NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

The Prospect Park Alliance seeks to inspire visitors to take an active role in the preservation of the unique natural, man-made and ultimately urban environments of Prospect Park. It strives to cultivate within diverse communities an interest in and support for a shared responsibility in maintaining the health of the park for future generations.

The alliance administers many facilities throughout Prospect Park. Best known is the Lefferts Homestead Children's Museum, which offers activities for families and school groups throughout the year. There is also the Kate Wollman Ice Skating Center; the 1912 vintage Carousel (only 50 cents); a replica of an old-time trolley offering a full-circuit ride from Wollman Center, with stops at the Carousel, the Prospect Park Wildlife Center, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Grand Army Plaza.

In addition, there are ball fields, pedal boats at the boathouse, the Imagination Playground and designated trails for horseback riding. Horses can be hired through Kensington Stables (718-972-4588), where lessons are available at nominal rates. Last but not least, children and adults can give a gift to nature by becoming volunteers. The Prospect Park Alliance offers training to become either a stationary, roving or roadway Park Greeter or a Trolley or Woodlands Tour Guide through the Outreach Volunteer Training program. It also organizes volunteers on special days to help clean and beautify the park.

• Disability Access: Partially accessible (i.e., Lefferts Homestead and certain areas of the park). Consult the park's interactive map for details: www.prospectpark.org/visit/interactive_map
• Gift Shops: At Kate's Corner in the Skating Center: T-shirts, mugs, cards
• On-Site Food: At Kate's Corner
• On-Site Parking: Parking is available around the park's perimeter. Please be aware of any parking restrictions and street cleaning signs. Wollman Rink: Free public parking, Litchfield Villa: Public parking area in the back half of the lot in marked spaces only Picnic House: Limited parking is available for Picnic House events only with a permit.