‘Tis the season for sledding in NYC.
Just in case you missed the news, a blizzard is working its way into NYC this weekend, and Mother Nature is expected to treat us to about a foot of snow — maybe even more. Though we hate to break it to you, we’re also bracing ourselves for below-freezing temps. (Hot chocolate, anyone?)
Flights might be cancelled and transit paths might be rerouted, but rest assured, when it’s safe to venture out, we’re putting on our scarves a la Ralphie Parker and heading to the best sledding spots in the city. Where will you venture this weekend?
1. Prospect Park
Prospect Park is home to many hills, particularly in Long Meadow. The record-breaking spot is considered the the longest stretch of unbroken meadow in any U.S. urban park. If you’re in search of a back-up plan, we also recommend the Nethermead at the greenery’s center or Lookout Hill, the highest point in the park.
Where: Between Prospect Pk W, Flatbush, Parkside, Ocean Aves in Brooklyn
2. Fort Greene Park
We love Fort Greene Park for its variety. There are gentler slopes for the youngin’s, plus steeper ones for the older New Yorkers embracing their inner child. Perfect! The NYC Parks Department recommends venturing to the interior of the park at Willoughby Ave.
Where: Between Myrtle Ave., De Kalb Ave. bet. Washington Park and St. Edward’s St.
3. Central Park
Is there a more iconic NYC winter moment than sledding in Central Park? It’s a kid’s dream!
One of the go-to spots in NYC’s backyard is Pilgrim Hill (Near 72nd Street & Fifth Avenue, south of Conservatory Water) or Cedar Hill, on the east side between 76th and 79th St.
Where: Above 70th St, between Fifth Ave and Central Park West
4. Van Cortlandt Park
Those of us uptown need a place to go sledding, and Riverdale’s popular spot is it.
The park has gentler hills that are ideal for little sledders, and there’s also plenty of flat areas where kiddos can get creative by building a snowman…or starting a snowball fight. Either, or!
Where: Broadway and Jerome Ave
5. Astoria Park
Although Astoria Park is home to NYC’s largest outdoor pool, don’t sleep on the Queens spot during the winter.
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 we recommend visiting.
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 two blocks up, at 108th St. If you and the kiddos make your way 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
This Upper East Side park is great for youngsters in the neighborhood. Most families gravitate towards the lawn north of Gracie Mansion once their sleds come out for the season.
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, its designated sledding hill at the golf course makes for a great place for a sledding race when the snow begins to fall.
Where: Between Myrtle Ave, Union Tpke, Park Lane S.
9. Roosevelt Island
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.
Where: East River, arrive by subway (F train), Roosevelt Island Tram from 59th St., or NYC Ferry
10. Battery Park
The hills here are pretty tame, but head to the Teardrop Park section for the best ones (ideal for the littler sledders in your group).
Where: Between Battery Pl, State St. and Whitehall St.