg is a trendy area, and you can definitely feel that here.
Historic Sugar Factory Elements: Preserved homage to the site’s industrial past.
Transportation to Domino Park
Subway: J, M or Z to Marcy Ave, or the L to Bedford Ave.
NYC Ferry: The East River route to the South Williamsburg or North Williamsburg stop.
Bus: B32 or Q59 to Kent Ave and S 1st St, the B62 to Bedford Ave and S 4th St, or the B24, B39, B44, B46, B54 or B59 to Washington Plaza.
Domino Park is ideal for families, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys riverside relaxation with a touch of history.
3. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Stretching along the East River from DUMBO to Red Hook, Brooklyn Bridge Park offers iconic views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Highlights include:
Pier 1 and Pier 6: Great for sports, picnics, and lounging by the water.
Jane’s Carousel: A beautifully restored carousel perfect for kids.
Kayaking and Outdoor Events: Seasonal activities that make every visit unique.
This park is particularly popular among tourists and locals alike, offering both scenic beauty and a range of recreational activities.
4. Fort Greene Park
Fort Greene Park feels more intimate than Brooklyn’s bigger parks, with hilly, shaded paths, wide lawns and the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument at the top of the hill. It’s an easy local park for a morning out, especially on a Saturday when the Greenmarket is running.
Fort Greene Park Highlights
The fort playground (Myrtle Ave and St. Edwards St): A two-level climbing fort, baby swings and a summer sprinkler, with restrooms right there.
The tot lot (DeKalb Ave and Washington Park): A smaller playground that works well for toddlers.
Prison Ship Martyrs Monument: It sits at the center of the park, and the wide steps leading up to it are a fun climb for little legs.
Fort Greene Greenmarket: Saturdays year-round on Washington Park between DeKalb and Willoughby.
Restrooms: At the Myrtle Ave playground and at the Visitors Center (8 am to 4 pm).
Transportation to Fort Greene Park
C to Lafayette Ave: The closest stop to the south side of the park.
G to Fulton St: A short walk up to the park’s eastern edge.
B, Q, R to DeKalb Ave: Walk east on DeKalb Ave to the southwest corner of the park.
2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, R to Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center: A longer walk, but easy if you’re coming from farther away.
Honorable Mentions
While Prospect Park, Domino Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park are the standout destinations, Brooklyn is full of other wonderful green spaces worth exploring:
Brower Park, located in Crown Heights, features playgrounds, a dog run, and sports facilities.
McCarren Park: A Williamsburg favorite with baseball fields, a running track, and a popular pool during summer.
Mount Prospect Park: Adjacent to Prospect Park, this quiet retreat is perfect for a peaceful stroll or a picnic away from the crowds.
Governors Island: Technically Manhattan, but an easy honorable mention from Brooklyn. The ferry from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park takes just a few minutes, and kids 12 and under ride free. Kids love Slide Hill (including a 57-foot slide), Hammock Grove, bike rentals and all the open space. The island is open year-round, but the Pier 6 ferry is seasonal (roughly late May through fall), so check the schedule before you go.
Conclusion
Brooklyn’s parks are more than just green spaces, they’re community hubs that provide relaxation, recreation, and connection to nature right in the heart of the city. Whether you’re taking a jog through Prospect Park, enjoying the waterfront at Domino Park, or taking in the skyline from Brooklyn Bridge Park, these parks offer unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Looking for playgrounds? Read my guide to the best playgrounds in Brooklyn by age, and my favorite Brooklyn splash pads for summer.
Good to know
Go early on nice weekends. Brooklyn Bridge Park and Domino Park get crowded fast.
Check seasonal hours. The Prospect Park Carousel and Lakeside change hours by season.
Bring wheels. Prospect Park's loop is car-free and great for scooters and bikes.
Pack a picnic. The lawns at Prospect Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park are made for it.
Parks FAQ
What is the best park in Brooklyn for kids?
Prospect Park. It has playgrounds, the carousel, Lakeside, huge lawns for picnics and wooded trails, all in one place.
Which Brooklyn parks are on the waterfront?
Brooklyn Bridge Park, which includes the Pier 6 playground, and Domino Park in Williamsburg both sit right on the East River with skyline views.
What are free outdoor activities for kids in Brooklyn?
Scooting or biking the Prospect Park loop, picnics on the lawns, playground visits and walking the Brooklyn Bridge Park promenade are all free.
Which parks are near Prospect Heights?
Prospect Park is right there, and Mount Prospect Park and Brower Park are good for shorter outings close to home.
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My park picks:
A full day: Prospect Park. Aim for a Sunday with Smorgasburg. Don’t miss everything at Lefrak; those are the best public restrooms.
Skyline views: Brooklyn Bridge Park or Domino Park.
A quick hour: Fort Greene Park or Mount Prospect Park.
Curious what it costs to live near Prospect Park?
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