With winter in full bloom and as 5-8 inches of snow falls down on NYC–with the potential to be the biggest snowstorm in two years–we’re ready to take advantage of it with sledding!
It’s one of our favorite winter activities, and NYC’s parks and hills make it the perfect place to have hours of fun. Snow days only come once in a while…so here’s where to take your tubes and sleds out:
1. Prospect Park
Prospect Park is home to many hills and spots to go sledding, especially Long Meadow, the nearly mile long stretch of unbroken meadow! There’s also The Nethermead, a rolling meadow near the center of the Park that’s perfect as well!
Where: Between Prospect Pk W, Flatbush, Parkside, Ocean Aves in Brooklyn
2. Fort Greene Park
This park in Clinton Hill has four hills for sledding, all at different inclines. There are gentler slopes for the youngin’s, plus steeper ones for the older New Yorkers embracing their inner child!
Where: Between Myrtle Ave., De Kalb Ave. bet. Washington Park and St. Edward’s St.
3. Central Park
The most popular spots in NYC’s most iconic Park are probably Pilgrim Hill (Near 72nd Street & Fifth Avenue, south of Conservatory Water), and the Bethesda Foundation Steps (overlooking the southern shore of the Lake)! There’s also Cedar Hill, on the East Side between 76th and 79th St.
Where: Above 70th St, between Fifth Ave and Central Park West
4. Federal Hall Steps
Speaking of steps, if you can’t find a hill near you, a giant staircase may work! That’s why the Bethesda Steps are so popular, and you’ll likely catch some New Yorkers sliding down Federal Hall on Wall St.’s stairs as well. If you wipeout, however, there won’t be as much cushioning!
Where: 26 Wall St
5. Astoria Park
This park offers gorgeous views of the East River, Hell’s Gate Bridge and the Midtown East skyline as you’re gliding down the gentle slopes. There’s a huge sloping hill on the southern edge of the park where we recommend going!
Where: 19 Street between Shore Boulevard off Ditmars Boulevard
6. Riverside Park
The main sledding hill in Riverside Park is near Riverside Drive at 103rd Street. There’s also an even steeper hill 2 blocks up, at 108th St. Or if you find yourself a little more south, stop by the Hippo Playground where you can both sled and play on the wintry jungle gym.
Where: 72nd to 158th streets along the Hudson River
7. Carl Schurz Park
Head to 89th Street, the lawn north of Gracie Mansion right off of East End Avenue, for the best sledding in this Upper East Side park.
Where: From East End Av To East River, E 84 St To E 90 St
8. Forest Park
The best hill in this 500+ acre Queens park is at the Mary Whelan Playground, at 79th Street and Park Lane South. Plus, their designated sledding hill at the golf course makes for a great place to have family fun during the winter weather.
Where: Between Myrtle Ave, Union Tpke, Park Lane S.
9. Roosevelt Island
Where: East River, arrive by subway (F train), Roosevelt Island Tram from 59th St., or NYC Ferry
What to know: In between the East Side of Manhattan and Long Island City, Roosevelt Island has two parks of wide open space on either side of the island for all of your snow day needs. Locals enjoy sledding down the Cornell Tech Campus Hills mid-Island, with great views of the Queensboro Bridge.
10. Battery Park
The hills here are pretty tame, but head to the Teardrop Park section for the best ones (perfect for little ones)!
Where: Between Battery Pl, State St. and Whitehall St.