This past weekend, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura hosted New York City's first Parents' Night Out, giving nearly 300 children a night of fun at recreation centers across all five boroughs while their parents enjoyed a few hours to themselves.
The program was hosted at the Kwame Ture Recreation Center in the Bronx, Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in Brooklyn, Highbridge Recreation Center in Manhattan, Al Oerter Recreation Center in Queens and Greenbelt Recreation Center on Staten Island. Participating children also received free NYC Parks Recreation Center memberships, with more than 100 new memberships issued throughout the evening.
"Every parent knows that a few hours to yourself can feel like a luxury. It shouldn't be," said Mayor Mamdani. "That's why we launched New York City's first-ever Parents' Night Out, so parents can catch a movie, run errands or go on a date without worrying about who will take care of the kids - or how much it will cost. Making New York City more affordable isn't just about lowering costs, it's about giving people back their time. This administration is committed to making it easier to raise a family in the greatest city in the world."
"Parents and caregivers spend so much of their time taking care of everyone else, and they deserve an opportunity to recharge," said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. "Our first-ever Parent's Night Out was 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. Whether it's enjoying dinner or simply taking a well-earned break, we were proud to offer an affordable program that supports families and strengthens our communities."
In a survey of participating parents, families shared how they spent their time:
· 29% enjoyed some "me time."
· 22% enjoyed a date night.
· 19% dined at a local restaurant.
· 16% went shopping.
· 9% spent time with friends or family.
· 7% visited a cultural institution.
· 5% relaxed or caught up on sleep.
What Parents Had to Say
"I give a 10/10 rating on this event! I cherished the time I had. My daughter had a tremendous evening filled with endless fun. The dinner was delicious with many choices. Every single staff member that I interacted with/observed went above and beyond to be helpful and kind! The rec center in the Bronx is well taken care of, and a great environment. The schedule of events was a dream for my daughter. For me, programming like this is life changing. As a parent, I'm endlessly in survival mode; this night created breathing room while providing joyful social enrichment for my daughter at the same time. Thank you very much to all. Please consider doing more of this, if there is the capacity." ~ Kwame Ture Recreation Center
"This event was such a gift. As a working mom, alone time and free childcare is so rare, so having a few hours to myself was really special. I went home, made myself something to eat, and mostly just spent time planning my Monday so I could feel a bit less overwhelmed. It sounds simple, but it was so nice to know my city had my back, and my kids were having fun with other great NYC kids! Programming like this gives parents like me a chance to breathe, and that breathing room matters more than people realize. Thank you for creating a space where my children could have fun and I could have some time for me." ~ Highbridge Recreation Center
"My husband and I don't have a village and are almost never without our kids unless they are at school. It was nice to get some time to go for a quiet walk around the city and not feel nervous about who are children were with or if they were having a good time. The entire experience was amazing and the staff at the Highbridge location is top tier!" ~ Highbridge Recreation Center
"I would like to take the time to give a major shout out to all of your employees at Al Oerter on Sunday, April 16th. Thank you to the Mayor and the Commissioner of Parks. Thank you for the extraordinary and exceptional customer service given to my children. Truly amazing group of counselors who gave all our children a memorable and fun Sunday night. Thanks for the goody bags and the awesome tote bag." ~Al Oerter Recreation Center
What Kids Had to Say
· Wyatt, 6, who arrived crying and initially did not want to stay: "I want to go back up and do more!"
· Zariza, 9: "I had a very fun time. My favorite part was bracelet making."
· Noah, 11: "I liked the robotics."
· Scarlett, 13: "I liked the jumbo games and board games with the Playmobil."
Free and Low-Cost Cultural Experiences
Through a partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs, Parents' Night Out also gave parents the opportunity to enjoy free and low-cost cultural experiences across the city while their kids had fun at NYC Parks recreation centers.
Participating cultural institutions included the Museum of the City of New York, American Museum of Natural History, Studio Museum in Harlem, Museum of the Moving Image, Queens Botanical Garden and Snug Harbor Cultural Center.
Parents' Night Out reflects the Mamdani administration's commitment to making recreation more accessible and supporting working families by creating affordable opportunities that improve quality of life for New Yorkers.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2ufSVQNkzs
Photo link: https://nycparks.photoshelter.com/galleries/C0000Whnu8yceYWA/G0000EeMPHKnXa5U/Media-2026-Parents-Night-Out
Gallery Password: nycparks2026
