Prospect Park
Prospect Park is a vast and beautiful urban oasis with 585 acres of beautifully landscaped greenspace and water features
In the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, Prospect Park is a unique urban oasis featuring 585 landscaped acres designed by Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux, the architectural design team responsible for Manhattan's Central Park.
Olmstead and Vaux accentuated the unique beauty of Prospect Park's natural and geological characteristics with a man-made Watercourse featuring an intricate system of pools, streams, waterfalls and islands culminating in a 60 acre lake. Inspired by the pristine streams of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, the Watercourse winds through deep gorges and 146 acres of forest known as the Ravine District. To preserve the landscape design, the Prospect Park Alliance launched a $43 million dollar restoration project to preserve the Watercourse and the Ravine over the next 25 years.
With over eight million visitors annually, there is something for all members of the family. Popular activities in Prospect Park include bird watching, biking, hiking, pedal-boating and fishing. In the winter months, the rolling hillsides are perfect for sledding. Many sports and fitness facilities are available, including two major league size baseball fields and an indoor-outdoor tennis center. The Prospect Park Children's Corner is a unique destination for fun, exploration, and education with several playground facilities and a landmark Carousel. The Long Meadow Dog Beach will be a favourite with your favourite pooch and the Park has specified off-leash hours for lots of fun with Fido.
Prospect Park is home to many cultural attractions, including The Prospect Park Zoo, Audubon Center and Lefferts Historic House. The Prospect Park Bandshell is the main venue for Celebrate Brooklyn Performing Arts Festival offering live outdoor entertainment performances and concerts every summer. On Saturdays, Prospect Park hosts the one of the largest organic farmer's greenmarkets in New York City.
Nearby attractions include Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Museum of Art and Brooklyn Bridge.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoProspect Park Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Thursday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Friday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Address: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Phone: (718) 965-8951
Official Website: Prospect Park
Prospect Park Reviews
Rated out of 5
As a landscape architect, I thoroughly enjoyed the park. We rode the ring road and then walked around. Olmsted's work stands the test of time and it is evident through the many people that enjoy it. That is what being a L.A. is all about.
Aaron Degler - 2 months ago
I had such an amazing time at the Peak & Pace run at this park. The energy was incredible from start to finish. It was super well organized, the route was great, and I met so many amazing people along the way. The community vibe is what really stood out — everyone was so welcoming and supportive. And the after party? Definitely the perfect way to end it. Such a fun experience all around, I’ll definitely be back!
Angela Harris - 3 months ago
We always love coming here, especially for the cherry blossoms. Right now on April 8 is here and there,but still beautiful. The park is huge, they have paid parking lot, I think for 4 hours we paid 16$. Restrooms and lunch available.
Iryna Glushchenko - 3 months ago
Prospect Park is located in what could be considered the heart of Brooklyn. I visited on a Saturday in mid-April and it was quite crowded with people walking, running, cycling and having picnics. There is also an ice skating rink which is a great option during the winter and the park is very close to a train station.
However, the park generally appears to be poorly maintained. There are not enough restrooms and they are not in good hygienic condition. When I went to see the Boathouse which I was particularly interested in there was a wedding being set up. I also learned that due to frequent private events visitors are often unable to use this area.
I don’t agree with the comments suggesting that it is an alternative to or better than Central Park.
hakan demir - 3 months ago
Great place to be especially if you love nature or just want to relax in a quiet and peaceful space. Its also a nice place to take long walks and to meditate. Its a safe place to be.
Sally McGuire - 3 months ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| F or G | 15 Street - Prospect Park | 1 minute |
| 2 or 3 | Grand Army Plaza | 5 minutes |
| B, Q or S | Prospect Park | 2 minutes |
How to get to Prospect Park by Subway
For the west side of the park take the F or G train to 15th Street / Prospect Park Station and cross the road into the park. For the east side of the park take the B, Q or S train to Prospect Park Station, exit and go right (east) into the park. For the north end of the park take a 2 or 3 train to Grand Army Plaza and walk south along Flatbush Avenue and Grand Army Plaza into the park.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Prospect Park:
Photo Gallery
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Beautiful Foliage along Lullwater Trail in Prospect Park cc licensed photo by JGNY -
Photo Credit: Jauher Ali Nasir - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jauher Ali Nasir - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Phil Roeder - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Reading Tom - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Phil Roeder - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: christianrholland - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Phil Roeder - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Nikolas Moya - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Phil Roeder - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Phil Roeder - cc license via Flickr
