It might seem nearly impossible to host a barbeque party or gathering in New York City, especially in a tiny apartment or shared patio space. However, the city’s parks can be the answer to having the perfect barbeque party getaway. The city has so many parks with barbeque spots, from Manhattan to Staten Island, here is our list of the parks to host your next hamburger and hot dog-filled parties at. If you host a BBQ early enough, you may even catch a glimpse of some cherry blossoms! Note: All locations listed are where the BBQ areas are, not the park.
1. Barretto Point Park
Location: Barretto St and Ryawa Ave
Located in the Bronx, this beautiful waterfront park is one of the great places to have gatherings. The park has some great spaces like the Tiffany Street Pier, an amphitheater, and a floating pool. So if there are kids joining the barbeque party, there are tons of other activities they can do while the adults can do the cooking. If the party consists of 20 people or more, a special events permit has to be considered.
2. Pelham Bay Park
Location: Multiple locations
Did you know that Pelham Bay Park is the biggest park in the city? It is three times bigger than Central Park, which is already a huge park! There are four barbeque locations, and so many other attractions that most parks probably won’t have. They have a number of hiking trails, horseback riding trails, beaches, fishing spots, golf courts, kayaking/canoe spots, and more. If this is the park for your barbeque gathering, consider making it a full day and enjoy one or two more activities.
3. Coffey Park
Location: Verona and Richard St, Verona and Dwight St
Located in Brooklyn, this park is named after Michael J. Coffey, the former state senator, alderman, and district leader who represented Red Hook. This beautiful Red Hook park has many different facilities like playgrounds, spray-showers, handball courts, basketball courts, and dog-friendly areas. If the barbeque party is looking for a smaller, more quiet place, this is the location to look out for.
4. McCarren Park
Location: Driggs Ave (Across from the soccer field and softball field)
This great Williamsburg and Greenpoint park is the site for all things sports, but that doesn’t mean your barbeque needs can’t be met here. The park is 35 acres, so all the sprawling land has to be used for fun. The park has a pool and play center for the barbeque people going on a hot, summer day.
5. Randall’s Island Park
Location: Multiple locations
Located in the middle of NYC, this park is really mostly an island in the East River, between East Harlem, the South Bronx, and Astoria. Randall’s Island Park has a long and vibrant history. The island’s 480 acres used to be two islands, but from a history of debris from construction projects, they eventually joined as one. The island fell into despair in the 1980s, but the new island brings back the once-successful-glory of the park. So, if your barbeque gathering wants a day full of food AND history, this might be the perfect option to go with.
6. Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location: 111th St and 55th Ave, Off Lake West and Lake East
The Flushing Meadows Corona Park is one of the city’s most iconic parks where two 20th century World Fairs were held once. There are historic walks, scenic trails, hiking trails, ice skating rinks, the Queens Wildlife Center, sports fields, fishing spots, kayaking and canoe sites, indoor pools, and just about anything you can imagine (within a park). The activities are endless, and this would be a park where your barbecuing party can make a day out of.
7. Wolfe’s Pond Park
Location: Cornelia Ave and Luten Ave
This Staten Island scenic park is the largest park on the island. It is a beautiful beach, a wildlife and plant preserve, and a recreation area for everyone to enjoy. There are two playgrounds and numerous walking paths. Every 4th of July, the park will hold a fireworks show, with entertainment and food venues. Even if your barbeque gathering isn’t there for the 4th of July celebrations, this park is still a must-visit.
