At over 1,000 acres of land, Van Cortlandt is the fourth largest park in New York City. The possibilities for family fun at Van Cortlandt are endless… There are playing fields and courts for every sport imaginable (baseball, basketball, tennis, softball, football, soccer, Gaelic football, bocci, cricket, handball/paddleball), along with an 18-hole golf course, a 9-hole golf course with driving range, hiking trails, four playgrounds, and a world-class cross country running course. Van Cortlandt is also home to the Riverdale Equestrian Centre, which provides riding lessons for both children and adults. If horseback riding isn’t enough to make you forget you’re in the city, you can also take the kids fishing in Van Cortlandt Lake. The park offers countless programs and educational opportunities for kids throughout the year. There’s even a pubic pool at Van Cortlandt… and it’s not gross! In Summer 2008, it was named the borough’s best pool by the Daily News due to its cleanliness and impressive amount of lifeguards on duty. Just remember if you plan on swimming, you should bring a lock with you. They are very strict about making sure everyone’s belongings are protected and won’t let you in without one.