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Exploring Public Parks With the Kids
In New York City
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Battery Park
SeaGlass Carousel
SeaGlass Carousel, State Street, New York, NY, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids
The SeaGlass Carousel is a unique and enchanting attraction located in Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. The carousel features 30 ride-able fish, each made of colorful, iridescent glass panels that shimmer and glow as they spin. The fish are mounted on giant steel poles that pivot and tilt, creating a fluid, undulating motion that simulates a graceful swim through the water.
The carousel is housed in a pavilion that is also made of glass, which is illuminated with a constantly changing display of colors and patterns. The overall effect is like being transported to an undersea world filled with magical creatures and sparkling treasures.
The SeaGlass Carousel is a popular attraction for both children and adults, and is sure to delight anyone who visits. It offers a unique and immersive experience that combines art, technology, and whimsy to create a truly memorable ride.
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Battery Park
The Battery Oval
Battery Park, New York, NY 10004, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
The Battery Oval is a large oval-shaped green space located within Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. The park covers an area of about 2.2 acres and is surrounded by trees and benches, providing a peaceful and relaxing environment for visitors. The park is also home to several historic monuments, including the Battery Cannon and the Battery Oval Monument.
The Battery Oval is a popular spot for families with children, as it offers a playground with climbing structures, swings, slides, and other equipment that children can enjoy. The park also hosts various events throughout the year, such as outdoor movies, concerts, and festivals, making it a vibrant and lively place for visitors of all ages.
The park is easily accessible by public transportation, with several subway lines and bus routes passing through the area. It is also located near other popular attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, making it a great place to visit while exploring Lower Manhattan.
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Battery Park
Castle Clinton
Battery Park, New York, NY 10004, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
Castle Clinton is a historic fort and national monument located in Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan Island in New York City. It was originally built as a defense for New York Harbor in anticipation of the War of 1812, and was later repurposed as an entertainment venue, an immigration processing center, and a military headquarters.
Today, Castle Clinton is a popular tourist attraction and a venue for cultural events. The fort has been restored to its original appearance and visitors can tour its interior to learn about its history and role in the defense of New York City.
Castle Clinton also serves as the departure point for visitors taking ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Visitors can purchase tickets at the fort and enjoy the park's stunning waterfront views while waiting for their ferry.
The fort is open to the public year-round and offers free admission. It is a fascinating piece of American history and an important landmark in the city of New York.The carousel is housed in a pavilion that is also made of glass, which is illuminated with a constantly changing display of colors and patterns. The overall effect is like being transported to an undersea world filled with magical creatures and sparkling treasures.
The SeaGlass Carousel is a popular attraction for both children and adults, and is sure to delight anyone who visits. It offers a unique and immersive experience that combines art, technology, and whimsy to create a truly memorable ride.
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Battery Park
Battery Park City Esplanade
Battery Park City Esplanade, New York, NY 10280, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
The Battery Park City Esplanade is a pedestrian promenade and park area located along the Hudson River in Battery Park City, a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City. The Esplanade stretches for about 1.2 miles and offers stunning views of the river and the Manhattan skyline.
The Esplanade is divided into several sections, each with its own unique features and attractions. The North Cove Marina section features a marina with docking for private boats and yachts, as well as a public dock for water taxis and ferries. The Teardrop Park section is a small, intimate park that features a playground and a man-made stream that winds through the park. The South Cove section features a large lawn area, a boardwalk, and a beautiful waterfront plaza.
Throughout the Esplanade, visitors can enjoy beautiful gardens, public art installations, and seating areas where they can relax and take in the views. The Esplanade is also home to several events throughout the year, including concerts, art shows, and festivals. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful oasis in the heart of the bustling city.
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Central Park
Shakespeare Garden
79th St Transverse, New York, NY 10024, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
The Shakespeare Garden is not actually located in Central Park, but rather in the grounds of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Brooklyn, New York. The garden is designed to celebrate the works of William Shakespeare, featuring plants and flowers that are mentioned in his plays and sonnets. It is a beautiful and tranquil spot, featuring a wide range of plants including roses, lilies, violets, and more. Visitors can stroll along the garden's winding paths and enjoy the fragrant blooms and lush greenery. The Shakespeare Garden is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
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Central Park
North Woods
Central Park, New York, NY, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
The North Woods is a beautiful and expansive area in Central Park, located near the northwest corner of the park. Here are some things to do in the North Woods:
Hike the trails - The North Woods is home to several miles of hiking trails that wind through the woods and around the park's waterways. The trails offer a great opportunity to explore the park's natural beauty and wildlife.
Visit the Loch - The Loch is a picturesque stream that runs through the North Woods, and is a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching.
Explore the Ravine - The Ravine is a scenic area of the North Woods that features a series of waterfalls, rustic bridges, and rock formations. It's a great spot for photography and nature walks.
Birdwatching - The North Woods is home to a wide variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, warblers, and herons. Birdwatchers can bring binoculars and a field guide to spot as many species as possible.
Picnic - The North Woods has several scenic spots for picnicking, including the Great Hill and the Pool.
Visit the Blockhouse - The Blockhouse is a historic fortification that was built in 1814 during the War of 1812. It's located at the northern end of the park and offers stunning views of the Hudson River.
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The High Line
Chelsea Thicket
High Line, New York, NY 10011, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
The Chelsea Thicket is a section of the High Line, an elevated park in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. It is a dense grove of trees and shrubs that provides a naturalistic respite from the urban surroundings. The Thicket features a variety of trees, including birch, serviceberry, and red bud, as well as an understory of ferns and grasses. The park's walking paths weave through the Thicket, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the trees up close. Along the way, benches and seating areas provide opportunities to rest and take in the surroundings. The Chelsea Thicket is one of several distinct areas of the High Line, each with its own unique character and plantings.
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Hudson River Park
Pier 84 Lawn
Pier 84 at Hudson River Park, 12th Avenue, New York, NY, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
Pier 84 is Hudson River Park’s most popular pier in Hell’s Kitchen. Featuring a centrally located swathe of lawn with trees, this is the perfect place to sunbathe. With nearby amenities and activities, Pier 84 is a great stopping point during a tour of Manhattan via the Hudson River. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy a picnic with food from one of the many delicious restaurants nearby!
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The High Line
Northern Spur Preserve
High Line, New York, NY 10011, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
The Northern Spur Preserve is a section of the High Line elevated park in New York City that has been left in its natural state, with an emphasis on preserving and enhancing the native ecology of the area. It was designed in collaboration with landscape architects and ecologists to support and promote the growth of various plants and wildlife species that are native to the region.
The Northern Spur Preserve is located at the far northern end of the High Line, extending between West 16th and West 19th Streets. The area features a range of plant species, including grasses, shrubs, and trees, that have been selected to provide food and habitat for a variety of birds, insects, and other animals.
Visitors to the Northern Spur Preserve can take a leisurely walk along the path, enjoying the natural beauty of the plants and wildlife that thrive there. Interpretive signs and exhibits provide information about the ecology of the area and the efforts being made to preserve it. The area is a popular spot for birdwatching, and visitors may be able to spot species such as American goldfinches, house sparrows, and blue jays.
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Bryant Park
Movie Screening
Bryant Park, New York, NY, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
Bryant Park hosts free outdoor movie screenings during the summer months, typically from late June to late August. The screenings are held on Monday evenings, and the park transforms into an outdoor movie theater, complete with a large screen and seating area.
The movies shown at Bryant Park are typically classic films, family favorites, and popular blockbusters. Some of the movies shown in the past include "The Godfather," "The Princess Bride," "The Big Lebowski," and "Dirty Dancing," among others.
The screenings are free and open to the public, but seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Food and drinks are also available for purchase from vendors within the park.
Overall, the movie screenings at Bryant Park are a fun and unique way to enjoy a classic film under the stars in the heart of New York City.
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Fort Tryon Park
Fort Tryon Park, Dr To Broadway, New York, NY, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
