The Best Playgrounds in New York City for Kids

The Best Places to Let the Kids Play in New York City

If you're visiting New York City with kids, a top priority will be offering a fun place for the kids to play and a relaxing, shady spot for the adults to rest at some point during your exploration. New York City has a number of excellent playgrounds that spark the imagination and offer resting places for weary legs. These playgrounds are some of the favorites of locals and tourists alike.

Ancient Playground

Piggybacking on the Egyptian Art collection found at the Met, this playground offers climbing equipment, slides, swings, and water features that inspire kids of all ages to become explorers and archeologists. This playground, in Central Park, is the perfect place to pass some time before heading out to see more sites in New York City.

Central Park

Chelsea Waterslide Playground

Located in Hudson River Park, this colorful playground is fun for all ages! There are water features, fun fish shaped climbing equipment, a sand area, and shaded seating that's perfect for a parent to who needs to rest their legs. After a busy day exploring, everyone will feel refreshed after a stop at this fun playground.

Hudson River Park

Interested in more travel advice for New York City? Check out The Best Beaches Near New York City and The Best Amusement Parks Near New York City.

Gantry State Park

This 12 acre park runs along the East River and has a unique mix of industry and nature. There are abandoned steel structures, but also natural green spaces, a playground, a water play, area, and a concession stand.

4-09 47th Rd, Queens, NY, 10007

Governor's Island

Head to this island between the months of May and October (it's closed other times of the year). In addition to fountains where kids can play, there's a zip line, rock wall, and even a mini golf course. The national park service also offers educational programming, so it's fun and informative. The island spans 172 acres and it's the perfect place for walking, running, or cycling. There's also a lot of history here. As you arrive on the island, the first thing you'll likely notice is the breathtaking views of the city. Bring your camera and enjoy your day!

New York Harbor

Heckscher Playground

This is Central Park's oldest playground, and it continues to bring thrills to kids who enjoy climbing, running, jumping, and playing in the water. There's a separate little kids section where the young ones can dig in the sand or play on small climbing equipment and simple slides. For a blast from the past, head to the old-school section with its metal slides, swings, and monkey bars. The classics never lose their fun.

Central Park

Hippo Playground

The climbing equipment on this playground is a blast, but there's also a sandbox, swings, and, as the name implies, hippo statues that give the park a bit of personality. During the summer months they also offer a refreshing spray to cool everyone off.

Riverside Park at 91st Street, Upper West Side

Imagination Playground

This creative playground inspires kids to use their imagination. At the heart of the playground are foam blocks that kids can use to build structures or control the flow of water. They can even build their own boat for the wading pool. This playground is designed perfectly to get kids working together to come up if fun ideas and engineer their very own projects.

158 John Street at Burling Slip

Pier 6 Playgrounds

Kids love these playgrounds at Brooklyn Bridge Park. There are variety of playgrounds to choose from including the Water lab, which has a spinning water wheel, splash pools, and more. There's also Sandbox Village, Slide Mountain, and Swing Valley. Don't forget to stop by the nearby Ample Hills ice cream for a refreshing treat.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

If you're looking for more information about New York City, read The Best Family-Friendly Activities in the Bronx and New Year's Eve in New York City.

How much does it cost?

Prices for activities, things to do, and tours range from $20 to $84. The average cost for a tour or tickets is $49. A few of the best options are below.

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New York City has plenty more to offer, so see also our other articles: The Best Parks, Gardens, and Things to Do Outdoors in New York City and The Best Outdoor Activities in New York City.

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The Best Playgrounds in New York City