Prospect Park in Brooklyn: Is it worth a visit?

January 13, 2025 New York Info Comments Off

Prospect Park is the Central Park of Brooklyn and is one of the largest parks in New York. In the park you will find a triumphal arch, botanical garden, museum and a zoo. But there is much more to see and do in Prospect Park. And in this blog we will tell you all about it.

What is Brooklyn's Prospect Park?

Prospect Park in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn is a public park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux after they completed Central Park. And with an area of 2.13 km2 it is the 5th largest park in New York. The architecture and style of the park are very similar to Central Park in Manhattan. That is why Prospect Park is also nicknamed “Brooklyn’s Central Park”.

What is there to do in Prospect Park?

Prospect Park in Brooklyn is visited by more than eight million visitors every year. And that is not surprising, because there is a lot to see and do in this beautiful park. We have listed the most popular sights for you below.

1. Grand Army Plaza

Grand Army Plaza is located on the southeast corner of the park and consists of two symmetrical plazas intersected by 59th Street. At the entrance on the north side of the park you will find a large triumphal arch called the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arc. The triumphal arch dates from 1892 and was placed in honor of the soldiers of the civil war. In the center of the Grand Army Plaza you will find the Bailey Fountain and on the south side you will find the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial.

2. Long Meadow in Prospect Park

Most parks in New York are popular because of their large lawns where you can enjoy a picnic or exercise. Prospect Park in Brooklyn also has a beautiful large lawn called “Long Meadow”. This lawn is over 1.5 km long and on sunny days it is often very busy with New Yorkers who come to play sports or have a picnic.

3. Prospect Park-carrousel

The carousel in Prospect Park can be compared to Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park. It is a wooden vintage carousel that once stood on Coney Island, but since 1952 it has been in Prospect Park. And it is one of the few wheelchair accessible attractions! The carousel is open daily from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM and one ride costs $3.

4. Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Brooklyn Botanical Garden is located next to Prospect Park in Brooklyn and is known for its abundantly blooming cherry blossoms. In addition, in this botanical garden in New York you will find more than 10,000 species of flowers and plants, spread over twelve different gardens.

Brooklyn Botanical Garden ticket prices

1. Adult: $18
2. Seniors (65 and older): $12
3.Children (under 12): free
Admission to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is also included with the Go New York Explorer Pass or the All-Inclusive Pass.

5. Brooklyn Museum in New York

The Brooklyn Museum in New York is a museum that is rarely talked about, but a visit to this museum is worth it. Because it is the largest art museum after the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And it contains more than one and a half million works: mainly American and European art and a very large collection of Egyptian art.

Brooklyn Museum ticket prices

1. Adult: €13
2. Seniors (65 years +): €12
3. Children (under 19): free
Admission to the Brooklyn Museum in New York is also included with the o City Pass and the New York Pass.

Prospect Park Zoo

Like Central Park, Prospect Park also has a zoo. It is home to more than 400 animals, including quite unique species such as the red panda and baboons. It is a wildlife park that works in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society. This makes it possible to create habitats that resemble their natural spaces and to care for them with the utmost respect.

Ticket prices for Prospect Park Zoo

1. Adult: $9.95
2. Seniors (65+): $7.95
3. Children (3-12 years): $6.95

Where is Prospect Park located?

Prospect Park is located in the middle of Brooklyn close to the Barclays Center.

How do you get to Prospect Park?

If you are in New York and you want to go to Prospect Park, it is best to take the Metro. Metro lines 2 and 3 Grand Army Plaza and metro line F Prospect Park take you to the park.

Is Brooklyn's Prospect Park worth a visit?

Yes, Brooklyn’s Prospect Park is definitely worth a visit. It is a lot less touristy and the Botanical Garden is a must see if you are a fan of trees and plants.

Special offers for visiting Brooklyn

Are you going on a city trip to New York and would you like to visit Brooklyn, then take advantage of the offers below!