FunKidsActivities

Forest Park

Myrtle Avenue, Union Tpke, Park Ln S, Woodhaven, NY 11421, USA

Overview

Category:Hiking with Kids
Location:New York, NY

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

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.

Key Highlights

  • 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)
  • Has a barbecue area with convenient parking (Review 4)

Standout Features

  • Extensive hiking trails with varied terrain (hilly sections) (Review 2, 5)
  • Designated playground area (Review 3)
  • Variety of sports facilities including running tracks, baseball fields, and handball courts (Review 3)
  • Outdoor fitness equipment like pull-up bars and yoga mat areas (Review 3)
  • Picnic areas and a barbecue area for family meals (Review 3, 4)
  • Opportunities for bird watching and spotting other wildlife (Review 2)
  • Stunning natural beauty, especially the fall foliage (Review 3, 5)

Perfect For

Toddlers & Preschoolers (1-5 years): Playground available, gentle walks possible, 'toy race cars' mentioned hints at open spaces for wheeled toys (Review 3)
School-aged Children (6-12 years): Playground, running tracks, baseball, handball, nature exploration, wildlife spotting (Review 2, 3)
Teens & Active Families (13+ years): Hilly trails for hiking, jogging, biking, pull-up bars, sports facilities like baseball and handball, tranquil spots for relaxation (Review 1, 3, 5)

Ideal 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)
Children who enjoy playgrounds and open-ended outdoor play (Review 3)

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • 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)

Things to Consider

  • Trails are described as very hilly with inclines, requiring preparedness (Review 5)

Price & 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.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in reviews.
  • The description of 'very hilly' trails (Review 5) suggests that some areas may not be easily accessible for individuals with mobility challenges or strollers.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • Outside food is encouraged, with mentions of 'picnics' and a 'barbecue area' (Review 3, 4).

🚗Parking Info

  • Parking lots are available, specifically mentioned near the barbecue area (Review 4).

👥Crowd Levels

  • Consistently described as 'never crowded' (Review 2)
  • Reported to be 'quiet' and calm (Review 4, 5)

🛡️Safety Features

  • None explicitly mentioned in reviews.

When to Avoid

  • Parents with limited mobility or those pushing strollers might find the 'very hilly' trails challenging (Review 5)
  • None explicitly mentioned for crowds or specific times, as reviews state it's 'never crowded' and 'quiet' (Review 2, 5)

Pricing/Package/Events

Events & Schedule

🍎Food Policy

  • Barbecuing Areas are available (implying food consumption is permitted in designated areas).

🛡️Safety Policy

  • Park rules and regulations exist (implied by 'Report a Violation of Park Rules' and 'Rules & Regulations' list item).
  • Emergency: Call 911 (general NYC Parks policy).

📅Booking Policy

  • Event Permits are required for planning an event in a park (general NYC Parks policy, applicable to Forest Park).
  • Information on requesting permits for activities/facilities is available.

🚗Parking Information

  • Directions via Google Maps are available, implying driving access, but no specific parking facilities, rules, or costs are detailed.
Information extracted from official website • Last updated: Sep 29, 2025

What People Say

What's Great

  • Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)

Areas for Improvement

  • Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 3 reviews)

Recent Reviews

michel ricardo

michel ricardo

7 months ago

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.

Vashti

Vashti

a year 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❤️❤️❤️❤️

CAMILO HENRIQUEZ

CAMILO HENRIQUEZ

6 months 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

Seyithan Karabas

Seyithan Karabas

a month ago

Great park and such a calm place, barbecue area has parking lots too

Candyce

Candyce

a year ago

Absolutely beautiful and quiet!!! Loved the trails. It is very hilly, so be prepared for the inclines. The leaves are stunning to see in the Fall. Perfect foliage 🍂🍁

Contact Information

Myrtle Avenue, Union Tpke, Park Ln S, Woodhaven, NY 11421, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.6
Total Reviews7192
Recent Reviews5