Time Out just posted a great list of where to sled in these them hills round here. Um. Okay, so that’s not real good English, but we liked how it sounded anyway. But the list is good. For all five boroughs go the list.
For Manhattan:
Cedar Hill, Central Park
Thrill-seekers need not apply: A less-crowded alternative to Pilgrim Hill, Cedar makes a good starter slide for beginners. Fifth Ave between 76th and 79th Sts. Subway: 6 to 77th St (centralparknyc.org)
East River Park
Though this long, narrow park isn’t known for its steep tundra, it’s a great option for downtown kiddos to get their sledding fix. Since it’s located right on the river, parents can enjoy the scenic view while their tots play. Montgomery St to E 12th. Subway: F, J, M, Z to Essex St—Delancy St. (nycgovparks.org)
Inwood HIll Park
While this spot is great for hiking and biking in the summertime, the expansive space and sloping terrain offer some nice sledding opportunities when the snow hits. Dyckman St at the Hudson River. Subway: A to Dyckman St. (nycgovparks.org)
Pilgrim Hill, Central Park
The grande dame of NYC sledding institutions—and rightly so, with its perfect steepness and gentle denouement (that’s sledspeak for a smooth finish). This spot gets crowded, so prepare to slalom around a few human obstacles. Enter at 72nd St and Fifth Ave. Subway: 6 to 68th St.
Morningside Park
This is where the Columbia crew hangs out, using dining hall trays, cardboard boxes and snowboards. Take a cue from the undergrads and tote along a household item to use as a makeshift (read: cheap) sled. Morningside Dr at 115th St (nycgovparks.org). Subway: B, C to 116th St.
Riverside Park
There are some gentler slopes between 92nd and 103rd Streets, but the hard-core head to Hippo Playground, where you can catch a glimpse of the Hudson as you dodge trees on your way out—er, down. Hay bales at the bottom prevent impalement on the fence beyond. Grab whatever gear you’ll need at C&S Hardware (788 Amsterdam Ave at 98th St; 212-222-8720, csgroupny.com). 91st St at Riverside Dr (nycgovparks.org). Subway: 1, 2, 3 to 96th St.
91st Street
For a quick fix, slip down 91st Street’s pedestrian-only zone. This is urban sledding in its purest form; just watch out for unsuspecting pups! 91st St between Second and Third Aves. Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St.
