Prospect Park

The Basics

Visitors to Prospect Park discover cobblestone paths, expansive lawns, and a beaux arts boathouse. Families enjoy the park's wheelchair-accessible carousel, designed in 1912, and the small zoo offering family-friendly activities. Though the park is enjoyable year-round, it truly comes alive in the summer. Visitors can attend free concerts, movie screenings, and food festivals weekly.

To get the most out of your visit, consider booking a walking tour. Small-group guided tours cover the park's history and highlights. Alternatively, Brooklyn hop-on hop-off bus tours often pass Prospect Park, so it's easy to explore. Private tours are also an option, though they tend to be pricier.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Outdoor grills and picnic tables are available, so consider enjoying a meal alfresco.

• Wear comfortable shoes, or hiking books, since walking is a must.

• You'll want to be outside, so check a weather report before you go.

How to Get There

The top of Prospect Park is Grand Army Plaza, which has its own subway station serviced by the 2, 3, and 4 trains. At the southern end of the park are the Fort Hamilton Parkway Station, on the F and G lines, and the Parkside Avenue Station, on the Q line. Driving is also an option, though parking may be challenging because of alternate-side parking regulations. On Sundays, metered street parking is free.

When to Get There

The best time to visit Prospect Park is in spring and summer, with plants in bloom and a full events calendar. The park is also worth exploring in winter—lakes and pools freeze over, and the lawns are stunning with a dusting of snow. The park is open daily, though some attractions—including the Woodlands, playgrounds, and Parade Ground—close at sunset.

Ice Skating in the Park

The LeFrak Center at Lakeside, in the southeast corner of Prospect Park, is the perfect place for winter ice skating. The ice rink is open for skating seven days a week, and tickets and skate rentals are reasonably priced. Sports enthusiasts can also try curling. For families, special events happen often, including a Skate with Santa day in December.

Ways to explore

Give yourself plenty of time at Prospect Park to explore the picturesque landscapes designed by the same team that developed Central Park. Admire the Beaux Arts-style boathouse, rent a pedal boat at Prospect Lake, go horseback riding, enjoy a walk, run, or bike ride along Park Drive, or play a game of baseball, soccer, or tennis at the Parade Ground.

Guided tours of Prospect Park cover all the highlights, including the Long Meadow, the Ravine, the LeFrak Center, and Grand Army Plaza with its memorial arch. Brooklyn sightseeing tours and bike tours often include a stop here.

Accessibility

The park is wheelchair and stroller accessible; there are accessible restrooms, fitness areas, and playgrounds.

Age limits

None.

What to pack

Camera, sunscreen, picnic blanket, bottled water, snacks, sports equipment, skateboard, rollerblades

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sports kit if taking part in sports

Not allowed

Barbecues (except in designated areas), fishing without a fishing license, walking off marked trails (in woodland areas), dogs off-leash (except in designated areas)

Amenities

Tennis and basketball courts, baseball and soccer pitches, pedal boat and kayak rentals, children’s playgrounds, dog run and dog beach, cafés, restaurants, food trucks, picnic and barbecue areas, restrooms

Address

Prospect Park is in the heart of Brooklyn and stretches from Grand Army Plaza to State Route 27. It’s possible to reach the park by car or public transport. Once inside, you can only get around on foot or by bike.

Driving

From Manhattan, it’s usually quickest to take the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel and follow State Route 27 to the park. There’s no on-site parking, and parking garages in Brooklyn can be expensive, so it’s usually faster and cheaper to arrive by public transport—Sundays are an exception, as street parking is free.

Public transportation

For the north end of the park, take subway lines 2, 3, or 4 to Grand Army Plaza, right at the edge of the park. For the Boathouse, LeFrak Center, and Prospect Park Zoo, take lines B, Q, or S to Prospect Park. For Prospect Lake and the Parade Ground, take line Q to Parkside Avenue.

Best times to visit

The park is open daily from 6am to 1am. The quietest times are usually early or late in the day, while the busiest period is from lunchtime through to sunset. Dog walkers can make the most of the off-leash hours in Long Meadow: 6am to 9am, and 9pm to 1am.

Best days to visit

While Saturday and Sunday tend to draw the biggest crowds, there’s always something going on at Prospect Park, even on weekdays. Time your visit to catch the weekly farmers market at Grand Army Plaza (Saturday) or Bartel-Pritchard Square (Wednesday morning), or check the events schedule for yoga classes, fitness sessions, or guided tours.

Best months to visit

The park comes alive from late May through August, when free music concerts, movie screenings, yoga and fitness classes, and foodie events are held every week. There’s fun to be had through all four seasons, from winter ice skating to fall foliage walks.

Special events

The BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! outdoor performing arts festival features free shows and performances in the park from June 7 through August 16, 2025, while the Smorgasburg food festival hosts foodie events every Sunday from April through October.