New York City is bringing camping and outdoor fun to one of Queen’s most iconic landmarks.
The city has opened a lottery giving 200 New Yorkers the chance to spend a free night camping under the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Thursday.
“There’s no better way to cap off an incredible summer than by gathering around the campfire, looking up at the stars and making memories with our neighbors,” Mamdani said in a statement. “This fall, we’re bringing that experience to the heart of Queens during this special edition of our beloved family camping program.”
Camping will take place on Sept. 25 and Oct. 9, with 100 people participating on each night, the city said in a release. Participants will be selected through an online lottery that is open through Sunday.
New Yorkers can register on the NYC Parks website.
“The evening will begin with icebreaker activities before campers pitch their tents and gather for dinner,” the release said. “Throughout the night, participants will join Urban Park Rangers for a night hike and wildlife viewing, nature games, stories around the campfire, s’mores and other activities.”
Sleeping bags and tents will be provided, and campers will be able to take the sleeping bags home with them afterward, according to the release.
Campers will be able to buy dinner and breakfast from a food truck, or pack their own provisions.