This 500-acre park runs for 4 miles, transforming once industrial waterfront into a variety of parks and playspaces. They include Sheep Meadow–like expanses of grass, marvelous landscaping, terrific views of the Hudson River, innovative playgrounds (including a science-based one that opened in 2023), public art installations, and more. This is an ideal place to bring the kids for a sunny afternoon, especially to one of the park’s pride and joys: a custom-designed 36-passenger carousel with all the hand-carved animals indigenous to the greater New York City area (it’s at Pier 62, near 23rd St.). The free skate park and minigolf course are also fun. More piers are in the process of being transformed and opened to the public as we write this: truly an urban miracle.