Summary
Located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, Prospect Park welcomes eight million visitors each year. The 585-acre park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same masterminds behind Manhattan’s famous Central Park. Consequently, Prospect Park offers a wealth of activities and events throughout the year, making it a worthwhile destination for both locals and tourists.
Things to Do
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Prospect Park, including:
- Boat tours at the Audubon Center
- Fishing
- Horse riding
- Foraging or walking tours
- Renting a pedal boat
- Leisurely strolls through the park’s beautiful landscape
Landmarks and Attractions
Prospect Park is home to numerous notable landmarks and attractions, including:
- Grand Army Plaza
- Lefferts Historic House
- Prospect Park Zoo – a great choice for families and animal enthusiasts
The LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park is another fantastic family-friendly option that offers roller skating in summer and ice skating during winter.
For bird lovers, a visit to the Prospect Park Boathouse and Audubon Center is essential. It is the first urban-area Audubon Center in the country, allowing visitors to learn about over 240 species of birds that visit the park annually. The center features year-round birdwatching activities.
Tours
If you’d prefer exploring Prospect Park with guidance, consider participating in one of the organized tours:
- The Prospect Park Alliance and Turnstile Tours offer walking tours that delve into the history of “Brooklyn’s Backyard” on select Sundays and Friday evenings.
- Big Onion Walking Tours conducts a popular two-hour Prospect Park Walking Tour that provides an excellent overview of the park across its three districts: the lake district, the meadow district, and the rustic district.
Directions
Prospect Park is extensive, yet, similar to most attractions in New York City, it is well-served by public transportation. However, if you choose to drive, limited street parking is available, or you might opt for a nearby garage, keeping in mind that parking could be expensive.
Boundaries
- Prospect Park West
- Prospect Park Southwest
- Parkside Avenue (southwest)
- Ocean Avenue (southeast)
- Washington Avenue (east)
- Eastern Parkway (north)
Subways
- F at 7th Ave., 15th St./Prospect Park, and Fort Hamilton Parkway stations
- 2/3 at Grand Army Plaza
- Q at Parkside Ave. and Prospect Park stations
- S at Prospect Park
- B at Prospect Park
Parking
- Street parking is available around Prospect Park’s perimeter. Be mindful of parking regulations and remember to bring quarters for metered spots.
- Litchfield Villa offers a limited number of parking spots.
- The Picnic House provides permit-only parking for events.
Concerts and Events
Throughout the year, particularly in the summer months, Prospect Park hosts a variety of events. The beloved Celebrate Brooklyn in the Prospect Park Bandshell is notably popular and even features free performances during the season.
The Philharmonic in the Parks and the Metropolitan Opera in the Parks offer guests a chance to enjoy classical music performances beneath the stars.
