Travelling park theatre is one of NYC Parks' quietly great traditions: a show turns up in a neighbourhood park, sets up on the grass, and the audience is whoever happens to be there plus everyone who came on purpose. Crotona Park's picnic area gets Pinocchio, which means a story every child already half-knows performed outdoors with no ticket and no seats to book. If you have kids in the Bronx, this is a free afternoon that requires nothing but showing up.
What to expect
Expect a compact travelling set-up on the lawn, performers working without a raised stage, and an audience of families sitting on grass and blankets. It is short enough for young attention spans. Crotona Park has a lake, a pool and playgrounds around the picnic area if you want to make a full afternoon of it.
Good to know
- Crotona Park is in the central Bronx; the 2/5 to Freeman Street and the B/D to 174th-175th Streets are both walkable.
- Free and open to the public — it is a permitted public event, so no ticket or RSVP is involved.
- Bring a blanket — seating is the grass.
- Aimed at children and families; the show is short.
- The park has a lake, a large pool and playgrounds for the rest of the afternoon.
- Bring sun protection; the picnic lawns are only partly shaded.
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Common questions
Is it free?
Yes — it is a free outdoor performance in a public park.
Is there seating?
No formal seating; bring a blanket and sit on the grass.
Where in Crotona Park is it?
In the barbecue and picnic area of the park.
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