About Forest Park
Forest Park offers a unique natural escape in Queens, serving as a clean, uncrowded haven for families seeking both active outdoor pursuits and tranquil relaxation. It provides diverse environments from challenging hilly trails to open green spaces with playgrounds and sports facilities, alongside opportunities for wildlife observation and scenic beauty, particularly stunning fall foliage.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking a peaceful nature escape from the city (Review 2, 5)Active families who enjoy hiking, jogging, or biking together (Review 1, 5)Wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers (Review 2)Picnics and outdoor family gatherings at the barbecue area (Review 3, 4)Enjoying seasonal natural beauty, particularly autumn leaves (Review 3, 5)
Why families love it
- Consistently described as clean and never crowded, offering a peaceful experience (Review 2)
- Abundant opportunities for wildlife spotting, including blue jays, colorful birds, and wild cats (Review 2)
- Features interesting surprises along hiking trails, making exploration engaging (Review 2)
- Offers stunning fall foliage, making it an ideal autumn destination (Review 3, 5)
- Provides a quiet and beautiful environment, offering a significant escape from city overwhelm (Review 1, 2, 5)
- Includes a dedicated playground for children (Review 3)
Insider tips
- Wear appropriate footwear for hiking due to very hilly trails and inclines (Review 5)
- Consider visiting in the Fall to experience the 'perfect foliage' (Review 3, 5)
- Bring binoculars or a camera for bird watching and wildlife spotting (Review 2)
- Plan for picnics or use the barbecue area, as outside food is implied to be allowed (Review 3, 4)
- Utilize the parking lots available, especially near the barbecue area, for convenience (Review 4)
Good to know before you go
- Parents with limited mobility or those pushing strollers might find the 'very hilly' trails challenging (Review 5)
- Trails are described as very hilly with inclines, requiring preparedness (Review 5)
- Crowds
- Consistently described as 'never crowded' (Review 2)
- Value
- Entry appears to be free as it is a public green space. It offers exceptional value with a wide array of free activities, natural beauty, and facilities for relaxation, exercise, and family enjoyment, providing a high-quality outdoor experience without cost.
- Food
- Outside food is encouraged, with mentions of 'picnics' and a 'barbecue area' (Review 3, 4).
- Accessibility
- No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in reviews.
What parents say
"In Queens, this green space is a blessing to the community, a beautiful environment where you can spend time with friends, jog, ride your bike or just relax."
7 months ago
"I’m a spring baby and this park was my haven this year. So many interesting surprises along my hike through it. One of my little gems. It’s clean and never crowded. I spot blue jays and other colorful birds and wild cats. Feels great being wrapped up in nature. Every visit cleanses my soul from the overwhelm of the City that I love❤️❤️❤️❤️"
a year ago
"Nature and playground, running tracks, yoga mats , pull up bars , toy race cars , baseball , handball and picnics. Fall foliage and wind turbines between alpines, prehistoric oak trees and dog walks"
6 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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