26 Jun 10 Must-Visit Playgrounds for Kids in NYC

New York City is a playground in itself, but sometimes kids need a little extra space to run, climb, and play. Luckily, NYC has no shortage of amazing playgrounds for kids of all ages to explore. From giant slides to sprawling sandboxes, there’s something for every child’s imagination to roam free. So whether you’re a local or visiting the city, be sure to check out these 10 must-visit playgrounds in NYC for endless hours of outdoor fun.

1) Central Park
Central Park is one of the most iconic and well-known landmarks in NYC, and it’s also an excellent spot for kids to play! The park offers a wide range of activities, from playgrounds to sports fields to ice skating rinks in the winter. Some of the most popular playgrounds in Central Park include Heckscher Playground, which has multiple climbing structures and a giant slide, and Tarr Family Playground, which has a splash pad and sandbox.

For those looking to escape the crowds, there are also plenty of quiet corners in Central Park where kids can run around and explore, like the Conservatory Garden or the Great Lawn. In the winter, kids can also enjoy sledding on the park’s hills or ice skating at the Wollman Rink.

2) Riverside Park
Located along the Hudson River, Riverside Park is a great destination for families looking for a peaceful outdoor space in the bustling city. With 4 miles of waterfront green space, this park is home to a variety of activities that children of all ages will love.

The playgrounds at Riverside Park are particularly popular, with the Hippo Playground being a favorite for younger children. This playground features climbing structures, slides, and a sand pit for hours of playtime fun. The River Run Playground, on the other hand, is a favorite among older kids who can climb the massive rocks and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the river.

Aside from the playgrounds, the park is home to a skate park, a sports field, and a pier where visitors can enjoy views of the river and even catch a glimpse of passing boats. The park is also known for its gorgeous gardens and walking paths, making it the perfect place for a family picnic or a leisurely stroll.

During the summer months, Riverside Park hosts a variety of free concerts, movie screenings, and festivals that families can enjoy together. With so much to offer, Riverside Park is truly one of the best places for families to spend a day outdoors in NYC.

3) Brooklyn Bridge Park
Located on the Brooklyn waterfront, Brooklyn Bridge Park is a must-visit destination for families with children. This beautiful park offers stunning views of Manhattan, as well as plenty of activities for kids of all ages.

One of the most popular attractions at Brooklyn Bridge Park is the playgrounds. The park has several playgrounds, each designed for different age groups. The playgrounds feature slides, swings, climbing structures, and other fun activities that are sure to keep your kids entertained for hours.

If you’re looking for something a little more active, Brooklyn Bridge Park also has a sports field, a roller skating rink, and a bouldering wall. And if you’re in the mood for a relaxing afternoon, the park has plenty of green space for picnics or just lounging in the sun.

4) Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is another playground that both kids and parents can enjoy. This playground features a large sandbox where kids can build sandcastles and play with their favorite toys. The playground also has several climbing structures and a spray shower for those hot summer days. Parents can relax on the nearby benches and enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery, including the Washington Square Arch and the park’s famous fountain. The playground is open from sunrise to sunset and is located in the heart of Greenwich Village, making it the perfect place to take a break after exploring the neighborhood’s charming streets. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit Washington Square Park on your next trip to NYC!

5) Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is located in the Flatiron District of Manhattan and is a great destination for families with young children. The playground features a variety of activities for kids of all ages, including swings, slides, climbing structures, and a sandbox.

In addition to the playground, Madison Square Park is also home to Shake Shack, a popular burger joint with outdoor seating and a kid-friendly menu. There are also plenty of grassy areas and benches throughout the park, perfect for picnics or taking a break from playtime.

For those interested in art, Madison Square Park also hosts a rotating exhibit of contemporary sculptures and installations. Kids will love exploring the different works of art and engaging with the interactive pieces.

6) Prospect Park
Prospect Park is a 585-acre urban oasis located in Brooklyn. It has several playgrounds, but the best one is the Imagination Playground, a unique and innovative playground where children can build and play with giant foam blocks and other loose parts.

In addition to the Imagination Playground, Prospect Park has several other playgrounds scattered throughout the park. The Harmony Playground is another great option, especially for younger children, with its colorful equipment and interactive musical instruments.

For children who love to climb, the Mount Prospect Playground features a large wooden climbing structure with a variety of slides, ladders, and ropes to climb on. And for water play on hot summer days, head to the splash pad in the Lakeside area of the park.

Beyond the playgrounds, Prospect Park also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are several sports fields, including baseball, soccer, and volleyball, as well as hiking and biking trails. The park also has a zoo and a beautiful boathouse, where you can rent a boat and explore the park’s waterways.

7) Queens Botanical Garden
If your little ones love to explore and learn about nature, then a visit to the Queens Botanical Garden is a must. Located in the heart of Flushing, this botanical garden covers 39 acres and is home to a variety of plants, trees, and gardens that are native to the area.

Kids will love wandering through the arboretum, discovering the wetland habitats, and spotting the many birds and butterflies that call the garden home. There are also plenty of opportunities to get hands-on with nature through the garden’s educational programs, such as the popular family-friendly workshops and gardening classes.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to spend an afternoon with your family or a fun learning experience for your little ones, the Queens Botanical Garden has it all. So grab your sunscreen and picnic blanket and head over to this hidden gem in Queens – you won’t be disappointed!

8) Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest and most well-known zoos in the world. With over 265 acres of wildlife habitats and attractions, it is the perfect destination for families with children who love animals. The zoo houses over 4,000 animals of different species, including gorillas, tigers, bears, lions, zebras, and much more. Children can also participate in animal-themed activities and educational programs.

One of the highlights of the zoo is the World of Birds exhibit. Children can marvel at the beauty of exotic birds such as the snowy owl, the African grey parrot, and the pink flamingo. The Children’s Zoo is another must-see attraction that provides kids with a hands-on experience with the animals. They can feed and pet domesticated animals like goats, sheep, and pigs.

The zoo also offers a range of family-friendly amenities such as picnic areas, gift shops, and restaurants. Families can enjoy a leisurely lunch while taking in the beautiful views of the exhibits.

9) Staten Island Zoo
Located on Staten Island, this zoo is the perfect place for kids to explore and learn about a variety of animals. One of the most popular attractions is the Conservation Carousel, where kids can ride on a variety of animals such as zebras and lions. The zoo also has a petting zoo where kids can get up close and personal with goats, sheep, and alpacas. Other highlights include the reptile house, which features snakes, lizards, and turtles, and the African Savannah exhibit, which is home to giraffes, zebras, and ostriches. The Staten Island Zoo also offers educational programs for kids, including summer camps and birthday parties. Don’t miss the chance to see all the animals at this unique and exciting playground!

10) New York Hall of Science
The New York Hall of Science is a great destination for families who are interested in exploring the world of science. This playground is located in Flushing Meadows, Queens, and has over 450 exhibits, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities that are sure to entertain kids of all ages.

The Hall of Science also has a special area just for preschoolers, where little ones can play with water, climb, and experiment with light and shadow. And for those interested in more educational exhibits, the museum offers a variety of interactive displays that explore topics ranging from energy to space.