And there’s a lot of it — over fives inches were recorded in Central Park. If you haven’t ventured out for snow day fun already, there are plenty of opportunities all over NYC for building snowmen, snowball fights, and of course the main event…sledding!
We asked you for your favorite hills across the city, and you didn’t disappoint! Snow days only come once in a while…why not take a “long lunch” today?
Here are the best spots for sledding in NYC:
1. Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Where: Between Prospect Pk W, Flatbush, Parkside, Ocean Aves in Brooklyn
What to know:
According to Park Slope Parents, here are some of the best hills in the park:
- Big hill by the Tennis House
- Little hill by Prospect Park West around 13th street
- There’s a great hill around Prospect Park Southwest (not for beginners and has lots of trees and is more narrow)
- There are two by the Well House (one by the Memorial and one by Vanderbilt Playground)
2. Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn
Where: Between Myrtle Ave., De Kalb Ave. bet. Washington Park and St. Edward’s St.
What to know: 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!
3. Central Park, Midtown
Where: Above 70th St., between Fifth Ave and Central Park West
What to know: 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.
4. Federal Hall Steps, FiDi
Where: 26 Wall St.
What to know: 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!
5. Astoria Park, Queens
Where: 19 Street between Shore Boulevard off Ditmars Boulevard
What to know: 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.
6. Riverside Park, Upper West Side
Where: 72nd to 158th streets along the Hudson River
What to know: 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 105th St.
7. Carl Schurz Park, Yorkville
Where: From East End Av To East River, E 84 St To E 90 St
What to know: 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.
8. Forest Park, Queens
Where: Between Myrtle Ave, Union Tpke, Park Lane S.
What to know: The best hill in this 500+ acre Queens park is at the Mary Whelan Playground, at 79th Street and Park Lane South.
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, Lower Manhattan
Where: Between Battery Pl, State St. and Whitehall St.
What to know: The hills here are pretty tame, but head to the Teardrop Park section for the best ones (perfect for little ones)!