Winter in the big apple can be quite magical, especially when the flakes start falling. The snow turns the concrete jungle into a winter wonderland and many New Yorkers make their way outside to enjoy the snow. Sledding has been a wintertime favorite for many and continues to be the number one snow activity in the city.
No matter what part of the city you are from, New York has a perfect sledding spot for you and your family! The city has loads of parks that offer slippery slopes that are perfect to sled down. So, instead of spending your winter indoors, make your way to one of these sledding spots and try them out.
1. Pilgrim Hill (Central Park)
Location
Terrace Dr. &, East Dr, New York, NY 10021
Pilgrim Hill is located in the world famous central park in Manhattan, NYC. The sledding hill can be found in the east side of the park in between 72nd St. and 73rd St.
Hours
Open from 6 am to 1 am.
Cost
Free.
More Info
Central Park is one of the most well-known parks in the world. Its beautiful grassy knolls and various hills have impressed millions of people. It makes sense that it would also have some of the best sledding hills in the city.
There is one such hill, called Pilgrim Hill, that New Yorkers claim is the all-time best sledding spot in the whole city.
In the winter months, this hill is packed with sledders of all ages. The slope itself is the perfect steepness and provides a leveled bottom that makes for a smooth finish. This excellent hill is sure to create a fun experience for any sledder, no matter how experienced the sledder may be.
Pilgrim Hill is what New York sledding is all about! Whether you live in the big apple or are just visiting, this should be number one on your list.
Additional Things to Know
As mentioned above, Pilgrim Hill is the most popular sledding spot in all of New York. It, therefore, becomes quite crowded. The key to beating the crowds is to show up at off-times (either in the early morning or late afternoon).
If the hill is too busy for your liking, you can check out some other hills in Central Park such as Cedar Hill, the Great Hill, or the hill next to the Conservatory Garden.
If you are having a hard time finding Pilgrim Hill, look for a bronze statue of a pilgrim at the crest of a hill.
2. Cedar Hill (Central Park)
Location
East Dr. &, 79th St Transverse, New York, NY 10021
Cedar Hill is also located in Central Park. The hill is in the northeast part of the park and is right between 78th St. and 79th St. The hill is minutes away from Pilgrim Hill.
Hours
Open from 6 am to 1 am.
Cost
Free.
More Info
Cedar Hill is a great alternative to Pilgrim Hill. Its slope may not be as steep or as big as Pilgrim’s but it still offers a thrilling and enjoyable ride to the bottom.
In fact, Cedar Hill is a better option for smaller kids because it is a little more mellow and not as crowded. Plus the scenery near Cedar Hill is super beautiful, especially after a snow storm!
Additional Things to Know
If you are having trouble locating the hill, look for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the hill will be located directly south. Speaking of the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art), it is definitely one New York attraction that everyone should check out.
Since the sledding hill is so close to the MET, it is worth planning on walking over after you are done sledding!
3. Hillside Park
Location
Vine St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
This sledding area is located in the Dumbo area right next to the Brooklyn Bridge. The triangular park is boxed in by Vine St., Columbia Heights, and the Brooklyn Queens Expressway.
Hours
Open 6 am to 1 am.
Cost
Free.
More Info
It makes sense that a park with the word “hillside” in it would be a great place to go sledding. Let me tell you, Hillside Park does not disappoint! This park offers a large and wide open slope that provides plenty of unobstructed space to sled. The hill is quite long and is moderately sloped.
All you have to do is bring your sled and you are guaranteed to be grinning from ear to ear as you glide down this amazing hill!
Additional Things to Know
This is a great place to bring your four-legged friends! In fact, this park is listed as a dog park on most maps, but is often used as just a regular park.
4. Riverside Park
Location
W. 91st St &, Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10025
Riverside Park is an elongated park the stretches along most of central Manhattans’ Hudson River shoreline. Much of the sledding areas can be found in the Upper West Side area of Riverside Park.
Hours
Sledding is available 24/7.
Cost
Free.
More Info
As the name implies, Riverside Park stretches along the banks of the Hudson River and offers tons of sledding spots. There are a variety of hills to choose from depending on what type of hill you are looking for. There are multiple gentle and milder slopes between 92nd St. and 103rd St. These hills are perfect for the kiddos.
If you are looking for more of an adrenaline rush, I’d check out a decent hill by the Hippo Playground (located at 91st St. and Riverside Dr.). This hill is absolutely epic and offers a much steeper and faster ride.
The bigger hill not only boasts a thrilling ride but it also provides some great views of the Hudson River and city skyline. In addition to that, there have been hay bales placed at the bottom of the hill so that you will have a safe and soft barrier to stop you at the bottom. If you go on a good snow day, the Urban Rangers may just have an organized snowball fight set up and have been known to pass out free hot chocolate.
Additional Things to Know
Be sure to dress warm when you go sledding at this location. The only drawback to sledding here is that you are super close to the Hudson River which makes for some frigid weather with cold gusts.
5. East River Park
Location
90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
East River Park is located in east Brooklyn on the banks of the East River. You can find this park in the cross streets of 7th St., Kent Ave, and 10th St.
Hours
From 9 am to 9 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
If you are looking for a place that offers both great sledding and a charming view, this is the place for you! This 7-acre park overlooks the East River and gives you a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline.
The sledding hill isn’t quite as steep as some of the other hills in New York City but it is absolutely worth visiting. Be sure to bring a camera when you go so that you can get some great group sledding photos at the top of the scenic sledding hill.
Additional Things to Know
Besides sledding, East River Park is also a great place to relax and enjoy other snow play activities such as snowball fights and snowman building. I would highly recommend checking this place out in the summer as well.
There are multiple picnic areas with public barbecues that you can use.
6. Morningside Park
Location
Morningside Dr, New York, NY 10026
Morningside Park is located in southwestern Harlem and is just a couple blocks east of Columbia University.
Hours
Open from 6 am to 1 am.
Cost
Free.
More Info
This sledding spot is a favorite among college students who study at the local Columbia University. You can follow the example of the university students and make your way to this park. When the snow starts to fall this park becomes a great place to find a sledding hill.
The sledding areas in this park are sure to entertain you for a good while and might even make a cold New York winter more enjoyable for you!
Additional Things to Know
After you have gotten your fill of sledding, stop by the Chocolate Restaurant and Bar. You can warm yourself up while eating tasty American comfort food and can even grab a drink.
7. Fort Greene Park
Location
100 Washington Park, Brooklyn, NY 11205
This sledding spot is located in the western section of Brooklyn, near the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. You can find the park right across from Long Island University and the Brooklyn Hospital Center.
Hours
Open from 6 am to 1 am.
Cost
Free.
More Info
Fort Greene Park has something for everyone! There are four main sledding hills that all differ in height, steepness, and length. The hills range in intensity from beginner to expert. Fort Greene is sure to provide the perfect slide for everyone and will keep you coming back for years to come.
Additional Things to Know
As crazy as it seems, the stairs in this park may look like a good spot to sled down, but I can assure you they are not. So, if you are tempted to slide down them, just know that people have been injured attempting this.
8. St. Nicholas Park
Location
St Nicholas Ave &, St Nicholas Terrace, New York, NY 10030
St. Nicholas Park is located in central Harlem. This elongated park can be found between St. Nicholas Terrace and St. Nicholas Avenue, just north of the Apollo Theater.
Hours
Open 6 am to 10 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
St. Nicholas is a spacious park that was originally settled by Dutch farmers in the late 1600s and was eventually turned into a park as the city expanded. Today, the park is known for its many amenities and for its gentle sledding hills.
St. Nicholas is a perfect sledding spot for little kids. It is not too steep and is a great place for them to sled in a safe and non-threatening environment. The best sledding hill can be found at 135th St.
Additional Things to Know
Keep in mind that this sledding area can get a little crowded. That being said, there is usually plenty of room to sled, despite the crowds.
After you and your kids are done with your sledding session you can head on over to IHOP which is just 2 blocks away.
9. Clove Lakes Park
Location
1150 Clove Rd, Staten Island, NY 10301
This spectacular park and sledding spot is located in the northern Staten Island area of the city. Clove Lakes Park can be found north of Victory Blvd. and south of Forest Ave.
Hours
Open from 6 am to 1 am.
Cost
Free.
More Info
Clove Lake Park not only offers gorgeous natural scenery like lakes, ponds, and a 300-year-old tulip tree, but it also offers some great places to sled and play in the snow.
This sledding area is so good that it is Staten Island’s official snow day spot! Every once in a while NYC parks will hold a “snow day” which is a day devoted to free (organized) recreational activities. There are organized events such as a snowman building contest, snow angel contests, snowball fights, and often times there will be complimentary hot chocolate.
Additional Things to Know
To figure out if and when an official “snow day” will be held, call 311.
Clove Lakes Park also offers many other facilities and amenities. There are tons of trails located throughout the park and there are also bathrooms and eateries that you can take advantage of. After you are done sledding down the hills in this area, I highly recommend trying out the ice skating rinks that are located within the park.
10. Prospect Park
Location
9th St &, Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215
This city park is located in southwestern Brooklyn near the Windsor Terrace, Park Slope, and Prospect Heights neighborhoods.
Hours
From 5 am to 1 am.
Cost
Free.
More Info
Prospect Park is the jack of all trades when it comes to sledding hills. You can find a decent sized hill at 9th St. and Prospect Park West or you can try out another hill located near 5th St. near the Picnic House. During the summer this particular hill is a popular picnicking spot, but during the winter it makes for a stupendous sledding hill.
Another great hill can be found around the Nethermead, which is a large and scenic field. In addition to the multiple hills already mentioned, there are numerous small hills located throughout the park, that are perfect for the little ones.
Additional Things to Know
Just like Clove Lakes Park, Prospect Park is Brooklyn’s designated “snow day” site! If the snow is good, this park makes for some great snow activities and is always a perfect place to enjoy winter.
11. Inwood Hill Park
Location
Payson Ave. &, Seaman Ave, New York, NY 10034
Inwood Hill Park is located in the Inwood neighborhood at the tip of Manhattan Island. The Hudson River turns into the Spuyten Duyvil Creek/Harlem River at the northern section of the park.
Hours
From 6 am to 1 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
Inwood Hill Park is a hidden gem of a sledding hill. It is perhaps one of the best sledding hills in Manhattan and not very many people know about it.
This hilly park turns into a sledders paradise in the winter months. It offers a great hill that provides a long and thrilling ride. This park is sure to keep you and your family entertained for hours as you slide down and hike back up over and over.
Additional Things to Know
Not only is this park a great place to hit the slopes, but it is also a wonderful spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Inwood Hill Park houses NYC’s last natural forest!
It also provides beautiful views of the Hudson River and Harlem river.
12. Shoelace Park
Location
East 233rd St. &, Bronx River Pkwy, The Bronx, NY 10467
Shoelace Park is located in the northern part of Bronx. You can find the park at the eastern banks of the Bronx river across from the Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservancy.
Hours
Open from 6 am to 10 pm.
Cost
Free.
More Info
There is an awesome sledding hill located between 220th and 230th streets near Bronx Boulevard. The hill gives an enjoyable ride and will have you grinning from ear to ear as you slide down it.
Additional Things to Know
After you are all sledded out you can take a walk along the Bronx River Greenway, which in the near future will be a 23-mile-long path that follows the Bronx River. This park is also a great place to have a good ole’ fashioned snowball fight.
13. Campgaw Mountain
Location
200 Campgaw Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430
Campgaw Mountain is a 45-60 minute drive northwest of New York City. This tubing park is located near the town of Mahwah, New Jersey.
Hours
Monday-Thursday 2 pm to 8 pm, Friday 1 pm to 10 pm, Saturday 8:30 am to 10 pm, and Sunday 8:30 am to 8 pm. Hours can differ so your best bet is to check out their website for more detailed and up to day information.
Cost
Tickets range from $24-$28 for a two-hour session. The price depends on the time and day of the week.
More Info
Campgaw Mountain is the closest place that you can go to experience authentic snow tubing. It is a little ways out of the city but is definitely worth the drive. You will be having the time of your life as you slide swiftly down one of the 10 groomed tubing lanes.
The best part about tubing here is that you don’t have to worry about walking back up the hill. There is an onsite magic carpet lift that’ll shoot you straight up to the top of the hill.
Additional Things to Know
Tubing sessions tend to sell out quickly. It is highly recommended that you purchase tickets online ahead of time.
In addition to tubing, Campgaw also offers various downhill skiing and snowboarding runs.