Howard Park
4.8(1.7K)google
4.1(19)yelp
OutdoorFamilyIce SkatingFree
Overview
Howard Beach is a neighborhood in the southwestern portion of the New York City borough of Queens. It is bordered to the north by the Belt Parkway and Conduit Avenue in Ozone Park, to the south by Jamaica Bay in Broad Channel, to the east by 102nd–104th Streets in South Ozone Park, and to the west by 75th Street in East New York, Brooklyn. The area consists mostly of low-rise single-family detached houses.
Practical Info
Every day6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeDual peak seasons: Summer for the massive splash pads and modern adventure playgrounds, and winter (late November to March) for their state-of-the-art outdoor ice skating trail. Skating under the multi-colored LED kinetic light installations between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM during a crisp winter twilight offers an unforgettable, romantic midwestern winter experience.
Getting ThereBeautifully positioned on the St. Joseph River downtown at 219 S St Louis Blvd, South Bend. Drive via Jefferson Blvd across the river bridge and make an immediate turn onto St Louis Blvd. The urban park hosts a modern, dedicated paved public lot on its southern boundary. It is also an easy 10-minute walk from downtown core hotels along the river trail.
Travel Tips
- The winter Ice Trail operates on a rigid online timed-entry reservation framework. The on-site ticket counter does not sell walk-up ice vouchers; bringing private skates yields no admission discount.
- The summer Splash Pad interactive zone closes for up to two hours on select mornings for chemical bio-testing. Call the park administrative desk pre-departure to verify pump operation status.
- The St. Joseph River promenade trail faces localized river inundation during early spring snowmelt. Crossing municipal red 'DANGER' barricade tape for running or cycling is highly illegal.
Reviews
Positive
- The renovated park features brilliant modern design; the winter ice trail and summer splash pad look spectacular.
- The premium playground equipment is creative, ensuring safe and engaging fun for kids of all age brackets.
- The maintenance is highly efficient, public areas are pristine, and brilliant nighttime lighting offers a safe environment.
- Entering the parkgrounds is completely free; it provides accessible premium open space without high admission fees.
Heads up
- During winter skating peak weekends, crowd density is massive; renting skates can take over an hour in line.
- The dedicated on-site parking lot fills up rapidly, and alternative street parking around charges steep hourly rates.
- The signature eatery inside has premium price tags, making casual hot drinks and snacks a bit overpriced.
- For those seeking rustic quietude and raw nature, the modern ambient music and constant crowds feel too bustling.