Thain Family Forest
📍 The Bronx, NY
50-acre old-growth woodland within the New York Botanical Garden featuring maintained trails along historic Native American paths, streams, waterfalls, and diverse bird and wildlife species.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children who can walk independently and enjoy nature discovery at their own pace. The trails are well-maintained and manageable for primary-school-age kids. Educational placards and the Bloomberg Connects audio tour keep curious children engaged.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →303 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Frank Salinas
6 years ago
“This is part of the NY Botanic Garden in the Bronx. My wife and I went on a Wednesday which is a free entrance day if you are an NYC resident. It is $20 for parking but saving the entrance fee cost covers that. Thai Family Forest is sort of in the middle of the Botanic Garden so it is shorter to get to the rose garden area from the main entrance by cutting through using the forest path. The forest is serene and quiet and a bit cooler on hot days. It also has a stream and small waterfall. The whole place is lovely and well maintained but for us the rose garden was the best and simply beautiful. A great place to spend a day if you enjoy floors, fauna and flowers.”
Dean Lorenzo Tartaglia (DeanLorenzo828)
8 years ago
“A most magnificent secret garden within the Gardens. Some truly legendary old conifers of pine and cedars, encloses the enclave of the brilliancies of beneficial auras. Simply put, extraordinary feng shui/geomancy The humongous giant Blue Atlas Cedar, is an old treasured friend. From the days of my childhood. Perfect area for the practice of Chi Kung (Qi Gong) and authentic Tai Chi Chuan (Taiji Quan)😊💜💙💜Do Love👍👍”
Matthew Ross
6 years ago
“It's a beautiful forest with over 50 acres covered in natural woodland trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, and boulders. The trails are well maintained and there are many species of not only trees, but birds as well inside. Definitely worth visiting and they provide descriptive placards about certain areas inside to give history.”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
Thain Family Forest preserves over 50 acres of NYC's original uncut woodland, with trails tracing historic Native American paths past streams, waterfalls, and ancient conifers. Educational placards line the routes, covering tree species and ecological history. The Bloomberg Connects app adds a digital self-guided layer. Chipmunks, birds, and fungi make every visit different. NYC residents can access the Botanic Garden free on Wednesdays.
