Forest Park
The third largest park in Queens, Forest Park is 543 acres and sits atop a ridge, overlooking the southern plains of Jamaica Bay.
It offers something for everyone.
Stop at the Visitor Center, to get a park map, meet a Ranger and find out about upcoming events and programs.
Come listen to a performance at the Seuffert Bandshell, have a picnic or barbecue.
Tour our historic buildings such as the former Golf Club Headquarters now called the Oak Ridge and see The Overlook, Queens Parks Headquarters. Take a spin on the beautiful carousel or visit the Historic Pine Grove and adjacent Buddy Monument.
For family fun, bring the kids to one of our seven playgrounds. Take a peaceful walk around Strack Pond or meditate next to one of our many Gardens. Dog owners can visit our two dog runs or walk the park with your dog on-leash.
Sports enthusiasts can get a good work out at the skatepark, book a green at the 110 acre golf course, or exercise at Victory Field, home to handball courts, soft ball, football, jai alai, and soccer fields, and running track. Perfect your serve at our tennis courts or Bike through the parks greenway or closed road.
For the nature lovers and birders, take a hike through our 165-acre oak forest, which features majestic trees, and nine miles of hiking and equestrian trails.
Planning a private party or business event? Rent Oak Ridge.
Forest Park Photo Gallery
Summer 2021 views by photographer Hannah Mrakovčić.
Forest Park Features
The Visitor Center, operated by NYC Parks’ Urban Park Rangers, is located at the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive. You can pick up park information, and see small exhibits and animal displays. It is the meeting place for many Park Ranger-led tours.
For information on hours and programs, please call 718.846.2731
Seuffert Bandshell
The Seuffert Bandshell is named in honor of George Seuffert Sr., whose band started the tradition of free, public concerts in Forest Park.
The Bandshell is host to seasonal performances and events. It features public restrooms, parking for 298 cars, and 3,200 seats.
The Bandshell is available for use by permit from April through November.
Picnic and BBQ Area
Located behind the Bandshell parking lot and across from the Carousel, is our Picnic and BBQ area. Surrounded by towering oak trees, this shady nook has open lawn areas, grills, and wooden picnic tables. It is a great place to hold a special event, and it is close to the Visitor Center, restrooms, playground, Skate Park, and Strack Pond.
Groups of 20 or more need to apply for a Special Events permit, which takes 30 days to process.
Tennis
Get your matches in at our 14 tennis courts, in Richmond Hill, atop a ridge off of Park Lane South and 87th Street. Our tennis season is from April through November and permits are required to play.
Playgrounds
You and your family can enjoy the seven playgrounds located along the park’s perimeters. The nautical-themed Dry Harbor Playground, located in Glendale, has a spray shower, basketball, bocce courts and a softball field. The Mary Whalen Playground in Woodhaven, sits at the bottom of Oak Ridge and features swings and a spray shower. In Richmond Hill, visit the Jackson Pond Playground and Gardens as well as the Greenhouse and Giovannelli Playgrounds. The Greenhouse and Giovannelli Playgrounds have spray showers and play equipment. Located on both sides along Myrtle Avenue, is Jackson Pond. It has play equipment, a large enclosed spray shower area, picnic tables, a woodland adventure path, a sitting area, and basketball courts. In Forest Hills, along Union Turnpike you can find the Joseph DeVoy Playground, which is nested in a wooded cove. It features climbing equipment, swings, and a storytelling area. Frolic in the forest themed Sobelsohn Playground, located in Forest Hills off of Park Lane South. There, you will find play units, a swing bridge, frog spray showers, hidden birdhouses, handball and basketball courts.
The Forest Park Carousel
The Forest Park Carousel is believed to be one of two remaining carousels made by master carver and folk artist Daniel C. Muller. It is open seasonally and has picnic tables and scheduled children’s performances.
The carousel is available for birthday parties, corporate events and other rentals.
Call (718)788-2676 or visit forestparkcarousel.com for more information.
Strack Pond
Strack Pond, located opposite the Bandshell parking lot, is a reclaimed kettle pond, named after a local Medal of Honor veteran. It is a great spot for bird watching and peaceful reflection. A ¼ mile-long trail wraps around the pond. Entrances are located opposite the Bandshell parking lot and off Woodhaven Boulevard.
Pine Grove
The first Pine Grove in Forest Park was established in 1914 when 2,500 pine trees were moved from Forest Park’s nursery and transferred near the 109th Street and Myrtle Avenue entrance of the park in remembrance of local WWI veterans. Most of the trees in the grove are Eastern White Pines. To commemorate the park’s centennial in 1998, 100 additional pine trees were planted by volunteers around the park, creating four new pine stands.
Skate Park
Try out your “ollies'' and “grind” tricks at our Skatepark, located off Myrtle Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard, north of the Visitor Center.
Challenge yourself on the grid rails, quarter pipes, launch ramps, wall rides and halfpipe. Helmets and pads are required.
The Oak Forest
The most continuous oak forest in Queens can be found in Forest Park. Protected as a “Forever Wild” area, it features 150 year old oak and tulip trees and is home to songbirds, small mammals, pheasants, hawks and owls. Three marked hiking trails help you traverse the undulating topography and explore this 165-acre forest. The Yellow Trail starts by Metropolitan Avenue off Forest Park Drive. This one-mile loop takes you around the northern section of the forest and passes a famous vernal pond, which is a hot spot to view migrating songbirds. The 2.4 mile Orange Trail, which starts at the intersection of Memorial and Forest Park Drive, takes you around the forest perimeter and through the Pine Grove. The Blue Trail starts off Woodhaven Blvd. on Forest Park Drive. This 1.75 mile loop intersects with the bridle path and Orange Trail.
The Dog Run
We are pleased to have two dog runs at Forest Park. K9 Corral runs are located in Woodhaven, surrounded by a grassy hilly area off of Park Lane South and 86th Street. It features a doggy water fountain, challenge course, as well as small and large dog play areas. It is managed by the K9Korral members. We also have the Barking Lot located in Kew Gardens, behind The Overlook at Park Lane South and Forest Park Drive. This has a small and large dog run area with fencing and planting surrounding it.
The Forest Park
Golf Course
The Forest Park Golf Course, located on Forest Park Drive, off of Forest Parkway, is an 18 hole public golf course and considered one of the city’s more challenging courses.
Enjoy the game among forested borders, pristine lawns, and serene ponds. There is also a pro shop and snack bar for all your golfing needs.
Call (718) 296-0999 to book a tee time.
Victory Field
Victory Field, located along Woodhaven Blvd. between Myrtle Avenue and Forest Park Drive was built in 1927 to commemorate World War I veterans.
The complex has five ball fields, a 400-meter track, 13 handball courts and an asphalt multi-purpose playing field.Park permits are required for groups to use this facility.
Horse Around
Forest Park is also home to one of the few existing equestrian paths left in Queens. This 4 mile crushed stone path meanders through the forest but is easy to navigate, with a few small hills. When using this path, please yield to the horses for your safety.
Call gallop NYC at (646) 233-4507
Permit Request
Organized leagues or special events need a permit to use any athletic area. For people under 18, the permit is free. For those 18 and over, a fee is required. A parks permit takes 30 days to process.
You can apply online at www.nyc.gov/parks
For information on hours and programs, please call 718.393.7272