Riverside Park

Riverside Park is one of the Upper West Side's most beloved outdoor spaces — a four-mile stretch of waterfront parkland running along the Hudson River, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and managed in partnership by NYC Parks and Riverside Park Conservancy. For families, it's especially valuable in summer, when the Summer on the Hudson festival fills the park with free programming nearly every day of the week.

Summer on the Hudson is a joint program of Riverside Park Conservancy and NYC Parks, running from spring through October each year. The festival features over 300 free events including live music and dance performances, children's shows, educational workshops, fitness activities, and more — all at no cost. Event locations span from 59th to 153rd Streets along Manhattan's west side.

The standout kids' programming is the Children's Performance Series, which features music, storytelling, and theater for young audiences up to age 7. Performances typically take place on Thursday mornings at Pier I near West 70th Street — a stroller-friendly waterfront spot with plenty of room to spread out. Throughout summer, Art in the Park drop-in sessions bring arts and crafts to park playgrounds including the Hippo Playground and the Riverbank (Camel) Playground on weekday mornings, free with no registration required.

The park is stroller-accessible throughout, with paved promenades, multiple playgrounds, restrooms, and drinking water stations. Dog runs are located at 72nd, 87th, and 105th Streets, and a seasonal café operates at 105th Street. Between 101st and 111th Streets you'll find basketball courts, a soccer field, sand volleyball, and a skate park. It's noticeably less crowded than Central Park, making it a favorite for neighborhood families seeking a relaxed outdoor experience.