Winter Fun in Prospect Park

January 13, 2015

It might look like a quiet time of year, but it is actually the wonderful time to explore Prospect Park. Alliance naturalists share their tips on how to make the most of the Park this season.

Take a winter walk. The Park’s leafless canopy exposes portions of the landscape that are hidden under lush greenery in the warmer months, providing the perfect opportunity for visitors to see rare geological formations, such as the deep glacial kettle located just beyond the Zucker Natural Exploration Area, and the hills of New York’s terminal moraine that stretch across the Midwood.

Play in nature. There are boundless ways for families to enjoy nature this time of year, from sledding at the Long Meadow to ice skating at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside. Also enjoy fun activities developed by naturalists as part of Nature Playtime!, a new collaboration between the Alliance, Prospect Park Zoo and Tinkergarten. From making frozen bubbles to snow art, download our activity card.

Search for wildlife. While a number of animals hibernate in the winter, it is a prime season for aerial predators like hawks and owls. Visitors can spot larger birds of prey circling high over the Ravine. Keen eyes might find a tiny Northern Saw Whet owl tucked in the evergreens near the Audubon Center. The raptors are joined by cold weather waterfowl that fly down from Canada, whose downy feathers leave them undisturbed by the sheets of ice that form on the Lake. Join the Alliance for monthly bird watching walks, including an introduction to bird watching and family bird watching.

Find out more about Prospect Park Alliance’s winter activities on our Events Calendar, and share your favorite winter activities with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Photo above by our featured artist for the season, Joseph O. Homes.