Being a Brooklyn girl, I’ve spent my share of time in city parks: spending long summer afternoons in the park, playing with my brothers and making friends along the way is one of my favorite memories. As I’ve grown older, I’ve reconnected with these very parks, exploring them as an adult. Below, I’ve listed my favorite parks to visit in Brooklyn during the summer months.

Prospect Park

Designed by the same architects as Central Park, Prospect Park is identical in its spacious layout, ample amount of rolling hills and grassy landscapes, and is also surrounded by historic landmarks and beautiful brownstones. In the summer months, one can find many Brooklynites sprawled out, enjoying picnics and barbecues. And unlike Central Park, tourists are less common; instead, watch out for the speeding cyclists making their weekly tours throughout the park, which measures around 3 miles.

Visit early on Saturday Mornings for one of the best Farmer’s Markets, where one of my favorite stalls has fresh Lavender. Or check out Celebrate Brooklyn! by BRIC, a summer long event series featuring artists, musicians and more at the Prospect Park Bandshell.

Fort Greene Park

A classic, but often overlooked park, Fort Greene Park is unique in that it’s located in Downtown Brooklyn, across from beautiful brownstones and surrounded by chic restaurants, yet is also next to Brooklyn Hospital and large medical facilities. Perhaps this is meant to provide a break for staff, but it serves the neighborhood as meeting areas for friends, or exercise for the casual runner (the many steps and steep climb to the top afford beautiful views of Brooklyn).

Afterwards, visit Miss Ada for Mediterranean fare (make sure to make a reservation, or put your name down early, as the place is often packed). Other favorite spots include Caffe e Vino for traditional Italian, or Cafe Paulette for French. In addition, BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) offers several events, shows, talks and more, featured on their ever changing schedule.

Domino Park

A recent addition to the Brooklyn Waterfront, Domino Park is located in Williamsburg along the East River, and is the sitet of the former Domino Sugar Refinery. With beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline, make sure to soak up sun on the many benches or green lawns; bring your own food, or stock up on tacos and more at the kiosks. A recent stroll on a summer night was full of life; a spurting fountain with blue lighting show created an interactive show for both kids and adults, and the playground, volleyball courts and many lawns were crowded thanks to the large number of lights that keep the park well entertained into the night.

Thanks for reading, and let me know if you visit any of the spots! :)