Location: Prospect Park
Top Things to do in Prospect Park
The 10 Best Things to do in Prospect Park, New York (NY)
It seems like most folks have a grandmother, great-uncle or some other distant relative that used to live in Brooklyn, or perhaps a friend that lives there now. In the early 1900s, it was a mecca for immigrants arriving via Ellis Island. A hundred years later, young professionals and artists left pricey Manhattan digs for Brooklyn's cheaper and more expansive space. Neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope, which had fallen into disrepair over the years, were restored and reborn as funky enclaves. Walk or bike over the historic Brooklyn Bridge (or ride the subway) to Brooklyn Heights for a stroll along the Promenade and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Meander through Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for a taste of nature in the urban wilds. Catch a performance at the world-famous Brooklyn Academy of Music. From the delicious Italian restaurants of Bensonhurst to the Irish bars that line the avenues of Bay Ridge, from the hotdogs and rollercoasters of Coney Island to the bagels and handball courts of Greenpoint, Brooklyn is a state of mind as well as a dynamic community. Discover why, no matter where people move on to, they remain Brooklynites at heart.
Restaurants in Brooklyn
1. Bike and Roll NYC
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Conveniently located on Grand Army Plaza offering access to all of Prospect Park and beyond. Rentals on high-quality, freshly-tuned Trek bikes. Rentals include bike, helmet, lock, and map. Kids equipment available - tagalongs, baby seats, and burleys.Seasonal hours.
2. Lefferts Homestead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Once the property of one of the area's wealthiest men, the Lefferts Homestead is now a children's museum.
3. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,454 reviews
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an urban botanic garden situated on 52 acres in the heart of Brooklyn, fostering delight and curiosity in the world of plants while inspiring an appreciation and sense of stewardship of the environment. The Garden also offers weddings and private event catering at the Palm House and Atrium, in a beautiful outdoor setting. Please note, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is open year-round, but hours vary seasonally. Be sure to visit bbg.org/visit before plan your visit.
Reviewed By WorldTravla7 - Cairns, Australia
I loved the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and found them incredibly peaceful and relaxing, not to mention stunning in their variety and beauty - just what needed after almost 2 weeks in a pretty crazy city. I also preferred the intimate design over the larger NYC Botanic Gardens in the Bronx. They shoot major productions here (I recognised several parts of the Gardens immediately in Episode 2 of the Netflix series ‘Maniac’ with Emma Stone). Highlights include: - Cherry blossom trees! (come in April/May when Cherry Esplanade is at its most floral). - Yellow Magnolia Cafe - quaint cafe in a greenhouse setting where you may spot a movie star (I looked up and saw Michelle Williams sitting a table across from me) - Shakespeare Garden (an English cottage style garden with around 80 plants referred to in Shakespeare’s works) - The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden (a traditional Japanese garden and pond with orange torii gate, immaculately kept plants and trees, sculptures, and a gazebo for viewing - The indoor C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum which houses one of the largest collections of bonsai (around 350) outside of Japan All things considered, this is a must do. Perhaps combine it with a day trip to Brooklyn/Prospect Park. Cost is $30 which is not cheap but well worth the spend. You are given a detailed map of the Gardens on entry. Entrance is adjacent to Prospect Park.
4. Prospect Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,397 reviews
Brooklyn's answer to Central Park, Prospect Park contains a zoo, an audubon center and the Brooklyn Museum of Art. Its entrance is marked by the large Memorial Arch and it is a mecca for families and nature lovers who go to play ball, bird watch and listen to outdoor concerts.
Reviewed By howardb648 - Oceanside, United States
Everyone says Central Park is the best in NY, and maybe it is. But as a native NYC expat (to San Diego) and frequent family visitor, this gem may be even better! It is huge and has much variety, inclluding a beuatful botanic garden, open fields, forested ares, water features, you name it. Best time to go is early April through early June, when the weather is beautiful and the trees are blossoming and fragrant and the flowers and plants are at their peak. You can jog, run, bike or simply take a relaxing stroll and soak in the peace and beauty. Yes a "tree grows in Brooklyn", or in this place, millions of them!
5. Brooklyn Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,594 reviews
The Brooklyn Museum is one of the largest art museums in the United States and one of the premier art institutions in the world.
Reviewed By USALouise - Gurnee, United States
We traveled from Chicago to visit the excellent Frida Kahlo exhibit, and were very impressed, especially by the large collection of her clothing featured in so many of her paintings and photographs. Great videos, too. But the rest of the museum offered other fascinating exhibits. Don't miss the Do Ho Suh fabric recreation of his apartment on level 5 ("Perfect Home II") --- Note: it's only available for showing on weekends. We especially enjoyed the Dinner Party by Judy Chicago on Floor 4. (Tip: Be sure to wait for a circulating copy of the book that accompanies the exhibit. There were only two copies available when we were there, but without the booklet it's hard to fully appreciate the exhibit).
6. Old Stone House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Copperman1 - Baltimore, United States
If you want a qucik, informative, child friendly dose of museum/ American history on your visit to Brooklyn the Old Stone House will fit the bill. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, between 2 large playgrounds, the Old Stone House Museum, is on the actual site and is an exact replica (rebuilt in the 1800's) of the stone home that sat at that location the day of the largest battle of the American War for Independence, the Battle of Long island. At this location the "Maryland 400" held off the entire British army allowing the rest of the American army to escape and fight another day.
7. Brooklyn Public Library Central Branch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By TV2451
This is an amazing borough resource with all sorts of things going on, plus the books! And then there is the gorgeous architecture, so stop in and be amazed.
8. Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
A bronze memorial of Civil War soldiers located across from Brooklyn's Prospect Park.
Reviewed By urbanguy - Richmond, United States
Every day, thousands, maybe tens of thousands, drive around this interesting bit of history without an upward glance at the Arch. Although the Arch is often taken to be synonymous with Grand Army Plaza, it is only one "part" of the Plaza, and it is certainly its centerpiece. The Arch was dedicated in 1892 "to the Defenders of the Union, 1861-1865." Up until the early 2000s, there was a stairway to an observation deck! The sculptures at the top are symbolic of war, victory, and peace.
9. Grand Army Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 322 reviews
Reviewed By patriciapR7241PI
This is an awesome architectural structure that Americans and tourists love about New York City; beautiful commemoration of the natural beauty in Prospect Park for all to relax and enjoy to set aside the hustle of urban living.
10. Smorgasburg-Prospect Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Smorgasburg is a weekly festival of over 100 food vendors, as well as a full outdoor bar. Located in beautiful Prospect Park, Smorgasburg appeals to kids and adults alike.
Reviewed By brissycouple91
great way to try so many food carts and craft beers on a wonderful spring day in Brooklyn. Enjoy the park and the food.
