Living in the city doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself from spending some one-on-one time with Mother Nature. When the Big Apple isn’t being ravaged by the unbearable cold during its bitter winter months, grab a big bottle of wine, toss some grapes and cheese into a basket and head to these parks for a picnic:
1. Governors Island
Governors Island, a 172-acre oasis in the heart of New York Harbor, is opened all summer long, offering urbanites the “easiest way to get away” without actually having to leave the city. The quiet island is located only 800 yards away from Lower Manhattan (and even closer to Brooklyn) by ferry.
Photo via Jenn
2. Sheep Meadow - Central Park
No picnic list would be complete without Central Park. Although any spot inside would be ideal for a picnic, Sheep Meadow, a 15-acre preserve at the west side of the park (66th to 69th streets in Manhattan), offers a peaceful expanse of green to wine and dine on. 1802 65th St. Transverse.
Photo via M01229
3. Brooklyn Bridge Park - Pier I
Not only will you have front row seats to NYC’s iconic skyline at BBP, you’ll also have access to large lawns, a waterfront promenade and a playground. Pier 1 is the largest of the park’s six piers, so make sure to give yourself enough time to take in the whole experience. 334 Furman St.
Photo via Katie Killary
4. Gantry Plaza State Park
Like the Brooklyn Bridge Park, Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City offers amazing views of the Manhattan skyline. Plus, the utopian complex has a perfectly kept sports-field, as well as several piers you can take a stroll on. 4-09 47th Rd.
Photo via Erwin Bernal
5. Clove Lakes Park
Located in Sunnyside, Staten Island, Cloves Lakes Park is a protected Forever Wild site, which holds lakes, ponds, and a three hundred year-old tulip tree. Walk down its various trails and play in the recreation zone to burn off those extra picnic calories. 1150 Clove Rd, Staten Island.
Photo via Marine Corps NewYork
6. Van Cortlandt Park
Van Cortlandt Park, situated in the Bronx, is the third largest park in New York City, measuring 1,146-acres. It is home to native woodlands and Van Cortlandt Lake, the largest body of freshwater in the Bronx. Broadway & Vancortlandt Park S., Bronx.
Photo via Steven Pisano
7. Prospect Park
In between Park Slope, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Ditmas Park and Windsor Terrace, lies Prospect park, a “585-acre oasis” that offers visitors a mixture of recreational activities in nature, including birdwatching and boating.
Photo via Jay Gorman
