Parks provide a variety of opportunities for people to get active. From strollers to wheelchairs, parks have amenities for all physical abilities.
Play tag with friends in the park to exercise and have fun. This game is ideal for bigger groups. Playing football on a field can also be fun for people of all ages.
Picnicking
Many people enjoy spreading out a blanket and sharing an al fresco meal with friends and family in the park. Whether they’re enjoying food from a nearby restaurant or making their picnic basket, the setting is ideal for fostering relationships and building memories with loved ones.
When asked how being in the park made them feel, most participants responded that it helped them relax and feel closer to nature. They also noted that it boosted their mental and physical well-being, making them feel more energized.
Some of the most popular NYC picnic spots include Van Cortlandt Park, which provides a scenic designated picnic spot surrounded by dense woods. Belvedere Castle in Central Park is a beautiful location for picnicking as it’s situated before the gorgeous castle facade, which creates a truly enchanting setting. Other great options include Grassy Island in Queens and Socrates Sculpture Park, which offers spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.
Sports
Many parks have open fields that allow visitors to play group sports games. Whether it’s soccer or football, this activity improves socialization skills while providing much-needed exercise. People can also play Frisbee, which is easy to learn and encourages playfulness. Flying discs are a fun and portable option for groups to enjoy together, and it’s an ideal sport for dogs, too.
Another team sport that parks can host is volleyball. It’s a great way to get exercise and improve coordination, and it’s an ideal activity for people of all ages and fitness levels. Parks can also provide a venue for community events, bringing together different cultures and showing how everyone is part of the same big community.
Cycling and Rollerblading
Cycling and rollerblading are exciting ways to explore parks. Visitors ride bikes on designated paths and enjoy the fresh air, while rollerbladers glide over smooth surfaces with protective gear, experiencing a sense of freedom and leisure.
Parks often host fairs and carnivals with games, races, inflatable play objects, and rides to entertain families. They may also offer high-adventure activities like orienteering and archery.
Many parks host musical concerts, and theatre shows that make people happy. Being surrounded by nature while enjoying the arts creates a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Bringing snacks and drinks is another great way to make a day at the park fun. Foods like sandwiches and fruit are quick and easy to prepare and will keep kids energized for hours of fun outdoors. Parks with open paved areas are perfect for playing classic outdoor games, such as four square or hopscotch.
Walking and Jogging
Walking and jogging in the park are popular forms of exercise that help people connect with nature. It also provides a break from the monotony of indoor workouts, keeping people motivated.
Parks with walking loops allow visitors to move around the park without having to stop, promoting longer-duration recreational moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This type of exercise is associated with lower body fat and better cardiovascular health.
During a walk or jog in the park, visitors may encounter other visitors with whom they can interact. Friendly conversations and interactions can lead to new friendships, enhancing the experience for all park visitors. This socialization can also be a source of stress relief. Hide and seek is another fun activity that visitors of all ages can enjoy. It requires little to no equipment and can be a great way to get kids moving.
Educational Workshops
Playing traditional outdoor games in parks gets kids away from screens, encouraging social skills, motor development, and self-regulation. Even simple sidewalk chalk can provide hours of entertainment, as children use bright colors to draw hopscotch, tic-tac-toe, and other staples.
Parks with open fields offer an opportunity for visitors to gather and play football, a team sport that requires cooperation and strategy. Other group sports like soccer and kickball can also be played on field surfaces, as well as group games that incorporate bases, such as baseball or disc golf.
Some people enjoy learning about nature and local ecosystems in parks by joining birdwatching clubs or gardening workshops. These groups allow them to share tips, ideas, and experiences with others who love gardening or have similar interests, cultivating a supportive community. They can also participate in scavenger hunts to find items hidden on park paths and trails.
Sustainability Initiatives
Research has shown that people who live or visit parks with more trees, wildflowers, and other native greenery have healthier bodies, better test scores, and a stronger sense of community. Many park agencies are working to increase sustainability by planting more trees, transitioning to eco-friendly weed control products, and using sustainable landscaping techniques that save money.
Other park initiatives include recycling stations and solar-powered facilities. Some parks also have community gardens, where residents can rent plots to grow their plants and share the harvest with others in the community. These projects show the agency’s commitment to sustainability and encourage visitors to take an active role in protecting the environment. They also provide a cost-effective way to deliver services.
Feeding Ducks and Geese
Parks teem with wildlife, and many people enjoy feeding ducks and geese. However, doing so can be harmful to waterfowl. Bread, crackers, chips, and other typical snacks do not provide the nutritional balance that waterfowl need to thrive.
In addition, scattering food encourages competition for handouts among waterfowl. The crowded conditions also facilitate the spread of disease. In addition, the feces created by overcrowded waterfowl result in excessive algae growth, leading to decreased oxygen levels, green and cloudy water, and fish kills.
When visiting a park that allows the feeding of ducks and geese, bring food that is similar to the bird’s natural diet. For example, iceberg lettuce and other leafy greens are a good choice (although avoid cucumber peelings — those can cause a condition called “angel wing”). Oats, grains, cracked corn, peas, and shredded carrots are also excellent choices.
Photography and Videography
The natural beauty of parks — from a local city or county park to a national park — offers compelling subjects for photographs and videography. Whether a visitor is using a camera to test new equipment, taking photos to share on social media, or filming a documentary for commercial use, parks offer a safe and well-defined environment that provides a miniature representation of the surrounding biosphere.
Birdwatching is another popular activity in parks, and the calm park setting allows visitors to focus on the birds they see. Some parks also offer digital and physical guides to the area’s wildlife, allowing visitors to turn their time outdoors into an educational experience.
In general, recreational photography and videography do not require a special permit in most cases. However, these activities mustn’t impede the enjoyment of the natural environment for other visitors.
Listening to Music or Podcasts
Listening to music or podcasts can help relax oneself in the tranquil park setting. Music allows listeners to unwind and lifts their mood, while podcasts entertain and educate them.
Podcasts have become a popular trend in recent years, with boffo numbers like 340 million downloads of “Serial” and Spotify’s $230 million acquisition of Gimlet Media. The genre varies from general chit-chat to in-depth musical history, providing something for every music fan.
Several parks have fun concerts and live music shows, bringing the community together for a lively experience. Theatre groups also perform plays and musicals in the gardens, creating memorable experiences for all. Playing outdoor games in the park is a great way to strengthen relationships with friends and family. Try out the popular game, “Follow the Leader,” by following the leader through a park and having everyone copy your moves.
Sketching or Painting
The tranquil atmosphere of parks allows visitors to relax and focus on their creativity. They bring sketchbooks or painting equipment to capture the beauty of the landscape and wildlife.
Birdwatching is another popular activity in parks. With binoculars in hand, people look for native bird species to observe and learn about ecosystems.
Some parks have paved areas where visitors enjoy playing staple outdoor games like hopscotch or four square. Others have sidewalk chalk where kids can express their creativity and draw whatever their hearts desire. Parks also host fun concerts, and theatre shows that make the community happy. They are an excellent place for children to play and adults to socialize in a natural setting. They are also perfect for family gatherings and events.