Young kids of all ages - mostly BIPOC students - racing each other at the City Parks Foundation's free Track and Field sports program for kids. In the upper left-hand corner is the City Parks Foundation green "Play" leaf - representing one of many free sports programs.

KEEPING KIDS & SENIORS ACTIVE AND HEALTHY

CityParks Play plays a central role in activating City Parks Foundation’s mission to create vibrant and healthy urban communities through dynamic free sports programs in parks across New York City. Our free sports programs transform parks into centers for recreation. We provide free instruction, coaching and equipment to more than 7,000 kids, ages 6 to 17, and more than 1,000 seniors in locations citywide.

We help kids stay active, develop athletic skills, and make new friends.

View our program overview here.

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? View our partnership deck here.

Want to work with CityParks Play? Learn more about our job opportunities.

OUR PROGRAMS

TENNIS

Our tennis programs promote physical fitness while building self-confidence through free tennis instruction. Opportunities for kids of all levels across citywide parks include free beginner lessons, tournaments, leagues, excellence programs and special events with tennis professionals.

8.14.23_Tennis_FortGreenePark_SeanJamar10
Several young kids practicing their golf shot at the City Parks Foundation Junior Golf Center Annex in Queens

GOLF

Our summer youth golf program introduces beginners to the basic skills of the game. After completing the introductory program, all are invited to continue to learn and play at local public golf courses and at the CityParks Junior Golf Center in Brooklyn or at the Golf Center Annex in Queens.

JUNIOR GOLF CENTER

Our Junior Golf Center, located next to the Dyker Beach public golf course in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, offers free instruction and use of equipment for all ability levels, practice time, educational workshops and weekly tournaments.

City Parks Foundation is also excited to offer programming at our junior golf training facility at LaTourette Golf Course on Staten Island. The facility will utilize 6-stalls at the driving range, a brand new putting green and chipping area for free instruction for all ability levels. The program will consist of the same skill-based First Tee classes offered at the CityParks Junior Golf Center (Brooklyn) and the Junior Golf Center Annex (Flushing Meadows Pitch and Putt).

Practice facilities at the Golf Center are open to New York City residents ages 6-17. Free membership includes the use of junior clubs and practice areas, invitations to special golf events, and discounts on equipment.

CPF Youth Fall Track - Thomas Jefferson Park - NYC - 2023

TRACK & FIELD

Our free track and field programs enables kids to learn the fundamentals of the sport at parks throughout the five boroughs. The program is open to kids ages 6-17 and includes activities like long jump, shot put, hurdles, discus, javelin, and track.

SOCCER

Our soccer coaches are here to share their love of the sport, using fun exercises and drills to introduce kids to the “beautiful game” of soccer. Participants learn how to pass, dribble, and kick through informal team scrimmage play and instruction. At the end of the program, dedicated participants are invited to compete in a one-day tournament.

8.11.23_CPF_SoccerTournament_FlushingMeadows_MerissaBlitz78 (1) (1)
CPF Youth Fall Track - Thomas Jefferson Park - NYC - 2023

EVERYDAY PLAY

At City Parks Foundation, our mission is to create vibrant and healthy urban communities for all New Yorkers. Everyday Play is a free, 5-day per week multi-sport program for kids in the summer. The program lets kids dabble in our programs like track and field, tennis, golf, soccer and more.

SENIORS FITNESS

We welcome New Yorkers 60+ to participate in free tennis lessons, yoga and fitness walking in neighborhood parks across the city. This six-week program takes place twice a week and all equipment is provided.

Woman in sunglasses holding a tennis racket
Adults and children running in a marathon on a street

FAMILY ADVENTURE RACES

Our Family Adventure Races are exciting and free parent-child races that take place on an obstacle course in parks across the city. Family teams challenge one another as they tackle 12 activity stations that include hurdles, wall climbing, a javelin throw and more.

Be the first to know when registration opens for free youth sports programs

Interested in Working With Us?

We’ll be in touch with upcoming job opportunities at CityParks Play! See a full list of open positions here.