It isn't all hipster bars and thrift stores, Brooklyn offers a bevy of outdoor activities to enjoy. Whether you want to watch sea lions frolick or ice skate in Prospect Park, the New York City borough is a place you can find a little peace.
LessOpened in 1867, Brooklyn's lovely, faux-natural green space has a long meadow to the west (filled with dog-walkers, sportspeople or barbecuers, depending on the season), hilly woodlands and a boat house on the east side, by its expansive lake. Many visitors come to bike, run, stroll, walk their dogs or just lounge around. The park has a zoo, an ice-skating rink. There are also free concerts at the Prospect Park Bandshell and a year-round farmers market is held on Saturdays.
Sunset Park is a lovely hangout spot: on summer evenings, families keep cool in its Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool, and kids love its large, modern playground. It's small enough to walk around easily, large enough to spread out for picnics and relaxation, and features incredible views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty from its highest point. You'll also find basketball, volleyball and handball courts, and some ever-elusive public restrooms.
Distant views of Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline are the rewards of exploring this waterfront park with an industrial vibe. There's a dual-use biking/walking trail, basketball/soccer courts but little shade (bring sunscreen or umbrella as needed). Bush Terminal Park is located a short walk from the studios, shops and restaurants of Industry City. You can enter the park from 43rd Street. It's especially eye-catching at sunset.
This small, 12-acre zoo features a variety of animals dotted around sections such as the Discovery Trail (red pandas, dingos, river otters and tufted deer) and the Hall of Animals (dwarf mongooses, fennec foxes and Vietnamese mossy frogs). Kids can feed alpacas and Shetland sheep in the Barn section or be thoroughly entertained by the California sea lions dominating the pool in the central court. The zoo's closest to the Flatbush Avenue entrance of Prospect Park.
Brooklyn's biggest indoor climbing arena is housed in an airy and vibrant space on an industrial block in the Gowanus neighborhood. Ceilings top out at 30 feet inside this 18,000 square-foot facility and its caves, freestanding 17-foot boulder and climbing walls offer numerous routes for both beginners and experts. Classes are available.
The most significant addition to Prospect Park since its creation, the LeFrak is a 26-acre eco-friendly playground. In winter there's ice skating, in summer there's roller skating and a sprinkler-filled water-play area for kids to splash about in. Pedal boats and kayaks are also available (usually late March to mid-October), and a variety of bikes can be rented to tour the park. Details of seasonal events and competitions such as roller discos and ice hockey are posted online.