Mayor Mamdani Announces First-Ever NYC Parks “Parents’ Night Out,” Giving Parents and Caregivers a Free Evening Off

 

Free drop-off program offers children an evening of supervised recreation while parents and caregivers enjoy a few hours to themselves 

 

Families can register online from July 13 through July 20 

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura announced the launch of NYC Parks’ first-ever Parents’ Night Out, a free, one-night drop-off program that gives parents and caregivers the opportunity to enjoy an evening to themselves while children participate in supervised fun at select NYC Parks recreation centers across the five boroughs.  

 

While parents recharge, run errands, enjoy a date night or simply take time for themselves, children will spend the evening participating in supervised games, sports and fitness activities, arts and crafts, media education programs and nature exploration with Urban Park Rangers, all led by trained NYC Parks staff. The experience is designed to showcase the wide range of engaging recreational programs NYC Parks offers year-round. Dinner will be provided for all participants. 

 

“Every parent knows that a few hours to yourself can feel like a luxury,” said Mayor Mamdani. “It shouldn’t be. That's why we’re launching New York City’s first-ever Parents’ Night Out, so that parents can get a little time on their own to catch a movie, run errands or go on a date without worrying about who will take care of the kids — or how much it will cost. Making New York City more affordable isn’t just about lowering costs, it’s about giving people back their time. This administration is committed to making it easier to raise a family in the greatest city in the world.” 

 

“Parents and caregivers spend so much of their time taking care of everyone else, and they deserve an opportunity to recharge,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Our first-ever Parents’ Night Out is about making sure our administration is working for New Yorkers by providing a free, safe and fun experience for children while giving families a few hours to themselves. Whether it’s enjoying dinner or simply taking a well-earned break, we’re proud to offer an affordable program that supports families and strengthens our communities.”  

 

This free program reflects NYC Parks’ commitment to making recreation more accessible and support working families by creating affordable opportunities that improve quality of life for New Yorkers. Children will enjoy an evening of recreation, including active games, sports, arts and crafts and group activities at the following in NYC Parks recreation centers:   

 

Brooklyn:   

Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center  

3105 Farragut Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11210    

 

Manhattan:   

Highbridge Recreation Center  

2301 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10033    

 

Queens:   

Al Oerter Recreation Center  

131-40 Fowler Ave, Flushing, NY 11355    

 

Bronx:   

Kwame Ture Recreation Center  

1527 Jesup Ave, Bronx, NY 10452  

 

Staten Island:   

Greenbelt Recreation Center  

501 Brielle Avenue (across from Sea View Hospital)  

 

Space is limited, and registration is required on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins will not be permitted. Families must register online between Monday, July 13 and Monday, July 20 and are asked to register for only one location. To apply, please visit: nyc.gov/parks/parentsnightout.

 

Following registration, participants will receive information by email about completing a required event waiver by Friday, July 31 and obtaining a free NYC Parks Recreation Center membership for each participating child by Sunday, August 16.  

 

Recreation center memberships are always free for children, and all participants must be between the ages of 6 and 13 by August 16, 2026.