This blog post was updated on September 18, 2023.

There are so many great cities to fly to and visit in the summer and there’s a very good chance you’ll be visiting at least one hustling, bustling metropolis then. The historic architecture and modern man-made marvels may astound momentarily, but what about when you need a shady oasis in the hot concrete jungle? As travel-hardened experts, we couldn’t help put together our very own list of great parks in major cities, so here they are, in no particular order:

Central Park, New York

Our travel junkies thought this was “an oldie, but goldie”. You’ll feel like you’re in one of the many movies shot here over the decades, passing through familiar pathways and intimate tunnels. A Big Apple icon, Central Park is perfect for running, biking, hand-in-hand romantic strolling, lying about, sunbathing, dog-walking, and much more. The sunny weather also brings out performers of all types – artists, musicians, jugglers – you name it, they’re all out and about in Central Park. The Wollman Rink is open seasonally for skating while the Central Park Zoo and Friedsam Memorial Carousel are perfect for kids.

Boston Common & Public Gardens, Boston

In Boston, you’ll find the oldest public park in America, the Boston Common. (Note the singular. There’s no easier way to communicate that you’re a tourist than to ask for directions to “The Boston Commons”). In addition to its picturesque beauty, the Common has many historic statues and plaques that reflect the birth of America as a nation and the struggle for independence. The Frog Pond offers a great splash pool for the kids, and in the winter the pond converts into an ice skating rick. During summer, the adjoining Public Garden will give you the perfect opportunity to ride one of its famous Swan Boats on its tranquil pond, complete with real swans that glide alongside their eponymous paddle boats.

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Despite being small, it might take you several days to explore all corners of this amazing park. However, you have to go just to see the bison (yes – there’s a herd of buffalo that roams the park!). In addition to its greenery, Golden Gate Park is also popular for the Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum, Hippie Hill, the Dutch windmills next to the colorful Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Gardens, and the Chinese pagoda on the shores of Stow Lake, to name just a few attractions.

Griffith Park, Los Angeles

This humongous (almost five times the size of NYC’s Central Park) park’s wooded walkways and running paths are a clean-breathing haven for natives and tourists alike. Horseback riding and biking are activities for young and old alike, and The Los Angeles Zoo is an excellent stop for the whole family. You can also visit LA’s landmark Griffith Observatory, where you can view the night sky and zoom in on the city’s downtown area through the public telescope, as well as check out informative exhibits.

Millennium Park, Chicago

Chicago’s famed Millennium Park offers great views of Lake Michigan and plays host to a myriad of activities and free concerts throughout the year. When summer begins, you’ll have to catch one of the hourly 20-minute water shows at the park’s Buckingham Fountain, one of the largest fountains in the world. Be sure to visit the park’s most famous recent addition, Anish Kapoor’s “Cloud Gate,” colloquially known as “The Bean.” Adjacent to the park is the famed Art Institute of Chicago, easily one of the finest art museums in the world. Whether you enjoy its lush rose gardens or just want to grab a hot dog and soak up some sun, park is a must-see when you visit Chi-Town!

You may also like: 6 U.S. National Parks and Forests Worth Visiting

Forest Park, St. Louis

Now this urban park flies a bit under the radar, but we believe it’s one of the best in the country because of all the freebies it offers. You can tour the highly rated Saint Louis Art Museum. Or catch a show at the historic, 11,000-seat Muny Theater, which consistently attracts Broadway-caliber performers to its outdoor summer shows. Also, you can visit the Saint Louis Zoo, peruse the Saint Louis Science Center and Planetarium (you’ll have to pay for special exhibits and shows) all for free! Don’t miss out on the impressive Cascades waterfall that makes for the perfect backdrop for selfies.

Klyde Warren Park, Dallas

Connecting Dallas’s neighborhoods with its vibrant Arts District, this 5-acre park is not only a restful environment in the heart of the city, but also host to year-round musical shows, film screenings, dance and exercise sessions, and much more. Klyde Warren Park has many kid and pet-friendly areas and is in close proximity to the Dallas Museum of the Arts, so it’s an absolute must if you plan to visit Dallas anytime soon. Besides, you won’t  go hungry while walking around, as plenty of food trucks frequent the park, offering visitors a range of mouth-watering delights!

FAQs:

Q: Are these parks suitable for families with children?

A: Yes, all of these parks are family-friendly and offer various activities for children, such as playgrounds, zoos, and family picnic areas.

Q: Can I bring my pet to these parks?

A: Most of these parks have designated areas where pets are allowed, but it’s essential to check the specific park’s rules and regulations regarding pets.

Q: Are these parks accessible by public transportation?

A: Yes, these parks are well-connected by public transportation, making them easily accessible to visitors without a car.

Q: Are there any entrance fees for these parks?

A: Most of these parks are free to enter, but some may charge admission fees for specific attractions within the park, such as zoos or museums. It’s advisable to check their official websites for updated information.

Do you have a favorite urban park in a major city that you love? Let us know why you think it deserves to be on this list by commenting below.