We are shouting out this fabulous Brooklyn park because it's a gem.
It has so much to offer the residents of Park Slope, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Ditmas Park, Windsdor Terrace, and visitors from afar. It's so much more than just a normal park.
It's 526 acres that ooze rejuvenating nature.
It has boat rentals, sports fields, and a 1783 Dutch farmhouse. You can visit all your favorite wildlife at the Prospect Park Zoo. There's real horseback riding and fake horseback riding (otherwise known as a carousel).
Like we said, it's a gem.
And there are plenty of other reasons. 9 to be exact. Read on to find out what they are.
1. Concerts
kurt_interrupted #latergram from Saturday's #CelebrateBrooklyn show. Two great performances from @shabazzpalaces and @tuneyards #BRIC
Celebrate Brooklyn!, presented by BRIC in partnership with the Prospect Park Alliance, is New York's longest-running free outdoor performing arts festival and goes down annually in the Prospect Park Bandshell.
This season's performances included performances from Damien Rice, Interpol, Modest Mouse, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and Willie Nelson & Family and Old Crow Medicine Show.
2. Barbecues and picnics
Everyone knows picnicking is an essential activity for every season but winter (sorry for bringing up the "W" word).
And Prospect Park is definitely the most excellent park to do it. Saddle up next to the stunning Prospect Park Lake and feast on whatever you've prepared. This is definitely a wonderful activity to soak the nectar of what summer's got left.
FYI: barbecuing is only permitted in designated areas of the park, and groups of 20 or more require a permit.
3. Nature
The Prospect Park Audubon Center is the first urban Audubon Center in the nation. The Audubon Center's program takes place at the Boathouse, which is a historic landmark surrounded by acres of carefully restored natural habitat.
Plus, the Prospect Park Alliance holds numerous nature exploration programs. So, if you want to be the type of person who can shout out species of fauna, get yourself to one of their educational programs.
There are also more than 200 species of birds spotted in Prospect Park each year. Prospect Park's map highlights some of its best birdwatching locations. You can either join the Audubon Center for bird watching activities, or take yourself on the self-guided tour curated by the Brooklyn Bird Club.
Prospect Park also has a 3.5 mile scenic horse trail with varying terrain. Kensington Stables, located just outside the park, offers horses for rental and riding classes for all levels.
4. The Zoo
nyiswild #rp from @lcsplacestosee A happy World Lion Day to everyone! Remember this is also Way 62 in our NYisWild sweepstakes! Be sure to snap and tag a pic of one these majestic animals. #worldlionday2015 #wcs #bronxzoo #centralparkzoo #prospectparkzoo #queenszoo #nyaquarium
The Prospect Park Zoo is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, and is home to almost 400 animals of more than 100 species.
Its known for its innovative ways of caring for animals, increasing visitor interaction, and mirroring animals' natural habitats.
They've got a Sea Lion Court, Hall of Animals, Discovery Trail, Barn and Garden, and an Animal Lifestyles exhibit. From their alpacas to emus, from their Amazon Milk Frog to the dwarf mongoose, if you love animals you'll have a great day at the Prospect Park Zoo.
All this amazing information, and admission to the zoo only costs $8. Get your tickets here.
5. LeFrak Center at Lakeside
meanderingadventures The night's roller disco dance winner! #nofilter @Lola_Star's #DreamlandRollerDisco @lakesidebklyn @prospect_park #lefrakcenter #lolastar #rollerdisco #disco #rollerskating #ProspectPark #Brooklyn #NYC #funwithfriends #15secondsistooshort #dreamlandrollerrink #summerinthecity #summerfun
The Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Center at Lakeside provides seasonal ice skating, roller skating, biking, boating, and water play.
It's the largest and most ambitious project since Prospect Park's nearly century-and-a-half lifespan. This project spans 26 of Prospect Park's 526 acres, and it cost $74 million. So it's no wonder it's amazing.
There's also a Dreamland Roller Disco held at the LeFrak Center every Friday evening from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Each week a new theme will shape the roller rink dream scape, and this party will also include performances and retro DJ sets.
Skaters are encouraged to come in costume and demonstrate their roller dancing skills, for which prizes will be awarded. These parties are 21+, and tickets are available here.
,6. Water activities
Do you crave immersing yourself head-to-toe in exhilarating water every time you glimpse the un-swimmable rivers that flank our city?
Yeah, same. Luckily at Prospect Park you can rent kayaks and pedal boats. And there's really no better way to get down for summer. Boat rentals are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to sunset, Saturday from 9 a.m. to sunset, and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Renting a single person kayak at Prospect Park costs an extremely reasonable $15/hour, $30/half-day, and $40/full day. A double kayak costs $25/hour and $35 for a half-day. Single pedal boats cost $20/hour and double pedal boats cost $30/hour.
You're also welcome to cool off under 41 jets of water spraying in Prospect Park's Play Area Splash Pad, as long as you have a child below 12-years-old with you. We think that rule is lame too, but at least you finally have a reason to take your younger cousin out for the day.
7. Bicycling
The exercising options at Prospect Park are so numerous they make our heads spin.
Let's begin with bicycling, which is permitted on the Park Drives at Prospect Park, as well as the 3.35-mile bike loop on which numerous bicycling events are held every year.
These bicycling events include the Moonlight Ride which will be held in September, October and November, and the Lucarelli & Castaldi Cup which will be held on August 15th.
Don't have your own bike? No worries! Bike rentals are available at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside.
8. Group Exercise
Love working out in a gorgeous nature oasis? Then take one of Prospect Park's free exercise classes held in the Audubon Center on Fridays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
These include classes like "Shape Up NYC: Cardio Toning" which uses a combination of strength, balance, and toning exercises to raise heart rate, burn calories, and make participants into badasses. You are recommended to bring a workout mat to this class which occurs at the Boathouse.
There's also Thursday night "Blend & Bloom" from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. until September 10th. Brought to you by lululemon Brooklyn, this yoga class incorporates movements guided by instructors from various stuidios while the sun sets over Prospect Park Lake.
This event occurs in the North End of the Long Meadow. And you must bring your own mat.
9. Sports
jsimmons Sundays were made for the park with friends who will throw the ball over and over again for your 4-year-old. #wiffleball #prospectpark #latergram #brooklynforever #vscocam
Prospect Park has more than a dozen ballfields for playing baseball or softball. A variety of athletic leagues and teams use the fields throughout fall, spring and summer. Pick-up games are allowed, though teams with permits have dibs.
It also has two regulation basketball courts, and a court for netball, a Caribbean game played with no backboards, plus a tennis center which is available for under-the-lights nighttime play to everyone at an hourly rate.
Still lookin' for more? This park also has volleyball courts at the Parade Ground, the Long Meadow, and Nethermead. Soccer fields are located at the Prospect Park Parade Ground, as well as as state-of-the-art astro turf football field.
So bring your pals and duel in a friendly game of basketball, or show up solo to drain some threes. You can even show off your skills by competing in the Prospect Park Tennis Championship.
Check out 7 Wonderful Waterside Spots to Eat Like a Pig & Drink Like a Fish in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy: South Slope News]