Where to Exercise in NYC During COVID-19 Quarantine

Although NYC has entered phase 4 of reopening, many people are disappointed to hear that indoor gyms and fitness centers are remaining closed until further notice. Not sure where to go to get fresh air during this pandemic but want to maintain a regular exercise schedule? Here are twenty parks to visit across the five boroughs.

Alyssa Corso

Alyssa is a Senior Marketing Associate & Content Writer at Mira. She is passionate about educating others on how to affordably access healthcare.

New York City is home to many amazing parks. While you may be limited to where you can go during the coronavirus pandemic, fresh air and exercise for a period of time is always a good idea (and benefits your mental and physical health as well as your immune system) as long as you can stay 6-feet apart from others, to prevent the spread. Increasing your heart rate for just thirty minutes a day can help you in numerous ways. In fact, parks are a great way to practice all types of exercise. And whether you're in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, or Queens, you can most definitely find a park that can fit your needs.

As NYC enters phase 4 of reopening, Governor Cuomo has decided to keep indoor gyms and fitness centers closed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In the meantime, check out some of the parks near you!

Please note, according to NYC Parks:

• All NYC playgrounds are open. NYC parks is requiring everyone to wear a face covering a stay at least 6 ft from others. If you or your child feels sick, please stay home!
• Beaches, skate parks, grilling areas, golf courses, and driving ranges have reopened.
• Dog parks have reopened; however, according to the CDC, it is recommended that dogs remain on a leash and maintain a 6 foot distance from other people and animals.
• NYC Recreation Centers remain closed - membership will be extended to cover the time of closure.
• Historic houses in the city remain closed.
• Some concession stands remain closed.

Manhattan

Central Park

• Location: 5th Ave To Central Park W, 59 St To 110 St
• Hours: 6AM-1AM
• Things to do: Water, trails, biking, energetic, walking, running - avoid using playground

John V. Lindsay East River Park

• Location: FDR Dr, New York, NY 10009
• Hours: 6AM-1AM
• Things to do: Along the East river; there is a track for running or walking

Fort Tryon Park

• Location: Riverside Dr To Broadway, New York, NY 10040
• Hours: 6AM-1AM
• Things to do: Scenic walks, running (NOTE: dog run is cancelled along with other events)

Carl Schurz Park

• Location: East 86th Street &, East End Ave, New York, NY 10028
• Hours: 6AM-12AM
• Things to do: Promenade offers a place to stroll, dog friendly but do not use dog park or playground

Brooklyn

Marine Park (Brooklyn's Largest Park!)

• Location: Shore Pkwy., Avenue U, Filmore Ave. bet. Brigham St., Gerritsen Ave., and Flatbush Ave.
• Hours: 6AM-1AM
• Things to do: Grasslands, walking trails

Calvert Vaux Park

• Location: Bay 44th St. &, Hunter Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11214
• Hours: 6AM-1AM
• Things to do: Waterfronts, wildlife, large fields (playgrounds closed)

Prospect Park

• Location: Prospect Park W, Parkside Ave. bet. Flatbush Ave., Ocean Ave. and Prospect Park SW
• Hours: 5AM-1AM
• Things to do: Watercourse, open fields, trees, spacious

Lincoln Terrace / Arthur S. Somers Park

• Location: E New York Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213
• Hours: 6AM-1AM
• Things to do: Avoid the playground - there is walking area, grassy fields, and benches to use

The Bronx

Seton Falls Park

• Location: E 233rd St, The Bronx, NY 10466
• Hours: 6AM-10PM
• Things to do: Open spaces, 30 acres of naturally preserved land, nature trails

Pelham Bay Park (Largest park in NYC!)

• Location: Watt Avenue &, Middletown Rd, The Bronx, NY 10465
• Hours: 6AM-10PM
• Thing to do: Ton of open spaces and places to walk / exercise

Bronx Park

• Location: Burke Ave., E. 180 St. bet. Dr. Kazamiroff Blvd., Southern Blvd. and Bronx Park E., Unionport Rd, along Bronx River
• Hours: 6AM-10PM
• Things to do: Home of the Bronx Zoo (CLOSED), but has many bike and walking paths

Tremont Park

• Location: E 175 St to, E Tremont Ave, The Bronx, NY 10457
• Hours: 6AM-10PM
• Things to do: Grassy areas to sit outside

Queens

Astoria Park

• Location: 19 19th St, Astoria, NY 11105
• Hours: 6AM-9PM
• Things to do: Trails, scenic walks, beautiful sights

Rockaway Community Park

• Location: Conch Pl. &, Edgemere Park Rd, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
• Hours: 6AM-10PM
• Things to do: Lot’s of wildlife, great for nature lovers

Hermon A. MacNeil Park

• Location: Poppenhusen Ave, College Point, NY 11356
• Hours: 6AM-9PM
• Thing to do: Waterfront park, play grounds closed, scenic

Forest Park

• Location: Myrtle Ave, Woodhaven, NY 11421
• Hours: 6AM-9PM
• Things to do: Hiking paths, large fields, “athletes playground”; some things may be closed

Staten Island

Willowbrook Park

• Location: 1 Eton Pl, Staten Island, NY 10314
• Hours: 6AM-1AM
• Things to do: Note that some facilities and amenities (dog park, playground) will be closed, but the hiking trails and fields should be open

Blue Heron Park

• Location: Poillon Ave, Staten Island, NY 10312
• Hours: 6AM-1AM
• Things to do: Hiking trails, lakes, wildlife

High Rock Park

• Location: 200 Nevada Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314
• Hours: 6AM-1AM
• Things to do: Known for its ponds, walking and hiking trails, great views, and is “one of the most tranquil places in NYC”, 6 walking trails

Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach

• Location: Fr Capodanno Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306
• Hours: 6AM-1AM
• Things to do: 2.5 mile boardwalk and beach area

Ocean Breeze Park

• Location: Mason Avenue &, Quintard St, Staten Island, NY 10305
• Hours: 6AM-1AM
• Things to do: 110 acre park with lots of room to walk around