Recreation & Sports in Brooklyn, NY

Eleven hard courts at the Parade Ground managed by the Prospect Park Alliance. During the outdoor season (May through October), eight courts are available to NYC Parks tennis permit holders. During the indoor season (late October through early May), all 11 courts are covered by a bubble and available for hourly rental. Single-play passes are available for those without a seasonal permit.

Ice skating November through March, roller skating and splash pad in warmer months. Covered and uncovered rinks connected. Skate rental available. Free Monday afternoon skating for kids in winter.

3.35-mile car-free paved loop around Prospect Park. Rolling hills, Long Meadow and Prospect Lake views. Home course for the Brooklyn Half Marathon. Free, just show up.

Soccer fields at the Parade Ground next to Prospect Park, grass and synthetic turf. Free for pickup under 20 people; groups of 20+ need an NYC Parks permit. Also baseball diamonds and cricket pitches.

Dedicated pickleball courts at the Parade Ground in Prospect Park, part of the Parks Department's expansion of the sport across the city. Free for permit holders ($15 single-play). The courts are newer and the lines are clear. Pickup games on weekday mornings draw a regular crowd of all ages.

Five full courts on Pier 2 overlooking the East River and Manhattan skyline. Two covered courts for light rain. Free, first-come first-served. Constant pickup games on weekends and summer evenings.

Six outdoor handball courts at Pier 2, free, first-come first-served. East River and Manhattan skyline behind you. Next to the basketball courts, roller rink, and bocce courts.

Two bocce courts at Pier 2, free and open to the public. Bring your own bocce set or borrow one from the Pier 2 sports equipment shed (available on a first-come, first-served basis). A surprisingly social activity on the waterfront -- regulars show up on summer evenings and weekend afternoons.

Outdoor roller skating rink on Pier 2 with Manhattan skyline views. May through October. $10 with rental, $6 with your own skates. Some free days in summer. DJ nights on weekends.

Three regulation-sized sand volleyball courts at Pier 6 with views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. Free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis when leagues are not scheduled. Bring your own ball and net -- posts are installed. Popular for pickup games on summer weekends.

Free Olympic-sized outdoor pool on the Greenpoint-Williamsburg border. Open daily in summer, closed 3-4pm for cleaning. Busy days may limit swim time or use return bracelets. Just show up.

NYC Parks rec center with indoor pool, fitness equipment, basketball gym. Seasonal programming includes boxing, dance, youth sports. $25/year membership (reduced for seniors and youth).

A 400-meter running track at the Red Hook Recreation Center, free and open to the public during open hours. The track shares the facility with soccer and football fields. Less crowded than Prospect Park for runners who want a consistent surface and measured distance. Adjacent to the rec center pool and gym.

Climbing gym in Gowanus with bouldering walls, fitness area, yoga, sauna. Day pass covers everything. No membership required. $15 Fridays. Shoe rental available. Short walk from Union St (R) and Carroll St (F/G).

Competitive pickup basketball. Well-maintained full courts, plus handball courts and a playground. Free. Draws serious players on summer evenings and weekends. Near the G train.

Synthetic turf field on the Williamsburg waterfront. Soccer, football, lacrosse, rugby, ultimate frisbee. Free for casual play; organized games need an NYC Parks permit. Lighted until 10:15pm.

Six public hard courts in Fort Greene Park, available to NYC Parks tennis permit holders. The seasonal permit is $100 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $10 for youth. Single-play passes are $15. Courts are first-come, first-served and popular for casual play on weekday mornings. A short walk from the G train at Fulton St.

Full YMCA in downtown Brooklyn. 25-yard indoor pool, gym, basketball court, 130+ group fitness classes per week (yoga, Pilates, bootcamp, TRX, water aerobics). Membership required, no day passes for classes. Non-member swim drop-in $30.

Drop-in yoga studio in Carroll Gardens, open seven days, no membership required. Vinyasa, yin, restorative, meditation. Student/teacher/military discount. All levels.

NYC Parks rec center with indoor pool, gym, fitness room, and a large seasonal outdoor pool that's free in summer. $150/year for adults, free for youth under 24. Good youth sports and swim lesson programming.

Climbing gym in Bushwick with bouldering, rope climbing, yoga, fitness. Day pass $35, first-timer package includes a lesson. Monthly $139. Less crowded than Williamsburg and Gowanus spots.

Free outdoor basketball courts and a dog run at the intersection of Ocean Parkway and Beverly Road. The courts are well-maintained and get reliable pickup runs on weekday evenings. Less competitive than the Bed-Stuy and DUMBO courts -- a good option for casual players in south Brooklyn.

Six public hard courts in Midwood, available to NYC Parks tennis permit holders. A quieter alternative to the Fort Greene and Prospect Park courts. Seasonal permit $100 for adults, $20 for seniors, $10 for youth. Single-play passes $15. First-come, first-served.

A full-service YMCA with an indoor pool, full gym, basketball court, and group fitness classes including yoga, spin, and water aerobics. Monthly membership required -- no single-visit day passes. Financial assistance available for those who qualify. A solid option for East Brooklyn residents.

New rec center in East New York with indoor pool, gym, fitness rooms, and community programming. $150/year adults, free for youth under 24.