Where to Go Sledding in the NYC Area

Kids take their snowstorms very seriously, because snow means sledding! Whether your child is hitting the hills for the first time or if they're an aspiring winter daredevil, we've compiled a great list of sledding hills to keep the kids entertained all winter long. So put on your winter gear, grab your sled, and head to one of the best sledding hills in your neighborhood! And on your way home, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa from favorite cafés in near you! Just make sure to stay safe when sledding/ And if your kids want more of a thrill, check out our favorite nearby snow tubing destinations.

• Where to Go Sledding in Manhattan
• Where to Go Sledding in Brooklyn
• Where to Go Sledding in Queens
• Where to Go Sledding in Westchester County
• Where to Go Sledding in Rockland County
• Where to Go Sledding in Nassau County
• Where to Go Sledding in Suffolk County

Where to Go Sledding in Manhattan

The New York City Parks mandate that 4-6 inches of snow must be on the ground before anyone can sled down these hills. For more information about the parks, visit nycgovparks.org or call 212-639-9675.

Carl Schurz Park
East End Avenue and 84th Street, Upper East Side
This naturally breathtaking sledding hotspot runs along the East River and welcomes children of all ages. The family pets can even join in on the fun as this park is home to two dog runs.

Morningside Park
Manhattan Avenue and 110th Street, Upper West Side
This park is known for its notoriously steep hill, perfect for daring sledders. Playgrounds can be found at the bottom of the hill for more snowy day fun!

Pilgrim Hill
Central Park at 72nd Street, Upper East Side
Most Central Park visitors believe this to be the best sledding spot in the city because of its perfectly steep slope found just below the Conservatory Water. 

Cedar Hill
Central Park from 76th to 79th streets, Upper East Side
Cedar Hill offers plenty of room for long, adventurous sled rides. From the top, you can view the Glade Arch and the beautiful red cedars for which it is known.

Riverside Park
Riverside Drive and 90th Street, Upper West Side
As its name suggests, this park rests on our scenic western waterfront. Sculptures, movies, artwork, and children's shows may be found year-round, while the seasons call for an exchange of roller-blades for ice-skates and skateboards for sleds. The bicycle and scooter trail becomes a sledder's dream in the winter months.

St. Nicholas Park
St. Nicholas Avenue and 127th Street, Hamilton Heights
Hills here are average in incline and should prove perfect for the beginner. Playgrounds are also found here in abundance.

RELATED: Indoor and Outdoor Ice-Skating Rinks in the New York Area

Where to Go Sledding in Brooklyn

Fort Greene Park
Interior of the park at Willoughby Avenue, Fort Greene/Clinton Hill
The hill near the Prison Ship Martyrs monument is quite a wild ride. It surrounds all four sides of the monument so it never gets too crowded, but the steepest and least crowded area is at the top of the hill. The hill is easily accessible from the park's Willoughby Avenue entrance.

Highland Park
Highland Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue, Cypress Hills
A very overlooked park, on the border between Brooklyn and Queens in Cypress Hills, is Highland Park. The park is in fact on a high plateau that seems to crease the middle of Long Island well beyond city limits. The views of the ocean are stunning enough, but the sledding is primo!

Hillside Park
Middagh and Vine streets, Brooklyn Heights
With a name like Hillside, you know you're in for a few slopes. This park also boasts a dog run, so bring the family pooch along on your sledding adventure. The park is located in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Brooklyn Heights promenade.

Lincoln Terrace Park
Between Buffalo and Rochester avenues, adjacent to Eastern Parkway service road, Brownsville/Crown Heights
After a solid snowfall, this slope is as good as any in the city, and you might get the added bonus of smaller crowds than the bigger parks.

McKinley Park
Fort Hamilton Parkway and 75th Street, Bay Ridge
Don't let its size fool you—this park has a solid hill that's perfect on a snowy afternoon. There's also a playground, dog run, and year-round public bathroom.

Owl's Head Park
Colonial Road and 68th Street, Sunset Park
On the border of Bay Ridge and Sunset Park, this park boasts not only an amazing skate park but a huge hill that seems to drop off into New York Harbor. It's an exhilarating ride, indeed. Be aware that there are no public restrooms in Owl's Head Park.

Prospect Park
Near the Tennis House at Prospect Park West and 9th Street
The hills here attract sledders from Flatbush, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Windsor Terrace, and beyond. The most popular slope is near the old tennis house and the current picnic house (nearest entrance is on Prospect Park West and 9th Street), but if that's too crowded, try the one in the meadow off Grand Army Plaza or the one behind the Picnic House, at the Third Street entrance.

Shore Road Park
Shore Road and 97th Street, Bay Ridge
The big hill here is hard to miss. It may be a bit steep for young kids and/or beginner sledders. The good news: There are three year-round bathrooms in the park.

Sunset Park
Interior of the park between 42nd and 43rd streets, Sunset Park
Here you'll find one of the highest points on all of Long Island (meaning the entire fish-shaped glacial land mass from Brooklyn to Montauk Point). Yes, this hill is a shredder's paradise, and if it's a clear day, Lady Liberty will be waving from the gorgeous vista of New York Harbor.  Bathrooms are located in the Recreation Center.