9 NYC Area Hikes & Trails for Your Family

Joni Monacell:  Mt. Loretto Unique Area offers more than 200 acres of forest, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal shoreline on the southern shore of Staten Island. This beautiful area has three hiking trails to explore: the Wetlands Trail, Grassland Trail, and Beach Loop.

Just North of this area is another North Mount Loretto State Forest which has 5 more hiking trails, one of which is paved and wheelchair accessible.

There is parking, the area is accessible via public transportation, and bathrooms are available.

Joni Monacell:  This 2,880 acre park in the center of Staten Island boasts 35 miles of hiking paths. They have everything from short loops, good for younger kids, up to a 12 mile hike. Most can be accessed from the park's nature center, where you can get a trail map to plan your hike.

Joni Monacell:  High Park Rock is sometimes referred to as one of the most tranquil places in New York City. There are two hiking trails within the park. Both are good for kids, one is 0.75 and the other is 0.25 miles long.

High Rock Park contains five ponds and various wetlands. There are six walking trails with various vegetation and wildlife along them. There is also a hiking trail up Mt. Moses, a 260-foot hill named for Robert Moses. The 360-degree panoramic view could be one of New York City’s most spectacular.

Annette Parks:  With Silver Lake as its natural centerpiece, you can lounge around the lake or enjoy the sports fields, playgrounds and trails. If you come with the kids, be sure to rent bikes and see the park in its entirety.

Joni Monacell:  This is the largest park in Brooklyn and a great place to go on a family hike. Many species of birds, fish, turtles and crabs live in the park's preserved wetlands and grasslands. There's a playground, nature center, and plenty of space for sports and biking.

Joni Monacell:  Home to forest and salt marsh, this park is said to look like Manhattan before it was developed. There are three trails, two of which trails are paved. There are some great views of the Hudson River, and you might even spot a bald eagle.

Joni Monacell:  The eastern portion of Forest Park is home to three hiking trails with distances ranging from 1.0 to 2.4 miles, making it a good option for families. In addition to hiking trails, there are a number of bridle paths.

The western portion of Forest Park is a sports center with baseball fields, tennis courts, and even a golf course. They also have a bandshell where they host concerts in the summer.

Accessible via public transportation. Parking available.

Joni Monacell:  This nature trail, accessible on the north end of the Orchard Beach parking lot, honors Dr. Theodore Kazimiroff, a dentist most remembered for his dedication to the fight for the protection of the ecosystems that thrive in the Bronx. The trail runs through 189 acres of Hunter Island where one can see numerous types of trees and the remnants of the Hunter Mansion & garden. The Lagoon and the Twin Islands Salt Marsh can also be seen along the trails and are full of vegetation and wildlife.

Parking available. Accessible via public transportation.

Joni Monacell:  This park in Queens is home to a number of hiking trails where you can see wetlands, tidal flats, meadows and forests. In addition to hiking trails, the park has a high ropes adventure course, an environmental center, and one of the city's oldest trees (a 350-450 yr old tulip tree that stands 133.8 ft high)!