Prospect Park covers 526 acres in Brooklyn. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the team behind Central Park, and opened in 1867. Locals use it for running, picnics and weekend barbecues; visitors get a calmer version of Central Park with a real neighborhood feel.
Our top pick: Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO and Skyline Small-Group Tour
Highlights
- Grand Army Plaza and its triumphal arch, the formal main entrance.
- The Long Meadow, about 90 acres of rolling lawn, one of the longest open meadows in any US urban park.
- The Ravine, Brooklyn’s only forest, with streams and small waterfalls.
- Prospect Park Lake, about 60 acres, with a path all the way around.
- LeFrak Center at Lakeside: skating in winter, other activities in summer (paid).
- Prospect Park Zoo (paid), good for younger children.
- Next door: the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (paid) and the Brooklyn Museum.
Make a Brooklyn day of it: walk the park in the morning, have lunch in Park Slope, then take the subway to Brooklyn Bridge Park for sunset over Manhattan.
Brooklyn tours
Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO and Skyline Small-Group Tour
Walk the bridge and DUMBO with a guide. 4.8/5 from over 220 reviews.
Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO Food Tour
Tastings in two of Brooklyn's best-looking neighborhoods. 4.8/5 from over 110 reviews.
Why book online
- Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
- Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
- Mobile ticket on your phone
- Reviews from verified travelers
Where to stay
Park Slope, on the park’s western edge, has brownstone streets, cafés and a growing number of small hotels and guesthouses. It’s about 30 minutes to Midtown by subway.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed Prospect Park?
Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same team behind Central Park. The park opened in 1867.
How do I get to Prospect Park from Manhattan?
Take the 2 or 3 train to Grand Army Plaza for the main entrance, or the B or Q train to Prospect Park station for the southeast side. Allow about 30 minutes from Midtown.
Is Prospect Park worth visiting if I've seen Central Park?
Yes, if you have a spare half day. It feels more local and less crowded, and the Long Meadow is one of the largest open lawns in any US city park.
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