Prospect Park

Designed by Central Park creators Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Prospect Park is a massive playground in the center of Brooklyn. Residents and visitors can play softball, explore the Prospect Park Zoo, go horseback riding, stroll through the breathtaking Long Meadow, treat their four-legged friends to a dip at Dog Beach and ice-skate at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside. It’s also a bargain—most attractions are inexpensive or free.