The Best Skateboarding Parks in NYC for Kids and Families
When the popularity of skateboarding in New York City exploded in the 1990s, riders were mostly confined to the areas where they could get away with using the city’s terrain to practice riding.
Today, skateboarding culture in NYC has grown so much that there are tons of options for skateparks where kids and adults can practice their skills and enjoy their hobby.
Skateboarding has been linked to bone strengthening and improved balance and the opportunity for skateboarders to practice social networking, artistic expression, mutual respect, and an appreciation for the environment.
Today, families can find plenty of spots to practice skateboarding in the free parks around New York City. Of course, before you get out there, you will need safety gear: don’t forget skateboarding equipment and lessons if you need!
Skate parks tend to get crowded but this is the perfect opportunity for kids to practice their patience and wait their turn to show off their skills.
Psst…Learn about beloved children’s author Beatrix Potter at the Morgan Library and Museum!
McCarren Skatepark
61 Bayard St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Looking for a small, free public skatepark with smooth transitions? Look no farther than McCarren Skatepark in Williamsburg.
This concrete skatepark boasts steps, ramps, wedges, pyramids, combination ledge obstacles and a quarter pipe with a sloped curve wall.
McCarren tends to fill up quickly, so you’re better off going early in the day before it gets too busy. During the summer and school breaks, skate camps are also offered by McCarren.
The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation requires a signed liability waiver from skateboarders (kids under 18 need a guardian’s signature) to use the skatepark.
Astoria Skate Park
Hoyt Ave S, Astoria, NY 11102
In Queens, Astoria Skate Park might be the best spot to practice your skills.
This skatepark is a smooth and spacious street plaza that also contains ledges, concrete pavements, multiple levels, stairs and railings and banks. There’s plenty of space for riders of all skill levels to practice without colliding with each other. Plus, it’s free to ride.
The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation requires a signed liability waiver from skateboarders (kids under 18 need a guardian’s signature) to use the skatepark.
River Avenue Skate Park
100 East 157th St., Bronx, NY 10451
River Avenue Skate Park serves something special for skateboarders: it was one of the first skateparks built using New York City parks materials. In doing so, it references modern New York and traditional New York at the same time.
Located in the Concourse neighborhood of the Bronx, this skatepark is 10,000 square feet of concrete, and it has plenty of stairs, rails, ledges, benches, banks, and gaps for skateboarders to learn and practice their skills.
Hamilton Bridge Skate Park
2401 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10033
Washington Heights is proud to say they have the largest skatepark in all the boroughs. It’s often called “the 181 park” because it is just steps from the 181st St. subway stop.
Hamilton Bridge skate park was purposely built on a downward slope, which means skaters can reach their full speed potential here. It also has all the features you need to practice your most impressive tricks.
Located within Highbridge Park, you may have to hunt a little to find it: it’s tucked away under a bridge. If you head toward the Washington Bridge at Amsterdam and 181st, you’ll see a bike path on the south side. This path will lead you down to the skatepark at 179th St.
LES Coleman Skatepark
62 Monroe St. & Pike St., New York, NY 10002
LES Coleman Skatepark is a classic Lower East Side gem. Renovated in 2012, Coleman boasts an innovative array of features to keep you challenged and having fun, including a pyramid and the big apple.
The expansive concrete park is loaded with street obstacles, including ledges, banks, rails, fun boxes and more. The skatepark is located beneath the Manhattan Bridge and within Coleman Park.
The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation requires a signed liability waiver from skateboarders (kids under 18 need a guardian’s signature) to use the skatepark.
Pier 62 Skatepark
143 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011
If you’re looking for a skatepark that’s great for kids yet nestled in the middle of plenty of adult attractions, you’ve come to the right place. Pier 62 Skatepark is within Hudson River Park in Chelsea, a beautiful area full of recreational activities and views of the water.
Pier 62 offers 15,000 square feet of space for skateboarders and rollerbladers for free. It’s built on top of a pile-supported marine platform, and its features were crafted from structural foam. As a result, it’s perfect for kids who are just learning how to skateboard.
The park’s “California-style” architecture overlooks the water, ensuring that it really is the magical combination of tranquility and action that it was designed to be.
No liability form is required, but riders must wear a helmet at Pier 62.
Cooper Park Skatepark
Sharon St. & Olive St.
A skater’s dream, this park in East Williamsburg is quite popular with skaters of all levels. It is designed with many obstacles that will help your skater to perfect their skateboarding techniques.
This park can get pretty crowded, but it still is manageable, with quiet windows of skate time for beginners and young skaters.
Far Rockaway Skate Park
Seagirt Blvd., Far Rockaway, NY
This park was pretty much demolished during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. It reopened in the midst of the pandemic in August 2020 to the joy of locals and visitors to the Rockaway Beach.
It is nicely proportioned with grind ledges, rolled edges, volcano and a stair with a handrail.
At 15,700 square feet, there is plenty of room for a gentle ride for skaters and kids on scooters. This works out nicely since it’s located off the boardwalk of the beach.
