Forest Park is an expansive 543-acre retreat situated in the New York City borough of Queens. As the third-largest park in Queens and the tenth-largest in New York City, it offers a natural escape in the middle of urban sprawl. Visitors come to explore its 165-acre forest, which rests on scenic hills and kettles established roughly 20,000 years ago by the receding Wisconsin Glacier's Harbor Hill Moraine.
Nature lovers can enjoy a haven for native plants and local wildlife, as well as spot migratory birds passing through during the spring and fall seasons alongside the resident bird population. For recreational activities and sightseeing, the park features several trails designed for urban day hikers. Divided into eastern woodland and western recreational sections by Woodhaven Boulevard, you will find a historic carousel listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a golf course with a clubhouse, a pond, and a skate park.
Additional amenities include playgrounds, a running track, two dog runs, tennis courts, basketball courts, and baseball fields. Operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, this historic green space provides a wonderful blend of natural glacial terrain, dense woods, and diverse outdoor facilities.
What to see at Forest Park
- Explore a 165-acre forest on historic glacial terrain
- Ride the Forest Park Carousel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Hike scenic day trails and observe resident and migratory birds
- Play at the golf course, skate park, sports courts, and fields
Visiting tips
Visit during the spring or fall seasons to watch migratory birds as they pass through the park.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Spring or fall
How to get there & what’s nearby
Forest Park is easy to reach on Queens’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Queens travel guide.
See the full Queens travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.