Photo of a New York Public ParkSure, New York has a reputation of being a gritty city full of movers and shakers, hustling and bustling from one block to the next. And if all of this city’s clichés were true it probably wouldn’t be the best place to bring the kids. But for every fearless taxi driver barreling down the cavernous city streets there are dozens of eager educators and despite all of the big crowds in Midtown there are quiet street corners are always a mere blocks away.

Just as the city is the quintessential concrete jungle, so too is it a haven for some of the worlds most magnificent and expansive urban green spaces. New York City is indeed a wonderful place to visit with children, and its parks should be the first stop. Nearly every New York Habitat apartment lies a mere steps from one of the countless public green spaces the city has to offer.

New York City public parks act as children’s museums, libraries and entertainment venues all summer long. The open spaces of urban parks are always a safe and fun place to bring children but in New York they are truly the place to be. The city runs a wide array of free events from the first days of spring to the last warm day of autumn. The city’s most famous parks, most notably Manhattan’s Central and Bryant Parks and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park employ their own event staffs, have their own websites listing events and hold workshops, concerts, and cultural events virtually every day. Even the city’s smallest parks get in on the fun and welcome events that are educative and fun for children young and old.  And if getting involved in an organized event doesn’t suit your fancy, families can always come to the park, have a picnic and play games with their children on the open grass.

Bryant Park Manhattan
Bryant Park Manhattan

Think about staying in an accommodation in the Upper West Side or an apartment rental in the Upper East Side to fully enjoy Central Park:

-This cozy 2-bedroom apartment in Upper West Side (NY-1313) has plenty of space for a small family and is steps from the wide expanse of Central Park.

– This spacious 2-bedroom triplex vacation rental in Park Slope (NY-14778) which can accommodate up to 8 people and is situated within a block from Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.

What events  do you look forward to seeing this summer in one of New York City’s Parks?

Check out some of the other best places for kids in NYC: