When the New York City summer turns the sidewalks into griddles, Manhattan’s parks offer something the city’s air-conditioned lobbies simply can’t: fresh air, open sky, and room to breathe. Whether you’re walking your dog, dropping in at a skate park, or spreading out a blanket for a free movie under the stars, the best parks in Manhattan, New York deliver a genuine escape from the urban grind. From Central Park to hidden local favorites, these are some of the best parks in Manhattan to visit this summer.
Central Park
No list of parks in Manhattan would be complete without Central Park, and summer unlocks the park’s best features. The 843-acre expanse gives visitors access to free concerts at SummerStage, catch-and-release fishing at the Harlem Meer, and one of the most beloved people-watching experiences in the world. Dog owners will appreciate the off-leash hours, before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m., at spots like the Great Hill and Pilgrim Hill. From Arlo NoMad, the southern entrance to Central Park sits about 1.5 miles north, a quick 15-minute rideshare, about a 30-minute walk, or a 12-minute subway ride.
Bryant Park
Bryant Park punches well above its weight for a Manhattan green space. Free yoga classes run on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings throughout the summer, and the park’s signature Paramount+ Movie Nights return every Monday from July 13 through September 14. The lawn opens at 5 p.m. and films begin at 8 p.m., plenty of time to claim a good blanket spot. Best of all, Bryant Park sits just half a mile from Arlo NoMad, an easy 14-minute walk straight up Fifth Avenue, or a 6-minute rideshare.
Hudson River Park
Stretching along Manhattan’s west side, Hudson River Park is a summer playground that most tourists overlook in favor of the more famous parks. The park offers activities such as mini-golf, carousel rides, kayaking, and walking tours of the surrounding neighborhoods. Dog owners can take advantage of the Pier 84 Dog Run near 44th Street, a well-maintained off-leash area, and Pier 62 hosts one of the most impressive skate parks in Manhattan. Hudson River Park’s closest entry point is roughly 1.5 miles west of Arlo NoMad, about a 16-minute rideshare or a 40-minute walk across town.
Riverside Park
Running along the Upper West Side from 72nd to 158th Street, Riverside Park offers an unhurried pace that sets it apart from the midtown crowds. The shaded waterfront paths make summer walks especially pleasant, and the dog runs at 72nd and 87th Streets are popular with Upper West Side pet owners. Skaters should make their way to the Andy Kessler Memorial Skatepark at 108th Street, the first full-sized public skatepark in Manhattan. The 30,000-square-foot concrete facility features both a street plaza section and an 11-foot bowl, making it one of the city’s premier destinations for skateboarders. From Arlo NoMad, Riverside Park’s 72nd Street entrance is roughly 2.5 miles away; plan on a short rideshare or take the 1, 2, or 3 train to 72nd Street.
Tompkins Square Park
Down in the East Village, Tompkins Square Park carries a lived-in energy that feels distinctly New York. It’s one of the top dog parks in Manhattan, home to the city’s first dog run, which features separate areas for small and large dogs, as well as a water station, waste station, and shaded seating areas for owners. The surrounding park fills up on summer evenings with locals cooling off, musicians setting up, and chess players occupying the shaded tables. Tompkins Square sits about 1.7 miles southeast of Arlo NoMad, a roughly 10-minute rideshare or a 20-minute subway ride on the 6 train to Astor Place.
Madison Square Park
The 6.2-acre Madison Square Park is practically in Arlo NoMad’s backyard, just a 6-minute walk south down Madison Avenue. Jemmy’s Dog Run, separated into small and large dog areas, serves the Flatiron District with meticulously maintained facilities, and the park sits just steps from rotating public art installations. Grab something from the Shake Shack outpost on the park’s southern end and settle in; this is one of the most charming parks in Manhattan, New York, for a slow summer afternoon, and you won’t even need to call a cab.
Plan Your Stay
Manhattan’s parks don’t just give you a break from the heat; they give you the city at its best. Ready to make the most of your summer visit?
Book your stay at Arlo NoMad and step outside into a neighborhood full of green space waiting to be explored.
