PHOTO: Brooklyn's Prospect Park. (Courtesy of www.thinkstock.com)

City parks give us an eyeful of luxuriant pastures, colorful flowers and acres of land to escape their bustling surroundings.  However, there are some parks that take their experiences up a notch with museums, fun rides and zoos. Their activities forever change the way we view going to the park with out-of-the-box designs, thrilling us from the moment we arrive.

A trip to these seven playgrounds is no typical walk in the park. They are cultural adventures filled with surprises around every turn.

Brooklyn, NY: Prospect Park

There’s no denying that Prospect Park is the heartbeat of Brooklyn.  From the moment you hear the loud rhythmic cadences of eccentric drummers your feet will be compelled to wander onto its 585-acre emerald terrain.  It is visited daily by joggers, sightseers, and picnickers basking in its natural beauty and vibrant culture. 

There’s never a dull moment at this urban oasis, especially with fun activities found on every corner.  From the skating and horseback riding to fishing and the carousel, Prospect Park begs every visitor to take full advantage of its thrills. The park is also home to Brooklyn’s only forests, which echo the melodious calls of nature, allowing pedal boaters to row along its lakes in harmony to their songs. And if you’re looking for an artistic experience, look no further as Prospect Park delights their guests melodically at the Music Pagoda.

Not only is it lapped in artistic decor, it is an urban hotspot transforming its exciting activities into a cultural adventure.

Phoenix, AZ: Papago Park

If you’re looking for a city park to be one with nature, then Papago Park is the city park for you.  Its almost Martian red sands embodies the beauty of nature’s wonders with sandstone buttes and jagged trails perfect for a sunset stroll. However, there is much more to Papago Park than its rustic ambiance. 

Visitors flock here to observe Arizona’s exotic wildlife at the Phoenix Zoo and stop to smell the roses at the Desert Botanical Gardens. And if they are searching for a bit of history, a visit to the Hole-in-the-Rock rewards them with the fragrance of the past as well as gorgeous scenery. Golfers can enjoy championship rounds and its ponds overflow with delicious seafood. Papago Park sets itself apart by providing a space for folks craving a peaceful escape.

St. Louis, MO: Forest Park

There’s no place to see a multitude of colorful hot-air balloons fill the sky than at Forest Park.  This is because the annual Great Forest Park Balloon Race is arguably one of the greatest events to grace the lush lawns of the park.

Not only is Forest Park highly recognized for this remarkable show, it takes great pride in providing an authentic experience within its beautiful spaces.  Whether revisiting the past at the Missouri History Museum or taking in the art pieces at the St. Louis Art Museum, this urban oasis is jam-packed with topnotch activities.

With something enjoyable for all ages to explore, Forest Park embodies its original mission — to provide a place where signs of “keep off the grass” are nonexistent. Also, a place for people from all walks of life to come and adore. 

Atlanta, GA: Oakland Cemetery

If you think this city park is spooky, that’s your mind playing tricks on you. Believe it or not, not all cemeteries are eerie, especially not the Oakland Cemetery. Yes, you will be greeted by monolithic tombstones housing souls of infamous and famous Georgia residents. But, in the midst of its monuments are the beautiful blooms of magnolias, visitors stretched out on lawns with a book covering their faces, and a colorful history that rings so effortlessly through the air. 

Whether you’re listening to ghost stories revealing secrets of Atlanta’s rich past or if you suddenly find yourself circling musicians whose melodies echo around the scattered mausoleums, after a visit to this park you’ll never look at a cemetery the same again.

San Francisco, CA: Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park has the tendency to make their guest fall in love at first sight.  Not just because of its breathtaking scenery, but because it exudes the spirit of San Francisco throughout its entire premises.

There is something quite alluring about the park, causing millions of people to flock here every year.  Whether it’s the world-class art of de Young Museum, the aquarium dotted with dozens of aquatic species or the Conservatory of Flowers showcasing some of the world’s most extraordinary blossoms, Golden Gate Park has definitely made its claim to fame as one of the city’s most prized treasures.

New Orleans, LA: City Park

Since 1854, City Park has been the one-stop-shop for visitors wanting to bask in the spirit of New Orleans.  With every turn visitors are met with an exciting activity to commemorate their experiences.  City Park offers much more than a typical visit to a lush playground. In fact, its activities are such fun you’ll wish to be a kid again. 

Let’s not forget about those glorious oak trees that appear so huge it must have taken them a lifetime to fully reach maturity.

From the amusement park and the City Putt to the coffee and beignet stand and the botanical garden, you may never want to leave. Just imagine having the entire city of New Orleans at your feet. And with a visit to City Park, your imagination won’t have to run far.

Chicago, IL: Millennium Park

Architecturally stunning designs and colorful gardens give visitors of Chicago Park the best of both worlds.  You are cordially invited to bring your family and friends to enjoy the heart of the Windy City with exclusive exhibits at the Art Institute of Chicago and private events.

You’ll escape the hustle and bustle of Chicago once you encounter this urban park, where your eyes will immiadetly fixate on the famous quicksilver kidney bean form of the Cloud Gate  If you enjoy looking at yourself in fun mirrors, you’ll appreciate the weird way your body will appear on this shiny treasure.  Millennium Park is a must-see and vibrantly beats to the tune of its own drum.