Public Programs
Parks operates 29 Recreation Centers in all five boroughs of New York City. Recreation Centers offer services such as indoor pools, weight rooms, basketball courts, dance studios, art studios, game rooms, and libraries. All of our Recreation Centers offer a wide range of programs for all ages, such as fitness programs, afterschool programs, dance classes, computer instruction, and special events.
Disney Playwork Pilot Program
This year, for the first time, Parks & Recreation is launching a Playwork Pilot Program, generously sponsored by the Walt Disney Company. At Disney Playwork Playgrounds, children have access not only to traditional playground equipment, such as swings and slides, but also to moveable elements, such as sand, water, wheelbarrows, pails and shovels. With these materials, children are encouraged to use their imaginations to create their own worlds. At each site, trained playworkers facilitate activity and provide an additional level of safety.
Playwork Pilot Program Locations
Fitness Programs
Parks offers free fitness opportunities for New Yorkers of all ages, including nutrition and fitness classes led by trained fitness instructors. Get moving and get fit for free with Step Out New York City and Shape Up New York.
Parks Afterschool
Parks offers structured afterschool programs for youth ages 6-13 at 35 recreation centers throughout New York City. Parks Afterschool is a free program that provides children with structured homework help, arts instruction, and athletics/fitness.
Afterschool Program Information
Special Events
Parks hosts special events throughout the year both at recreation centers and in parks citywide. Information is consistently updated; check back here for details.
Sports Programs & Instructional Clinics
Parks offers a wide array of free sports programs and instructional sports clinics for youth focused on a range of sports including basketball, soccer, softball, baseball, flag football, and track & field.
Sports Programs & Clinics Information
Summer Programs
Parks & Recreation offers various summer programming to keep youth & families active.
Summer Day CampsWillie Randolph Summer Sports Experience
SchoolFood Summer Meal Program
Playground Associate Program
Mobile Recreation Vans
Summer Festivals
Skate Parks
Swim Programs
Parks provides a variety of free Aquatic programs for all ages and levels ranging from swim lessons to recreational swimming to swim team training for competition.
Teen Program
Parks’ Teen Program offers a menu of activities for youth aged 14 to 17 that combine ongoing arts, athletics, and social activities with specialized workshops and trips.
Related Info
City Parks Foundation
Historic Houses
Greenthumb Gardens
Urban Park Rangers