Group Tours

Please note that group tours to Freshkills Park are extremely limited, and groups must provide their own transportation. The Freshkills Park Alliance is pleased to offer virtual field trips and presentations. If you would like information about our virtual options, please visit our Field Trips and Virtual Presentations and Interactive Map and Virtual Tour pages.

Freshkills Park is the largest landfill-to-park project in the world. As the 2,200 acre park is built gradually in phases, NYC Parks and the Freshkills Park Alliance are providing early access for learning and exploration opportunities. Tours and events offer the unique opportunity to visit sections of Freshkills Park that are currently closed to the public.

Schools, organizations, and community groups can request a private group tour. These tours provide the chance to go behind the scenes and discuss topics that the park project addresses, including urban ecology and landscape architecture. Group tours are scheduled by appointment only. Visitors must be escorted by staff, and scheduling is dependent on staff and vehicle availability. For smaller groups, please consider joining an existing public program.

To request a tour for your class or community group, please complete the tour request form:

Email info@freshkillspark.org with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get there?

Freshkills Park is located on the west shore of Staten Island, about 30 minutes by car from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal in St. George. Staff will provide directions to the meeting point upon tour confirmation.

What happens during the tour?

Group tours visit publicly inaccessible parts of Freshkills Park, giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at park development. Staff will provide an informational overview of the project. Depending on the age group, the tour might include interactive activities, hiking or a guided bus ride. Tours normally last 1-2 hours. Because Freshkills Park is so big (2,200 acres), transportation is required to get around.

What do I need to bring?

All visitors need to sign an activity waiver, and those under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver. Because of the elevation and wide open space, the temperature and wind at the park can be more extreme than in surrounding areas. Please prepare accordingly and plan to bring your own snacks and/or water.

Are there bathrooms, benches, or picnic areas?

Freshkills Park is in transition from landfill to park. At the moment, there are no benches or picnicking areas within closed sections of the Park. There is one bathroom located at the Visitor’s Center.

How much does a tour cost?

Suggested donations vary based on group type and size. Donations help support the continuation of educational programming and research for the Freshkills Park Alliance. Make a donation to the Freshkills Park Alliance.

You can also explore Freshkills Park during a public program. Events, kayak tours, nature hikes, and more are available on select days. For a list of upcoming opportunities to visit, see the calendar.