17 Places To Enjoy Nature In NYC

The Ramble

The Ramble is a 36-acre wild garden where you can walk around and discover forest gardens and get lost within the beautiful scenery. Nestled in Central Park, this was one of the first parks to be built and is surrounded by a thriving wildlife habitat. It is the center of birding activity within the Park with over 230 species spotted. Central Park, mid-park from 73rd to 79th streets.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Native Flora Garden

The Native Flora Garden consists of plants local to the New York metropolitan area and encompasses a variety of plant habitats, such as native woodlands and pine barrens. During the spring, families can relax in the sea of flowers and learn about all the plant communities that are present in the garden. Amidst all of the native fauna, it can really feel like spring in the Native Flora Garden. 990 Washington Avenue, near Montgomery Street, Brooklyn, 718-623-7200, bbg.org Photo by Albert Vecerka-ESTO. Courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Discovery Garden

The Discovery Garden offers children the opportunity to explore plants and ecosystems through hands-on play and scientific investigation. Designed by Michael van Valkenburgh Associates, the garden incorporates three local ecosystems—woodland, meadow, and marsh—and was designed to make children feel totally immersed in the natural world. 990 Washington Avenue, near Montgomery Street, Brooklyn, 718-623-7200, bbg.org Photo by Liz Ligon. Courtesy Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Central Park: North Woods

At the Central Park's north end by Central Park's northwest corner is the North Woods, one of the Park's wildest and most secluded areas. At the heart of the North Woods is the beautiful ravine. In this area, fallen trees are left where they land, providing homes for wildlife and nutrients to plants, and giving this portion of the park a very natural feel. Hiking and bird watching are popular activities in the North Woods, and through Central Park's Woodlands Discovery Club families can engage with the area's ecology with hands-on science activities led by Central Park Conservancy educators. West Side to Mid-Park from 101st-110th Streets, centralparkync.org

Central Park: Harlem Meer

Named after the Dutch word for lake, the Harlem Meer was originally designed to mark the former separate village of Harlem, and is now a great place for families to relax and enjoy nature. Come to catch a glimpse of wildlife, such as fish, turtles, and waterfowl. In addition to enjoying the landscape, families can also have fun with catch-and-release fishing, park-related tours and exhibits, and skating or swimming at Lasker Rink. East Side from 106th-110th Street, centralparknyc.org

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: West Pond

Renowned as a prime birding spot, the 9,000-acre Jamaica Bay Wildlife refuge attracts thousands of land and shore birds who stop there during migration. In the last 25 years, over 330 species have been recorded at the refuge. The wide variety of bird species and the well-positioned benches around the trail at the 44-acre West Pond provide kids and families a remarkable place for bird watching. Broad Channel, Queens, 718-318-4340, nyharborparks.org Photo courtesy Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: Big John's Pond

Big John’s Pond is significantly smaller than West Pond. However, the duck blind designed specifically for observing wildlife is a very popular place to bird watch around the pond. Another highlight of Big John’s Pond is the wooden nesting box, which barn owls call home in-season. Broad Channel, Queens, 718-318-4340, nyharborparks.org Photo Courtesy of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

New York Botanical Garden: Thain Family Forest

The beauty of Thain Family Forest is part of the reason why the NYBG's founders selected the Garden's site back in 1895, and today, it's the largest uncut expanse of New York's original wooded landscape. When you visit this thousands-year-old forest, you'll see marks left by glaciers, walk along Native American hunting trails, and see trees that have been growing since the Revolutionary War! 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, 718-817-8700, nybg.org Photo Courtesy of New York Botanical Garden

New York Botanical Garden: Azaela Garden

The New York Botanical Garden's acres of flora make it a beautiful place to visit any time of year. However, in springtime, and especially around Mother's Day, the peak of the Azalea Garden is a truly beautiful sight. The pink, purple, and white Azalea blossoms combine to form a truly beautiful spring bouquet. Plus, be sure to visit NYBG on Mother's Day Weekend for a special celebration in a picturesque setting. 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, 718-817-8700, nybg.org Photo Courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden

Pelham Bay Park: Turtle Cove

Pelham Bay Park is New York's largest public park, and boasts miles of bridle paths and hiking trails, as well as the Bartow-Pell Mansion, two golf courses, and a saltwater shoreline that stretches 13 miles along the Long Island Sound. Pelham Bay Park is also home to a diverse array of plant and animal life. 1 City Island Rd, Bronx, NY, nycgovparks.org Photo Courtesy of Pelham Bay Park (NYC Parks)

Pelham Bay Park: Twin Island

Located off of the northernmost section of Orchard Beach is Pelham Bay Park's Twin Island. A hike to the top provides beautiful views of the Long Island Sound. A quick loop around Twin Island makes for a nice jaunt for families with young children, (Check out the Kazimiroff Nature Trail on Hunter Island for a longer hike.) Plus, if you head out to the beach before Memorial Day weekend, you’ll skip the parking fees in the beach lot. Bronc County Line and Middletown Road, Bronx, nycgovparks.org Photo Courtesy of Pelham Bay Park

Prospect Park: The Ravine

At the heart of Prospect Park, the ravine features beautiful foliage and calming streams. City kids will delight in the grandiose waterfall trails at the ravine, which has been the subject of restoration efforts since the mid-1990’s. This “natural wonder” is Brooklyn’s only forest! Walk east from 95 Prospect Park West, prospectpark.org Photo by Elizabeth Keegen Colley

Prospect Park: The Peninsula and the Lullwater

The Peninsula overlooking Prospect Lake is a fantastic place for families to observe birds and ducks, as well as enjoy the restored, scenic views that are home to park wildlife. Along the north edge of the Peninsula, a footpath gracefully leads you under the Terrace bridge, along which the Lullwater proceeds. Nature thrives at the Lullwater, a 16.8-acre wetland in the heart of Brooklyn that leads from the Nethermead into the lake, which houses a variety of waterfowl and green heron. In winter, families can feed the many species of birds at the feeding stations along the trail that runs on both sides of the Lullwater. In the southern end of the park off of Well House Drive, prospectpark.org Photo by Virginia Freire

Staten Island Greenbelt: Moses Mountain

New York City families will be amazed by the tranquility of Staten Island Greenbelt, which consists of a contiguous series of forests, meadows, wetlands, ponds, and parks away from the city’s hustle and bustle. At the heart of the Greenbelt, Moses Mountain is a premier place for families and kids to enjoy the thrill of the nature. Moses Mountain hikers will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Greenbelt and New Jersey’s Atlantic Highlands.

Wave Hill: Wild Garden

Located at the highest point in Wave Hill, the Wild Garden provides dramatic views of the Hudson River far below and a narrow path for exploration. Along the path you’ll find a charming Gazebo with a scenic view--a perfect place for tired little ones to relax. “As a first stop, families will be happy to walk into the gardens and encounter the expansive views and run-around-in-circles exhilaration of Wave Hill’s Great Lawn,” says Martha Gellens, a staff member at Wave Hill. West 249th Street, Bronx,718-549-3200, wavehill.org Photo Courtesy of Wave Hill

Wave Hill: Herbert & Hyonja Abrons Woodland

The Woodland runs along the south and west edge of the property, and boasts a half-mile-long path that runs north to the Conifer Slope Wave Hill House. An insider tip: don't miss the beautiful blue "glory-of-the-snow" that blooms down the wood slope in April, or the wildflowers and ferns that come out in May. West 249th Street, Bronx,718-549-3200, wavehill.org Photo by Joshua Bright

The High Line

An experience that integrates peaceful feelings of nature with stunning city views, the 1.45 mile-long railroad-turned-walkway was first opened to the public in 2009. Perfect for family outings, the High Line winds its way through Midtown Manhattan, allowing visitors to experience the beautiful gardens and various unique features along the way. Situated along the High Line route is the Gansevoort Woodland, the Sundeck and Water Feature, Chelsea Market Passage, Chelsea Grasslands, Seating Steps, Wildflower Field, and the Radical Bench. The site is open June 1-September 30 from 7am-8pm daily. Midtown, Manhattan, 212-500-6035 Photo Courtesy of thehighline.org