
Riverside Park
A sprawling NYC park along the Hudson River, offering serene views, inclusive playgrounds, and hidden urban art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere

Riverside Park
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling NYC park along the Hudson River, offering serene views, inclusive playgrounds, and hidden urban art.
"This park is AMAZING! I have never been to such an amazing park! Truly outstanding!"

🚶♀️ Embrace the Walk
Riverside Park is expansive! Wear comfortable shoes to explore its many paths and scenic overlooks.
☕ Waterfront Coffee Break
Grab a coffee at Pier i Café for stunning river views. It's a perfect spot to relax.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Freedom Tunnel
Underneath Riverside Park
Discover a hidden world of vibrant graffiti art in this historic, underground passageway.

Pier i Café
West 70th Street
Enjoy a coffee with stunning Hudson River views at this charming waterfront spot.

Playgrounds for All Abilities
Various locations
Exceptional, inclusive play areas designed for children of all abilities, fostering joy and laughter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Stroll
Explore Beyond the Main Paths
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Embrace the Walk
Riverside Park is expansive! Wear comfortable shoes to explore its many paths and scenic overlooks.
☕ Waterfront Coffee Break
Grab a coffee at Pier i Café for stunning river views. It's a perfect spot to relax.
🎨 Uncover the Freedom Tunnel
Seek out the Freedom Tunnel for a unique urban art experience. It's a hidden gem!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
The playgrounds are amazing and inclusive for all children. Pure joy for little ones!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Embrace the Walk
Riverside Park is expansive! Wear comfortable shoes to explore its many paths and scenic overlooks.
☕ Waterfront Coffee Break
Grab a coffee at Pier i Café for stunning river views. It's a perfect spot to relax.
🎨 Uncover the Freedom Tunnel
Seek out the Freedom Tunnel for a unique urban art experience. It's a hidden gem!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
The playgrounds are amazing and inclusive for all children. Pure joy for little ones!
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of shelters and BBQ areas make it ideal for a family picnic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Riverside Park for its exceptional, inclusive playgrounds and beautiful Hudson River views, calling it an amazing and well-thought-out urban oasis. Many appreciate the free access and family-friendly atmosphere, though some note that specific attractions like mini-golf require bringing your own equipment.
"We were in the area and noticed a Pow Wow sign open to the public. This has been a lifetime thing on my bucket list, made my 💜 and insides so happy. Definitely be back God willing next yr. So many different tribes I was in 💕 and cloud 9."
Valerie Padron
"What a remarkable experience. Friendly family environment where parents where engaging with their children not phone.
Clean clean and felt very safe with the double fence and direct walking paths in and out of play area.
Something for all children including special needs swing & cool zipline for younger age child.
Loved that so many boys playing basketball& being respectful .
This is the model park many should take a example of ...
So many children where smiling and laughing we couldn't help but feel that joy in our hearts. Thank you for a wonderful day.
P.s all of it was Free ..
Another blessing"
Blue Berry
"Great playground for kids. Mini-golf is a unique part of the park. Bring your own putter and balls."
Travis Swenson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Times Square, take the 1 train to 72nd Street. Walk west towards Riverside Boulevard and then head towards the river. The journey is under 20 minutes.
Yes, Riverside Park is well-served by multiple subway lines (1, 2, 3, A, B, C, D) and bus routes along its length.
Entrances are plentiful along Riverside Drive. Popular access points include 72nd Street, 81st Street, and 125th Street, depending on which section you wish to explore.
Limited street parking is available along Riverside Drive, but it can be challenging to find. Public transport is generally recommended.
While street parking exists, it's often scarce. Consider using parking garages in the Upper West Side if driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Riverside Park is a public park and entry is completely free.
Riverside Park is generally open from 6 AM to 1 AM daily. Specific facilities like the pool have separate hours.
The park itself is free. Some specific activities or events held within the park, like the swimming pool or special festivals, may have associated fees.
Yes, picnic shelters and BBQ areas can often be reserved in advance through the NYC Parks Department website to guarantee your spot.
All playgrounds within Riverside Park are free to access and enjoy for children of all ages and abilities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Freedom Tunnel for its art, Pier i Café for river views, and the exceptional playgrounds. The park offers a more relaxed vibe than Central Park.
Absolutely! Riverside Park boasts amazing, inclusive playgrounds designed for children of all abilities, making it a fantastic family destination.
You can enjoy walking, jogging, cycling, picnicking, BBQs, visiting playgrounds, and in summer, attending events like 'Summer on the Hudson'.
Yes, Riverside Park has designated dog runs where your furry friends can play off-leash.
Expect beautiful views of the Hudson River, the New Jersey Palisades, and the city skyline.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Pier i Café at West 70th Street offers refreshments with a view. There are also numerous delis and restaurants just a short walk from the park on the Upper West Side.
Definitely! The park has many picnic shelters and BBQ areas, perfect for a family outing.
The Upper West Side surrounding Riverside Park is packed with diverse dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
Yes, there's a farmer's market near Columbia University, offering fresh produce and baked goods.
Yes, water fountains are available throughout the park, especially near playgrounds and restrooms. It's always good to carry a reusable water bottle.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the Hudson River, the George Washington Bridge, and the city skyline from various vantage points along the promenade.
The Freedom Tunnel offers a unique backdrop for urban photography with its extensive graffiti art, but be mindful of lighting conditions.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the river and skyline.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of others.
It's best practice to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially children.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Strollers & Couples
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Freedom Tunnel
Accessing the tunnel requires navigating specific entry points, and it's advisable to go with someone familiar or during daylight hours for safety. The art is constantly evolving, making each visit a potentially new experience. Remember to be respectful of the art and the space itself.
While not an officially sanctioned art space, the Freedom Tunnel is a significant part of Riverside Park's unofficial history and a draw for urban explorers and photographers seeking unique cityscapes.
Riverside Park: A Relaxed Alternative
The park is meticulously maintained, featuring diverse landscapes from manicured lawns to wooded areas. It’s a popular spot for locals to unwind, exercise, and connect with the waterfront. The riverside promenade is perfect for leisurely strolls, offering picturesque vistas of the river and the New Jersey Palisades.
Beyond its natural beauty, Riverside Park hosts various community events, particularly during the summer with programs like 'Summer on the Hudson,' which brings music, film, and family activities to the park. It’s a true urban oasis that provides a refreshing contrast to the city's hustle and bustle.
Family Fun and Inclusivity at Riverside Park
Parents rave about the joy and laughter emanating from these play areas, noting how well-maintained and safe they are. The park also offers amenities like picnic shelters and BBQ areas, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings and birthday celebrations.
Beyond the playgrounds, the park's vast green spaces and riverfront paths provide ample room for kids to run, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a place where families can create lasting memories in a beautiful and welcoming setting.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit