5. Gantry Plaza State Park (Long Island City, Queens) Gantry Plaza State Park features beautifully landscaped gardens, playgrounds, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. It’s an excellent location for a scenic birthday picnic or gathering, offering ample space and a relaxing environment. 4-09 47th Road, Long Island City, Queens https://parks.ny.gov/parks/gantryplaza/ details.aspx These venues provide a range of options for outdoor birthday celebrations in NYC, each offering its unique charm and amenities. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil garden, an innovative park, or an active sports facility, these hidden gems can help make your child’s birthday both memorable and special. 6. Riverbank State Park – Harlem, Manhattan Perched 69 feet above the Hudson River (inspired by urban rooftop designs in Japan), this 28-acre park offers a plethora of amenities including playgrounds, a roller skating rink, and the unique Totally Kid Carousel. With ample picnic tables and stunning views, it’s an ideal spot for birthday festivities. 679 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10031 https://parks.ny.gov/parks/93
7. Sunset Park – Sunset Park, Brooklyn Sunset Park is a 24.5-acre public park located between 41st and 44th Streets and Fifth and Seventh Avenues in Brooklyn.The park’s elevated location offers panoramic views of New York Harbor, Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and, on clear days, the hills of Staten Island and New Jersey. Facilities include a playground, recreation center, splash pad, basketball courts, soccer field, and a pool. Sunset Park, Brooklyn, NY https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/ sunset-park 8. Domino Park – Williamsburg, Brooklyn Domino Park is a 5-acre public park situated along the East River near the Williamsburg Bridge, on the site of the former Domino Sugar Refinery. The park features a children’s playground designed to resemble the sugar refining process, a dog run, volleyball court, bocce court, and a playing field. An elevated walkway extends much of the park’s length, offering views of the refinery’s preserved equipment and the Manhattan skyline. 15 River Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249 https://www.dominopark.com/ 9. South Beach Playground – South Beach, Staten Island South Beach Playground, located at Doty Avenue and Father Capodanno Boulevard, offers a spacious playground, grassy areas, trees, benches, tables, a volleyball court, baseball field, boardwalk, and beach access. The area also includes bathroom facilities and a large parking lot nearby, making it a convenient and scenic spot for family gatherings and birthday parties. Doty Avenue & Father Capodanno Boulevard, Staten Island, NY https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/ beaches/6
Hidden Gem Outdoor Spaces for DIY Birthday Fun. Discover NYC’s most charming and lesser- known spots for unforgettable kids’ parties under the open sky. Planning a memorable outdoor birthday party in New York City can be a delightful experience, especially when you discover some of the city’s hidden gems that offer unique and charming settings. Here are several lesser-known outdoor venues across NYC’s boroughs that provide the perfect backdrop for a special celebration: 1. Elizabeth Street Garden (Nolita, Manhattan) Nestled in the heart of Nolita, the Elizabeth Street Garden is a tranquil 1-acre space adorned with classical sculptures, lush greenery, and winding gravel paths. Operated by neighborhood volunteers, this garden offers a serene environment ideal for intimate gatherings and picnics. It’s open to the public and hosts various community events throughout the year. Between Prince and Spring Streets, Manhattan https://elizabethstreetgarden.com/
2. Le Petit Versailles (Lower East Side, Manhattan) Established in 1996 by artists Peter Cramer and Jack Waters, Le Petit Versailles is a community garden that serves as a queer public space and cultural hub. This intimate garden hosts art exhibitions, performances, and film screenings, making it a unique venue for creative and inclusive celebrations. 247 E. 2nd Street, between Avenues B and C, Manhattan https://www.alliedproductions.org/ about-the-garden
3. Little Island at Pier 55 (Chelsea, Manhattan)
Opened in 2021, Little Island is an artificial island park located on the Hudson River. With its innovative design featuring tulip- shaped structures, the park offers rolling landscapes, performance spaces, and stunning river views. It’s an excellent spot for families seeking a vibrant and scenic location for a birthday picnic or gathering. West 13th Street & Hudson River, Manhattan https://littleisland.org/ 4. Playground for All Children (Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens) Designed to be accessible for children of all abilities, the Playground for All Children offers a variety of play structures and open spaces. Located within Flushing Meadows - Corona Park, it provides ample space for outdoor birthday parties and is especially accommodating for inclusive celebrations. Flushing Meadows - Corona Park, Queens https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/ flushing-meadows-corona-park/ facilities/playgrounds
12 | New York Loves Kids | Party Guide 2025/2026
New York Loves Kids | Party Guide 2025/2026 | 13
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