Parents in NYC can look forward to an evening out on the town — or a quiet night at home — thanks to the city’s new kids’ drop-off event next month. 

The NYC Parks Department will hold a one-night-only program called Parents’ Night Out, a nighttime program for kids to be held on Aug. 16 with a recreation location in each borough. Parents will drop off their kids at 4 p.m., followed by pickup at 8 p.m. 

As part of the program, which is a first for Parks, kids ages 6 to 13 will enjoy a supervised evening featuring recreational activities with the Urban Park Rangers, Parks Department staff who provide free educational programs, recreation activities and public safety assistance in the city parks. 

While parents and caregivers recharge, run errands, enjoy a date night, or simply take time for themselves, children will spend the evening participating in supervised games, sports and fitness activities, arts and crafts, media education programs, and nature exploration with the rangers, all led by trained NYC Parks staff.

The junior park-goers will also enjoy a yummy boxed dinner, though the exact delicacies have not yet been announced.

NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura said the event is a safe opportunity for parents to take a break while their kids enjoy a supervised park experience.

“Our first-ever Parents’ Night Out is about making sure our administration is working for New Yorkers by providing a free, safe, and fun experience for children while giving families a few hours to themselves,” Shimamura explained. “Whether it’s enjoying dinner or simply taking a well-earned break, we’re proud to offer an affordable program that supports families and strengthens our communities.” 

The program, according to Parks, is also designed to showcase the wide range of engaging recreational programs NYC Parks offers year-round while giving parents some free time for themselves.

“Parents and caregivers spend so much of their time taking care of everyone else, and they deserve an opportunity to recharge,” Shimamura said.

Where are the Parents’ Night Out locations?

Children will enjoy an evening of recreation, including active games, sports, arts and crafts, and group activities at the following NYC Parks recreation centers:  

Brooklyn:  

Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center 
3105 Farragut Place 

Manhattan:  

Highbridge Recreation Center 
2301 Amsterdam Ave. 

Queens:  

Al Oerter Recreation Center 
131-40 Fowler Ave. 

Bronx:  

Kwame Ture Recreation Center 
1527 Jesup Ave.

Staten Island:  

Greenbelt Recreation Center 
501 Brielle Ave. (across from Sea View Hospital) 

How to sign up for the program

Registration, which is on a first-come, first-served basis, is required; walk-ins will not be permitted, organizers said. Parents must register online for a location between July 13 and 20. 

Following registration, families will receive information by email about completing a required event waiver by Friday, July 31, and obtaining a free NYC Parks Recreation Center membership for each participating child by Aug. 16. 

Participants must be between the ages of 6 and 13 by Aug. 16. Organizers said space is limited.