Top of The Heap: Our Favorite Manhattan Playgrounds

For a New Spot Downtown: Playscape at The Battery

This cutting-edge, eco-inspired play area opened in December of 2021, but expect spring 2022 to be huge here. Its extended hours for the warmer months (7 a.m. - 9 p.m.) began March 2. Triple the size of the previous playground space in The Battery, Playscape was constructed post-Hurricane Ida and is built to flood and recover. Children experience five ecology zones: Bluff with five granite slides; Riverbed and Marsh with vast salt-tolerant gardens, elevated tree houses, and sand/water play; and Dune and Meadow presenting ShowBox, the first improv/puppet theater in an NYC playground. Other features include a climbing wall, rope ladders and a sandbox with "animals" (like a concrete octopus) waiting to be discovered. (Reminder: you can't visit The Battery with kids without taking a spin on the magical Seaglass Carousel, and if it's hot out, don't miss the Spiral Bosque Fountain. 

Playscape 
The Battery
State Street and Battery Place
The Battery 
Online: thebattery.org

To Beat the Heat On the West Side: Chelsea Waterside Playground

One of the newest playgrounds in the city (Domino Park and Pier 3 in Brooklyn also recently debuted) the Chelsea Waterside Play Area in Hudson River Park has always been a popular spot for locals and otherwise. A $34 million overhaul from architect Michael Van-Valkenburgh (his firm is behind the design of Brooklyn Bridge Park as well) brought playground equipment from Danish firm MONSTRUM to the northeast for the first time. Play structures include a giant, one-of-a-kind, multicolor Robina wood pipefish (found in the Hudson), and a 64-foot wooden slide. You'll also find sprinklers, a large sandpit, and limestone cattle head sculptures salvaged from an old building in the meatpacking district. After you’re done playing, hold hands and cross the West Side Highway to access a sprawling grassy field along the Hudson River. After you relax, go for a ride on the Pier 62 Carousel, featuring 33 hand-carved wooden animal figures, open daily for rides ($2 each).

Where: Chelsea, West 23rd St. and 11th Ave.

What’s in it for you: Lots of tree plantings for shade and shutting out city noise, and tiered granite seats made with material from Pier 54, where the Titanic was to have docked. 

Water feature: Gentle sprinklers. 

Restroom: There’s a Port-o-let in the playground for emergencies and a public restroom across the street on the north side of Chelsea Piers building.

To Splash and Slide: Heckscher Playground

Constructed in 1927, Heckscher Playground is the oldest playground in Central Park and the largest at 1.8 acres. It’s best known for its rock hills with ladders that lead down into tunnels, providing city kids with hours of exploration. Kids can also swing and slide in a shaded area, run and roll on a synthetic turf, and climb and splash in a large, maze-like climber and water feature with tunnels, ramps, and slides. There really is no shortage of things to do here. Plus, the playground is housed in a confined area — helpful for keeping your critters from darting into the Central Park Zoo.

Where: Columbus Circle, 7th Ave. and Central Park South from 61st to 63rd St.

What’s in it for you: Plenty of benches and green grass, lots of room to play. 

Water feature: Water spews from the highest point of the climber and down to elevated water channels, plus there’s a separate semi-enclosed area for tots to splash.

Restroom: Located at the playground entrance inside the Heckscher Building

For an Upper West Side Institution: Safari, or "Hippo" Playground

Much-beloved by the community (and taken extra special care of, thanks to The Playground Project), Hippo Playground takes its name from the impossible-to-miss Bob Cassily hippopotamus statues found "frolicking" in the park. There's something for all ages here, including swings, a wood play structure, jungle gym, a slide, a soft play surface, sand pit, and spray fountain. There's also picnic tables, and shade, to keep everybody cool. In the summer, there's free art in the park, as well as a free July concert series. (Check The Project's Facebook page for the day's happenings.) Come fall, head to the park for pumpkin carving and a Halloween parade. 

Note: Thanks to a renovation, the playground's Park House can now be booked as an affordable party space. Click here for booking inquiries.

The Playground Project also holds a boffo fundraiser every year (typically in the spring) with pony rides, a bounce house, petting zoo, face-painting, glitter tattoos, and much, much more. 

Where: Riverside Park at 91st Street

What's in it for you: Shady spots, and picnic tables. Plus free programming in the summer. (Plus: a cool Joan of Arc statue at 93rd Street!)

Water feature: Yes—in the shape of a hippo, naturally

Restrooms: Yes, on site.

Online: nycgovparks.org

For Play for Big & Small Kids: Margaret L. Kempner Playground

A major renovation of the popular Margaret L. Kempner Playground was completed in late 2019. Improvements include new custom-built wooden play structures, a central water spray feature, an accessible sandbox feature and the addition of a picnic area. This playground is a great spot for families with a big and a little kid; it's designed to accommodate kids ages 2-5, and 5-12, with separate but connected play areas for the two groups. For example, older kids can be challenged with net-climbing, while younger ones can tackle spinners and balance features. 

Where: Northeast side of the park at 94th. Enter at 96th Street.

What’s in it for you: Play for a wide range of ages, new plantings and a picnic area. 

Water feature: Yes

Restroom: No.

For a Playground You Can Hit Coming Or Going: Evelyn's Playground

You'd be forgiven for thinking this is called "Union Square Playground", because it anchors Union Square Park on the north side. A good spot for kids of all ages, the park has climbing structures, slides, swings, a gentle water feature in warmer weather, a generous sandbox, and a big giant silver dome to scale. A great spot to play in the heart of the city, and steps from the Union Square subway lines, making it easy to get to, and leave. Bonus features of the park include statues of Gandhi and Abraham Lincoln, and a dog run. 

Where: Union Square, Union Square West and E. 17th St. 

What’s in it for you: The famed Union Square Greenmarket is a stone's throw away. 

Water feature: Gentle sprinkler.

Restroom: Accessible restrooms are located on site. (There's also a Barnes and Noble across the street on 17th.) 

Online: nycgovparks.org

For an Arty Afternoon: Tom Otterness Playground

Way on the west side in the 40s, sits a gentle giant waiting to be scaled and slid down. The Tom Otterness Playground sits between two apartment buildings and it features a massive play-sculpture by the artist who gives the spot its name. (If the towering metal man looks familiar, it's probably because Otterness' whimsical work, "Life Underground", featuring similar tiny beings and alligators emerging from manholes, inhabits the subway station at 14th Street and 8th Avenue.) Canine lovers will also enjoy the dog run nearby — although watch your step: not everyone cleans up after their four-legged friend.

Where: Midtown West, 630 W. 42nd St. between 11th and 12th Aves.

What’s in it for you: You'll find some shady spots to get a respite from the sun, and will probably think the play-sculpture is pretty cool, too.

Water feature: No.

Restroom: Again, no. It's really about the art here.

For a Triple Play: Washington Square Park

It’s been called “a battleground for chess enthusiasts,” but Washington Square Park (home to the famous arch) is so much more than that. For starters, it’s gone through some major renovations, so if your kids love to climb, this is a must-visit. Washington Square Park actually contains three playgrounds. The first is a small kids' playground for newly-minted walkers (that also has an infant swingset). There's also a play space for older kids where they can dig in the sand, run amok, and go down slides. Surrounded by artificial turf mounds, Washington Square Park is perfect for good old-fashioned play like rolling down a hill. In addition, a new rope, spider-web-like obstacle course in the southwest corner of the park offers extra fun for city kiddies of all ages. Note: The playground features JennSwings, which are full-body positioning support swing, adding an extra touch of safety.

Where: Greenwich Village, 4th St. to Waverly Pl. and Macdougal St. to University Pl.

What’s in it for you: Musicians such as jazz bands and a piano man entertain at all corners of the park. And yes, there are chess players for your little Bobby or Barbara Fisher to watch or challenge.

Water feature: The “big kids” playground has a mini-arch that sprays a tunnel of water; kids also like to jump in and out of the big water fountain in the middle of the park.

Bathrooms: Comfort stations on site.

For an Updated Park With Two Granite Slides: Billy Johnson Park

Pioneering landscape architect M. Paul Friedberg designed the Billy Johnson Playground (in 1981!) to be a rustic, mini reflection of the surrounding area in Central Park, featuring stone walls, bridges, a small shelter and naturalistic plantings. The big draw here is the 45-foot granite slide built into the landscape; not only is it fun to slide down, it's also a bit of an adventure to scale the slight grade to the top.

The playground recently underwent a major renovation and upgrade, which not only made it safer and accessible for kids of all abilities, but added many new features. Additions include new swings, a sand table, and refreshed rustic structures and seating. The renovation also added a dozen user-activated water jets to the playground's amphitheater area. 

A major new feature is a custom-designed net climber, made with climbable cables and nets on sloped embankments, with stairs, platforms, slides, and a rope bridge; designed for kids ages two to five, it will probably draw the attention of older kids, too. Keeping with the aesthetic theme of the playground, the structure's rustic timber posts are made from Douglas fir trees. 

Where: Upper East Side, E. 67th and Fifth Ave.

What’s in it for you: A brand new playground, spots to sit, some shade, and lovely plantings. The slide is adult-friendly, too.

Water feature: Yes

Restroom: No.

To Make Like King Tut: Ancient Playground

Just north of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Ancient Playground has a climbing pyramid, obelisk and sundial inspired by the museum’s collection of Egyptian Art. You’ll also find pyramid-shaped climbers with slides, and tunnels linked by concrete bridges to make older kids happy. Little ones like to explore an obelisk-shaped structure in the sandbox. Bucket, tire and strap swings will also get a squeal out of all ages.

Where: Upper East Side, East Side of Central Park at 85th St.

What’s in it for you: You’re right near the Met!

Water feature: Water runs from a central obelisk across two bridges and cascades like a mini-waterfall into an open area with water jets. A separate space for younger kids has spray nozzles set into a wall.

Restroom: Comfort station in the playground.

For Downtown Playtime: Nelson A. Rockefeller Park

Nelson A. Rockefeller Park is best known as the large lawn at the north end of Battery Park where kids can run, tumble and play yard games with oodles of green space to spare. The park has a large playground that reopened in October of 2020 following a significant renovation, the last of upgrades to all four play spaces in Battery Park City. You'll find colorful climbing structures for older kids and plenty of sand, swings, and small slides for the toddlers and infants. There’s also a small kid-powered merry-go-round. All sports equipment, toys, books and games are available to rent for free, at the on site Park House — just bring a photo ID. 

Where: North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace

What’s in it for you: Soft rubber turf protects the knees and legs. Plus, there are picnic tables and benches to unwind and have some snacks.

Water feature: There are small water fountains inside the playground to keep little ones cool, or you can drop by nearby Teardrop Park featuring a natural rock climbing wall, which takes you up to a long slide back down.

Restroom: Located at the northwest corner of the Solaire Building, across the street from the Park House. 

For Fans of Secret Spots & a Fantastic Slide: Teardrop Park

The two-acre, sustainable Teardrop Park was designed by child development experts and it shows. The park's play elements are integrated into the awesome landscape, which allows children to interact with water, plants, rock, and sand. The shadier southern half of the park features a rock step-path that leads up to a long slide, two sand pits, “theatre steps”, and a water playground. The northern half of the park features a broad lawn (which receives lots of sunlight), park benches, a wetland, and a perched gathering area made from rocks, the last of which is an installation created by artist Ann Hamilton. Dividing these two areas is a large wall, composed of rocks brought to lower Manhattan from elsewhere in New York State. A short tunnel connects the two areas, and paths criss-cross the site, providing elevated views within the park and beyond as well as connections across the park. It’s a hidden gem of a spot for those really looking to connect with nature and take a literal few steps out of the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Where: Warren Street; Battery Park

What’s in it for you: Its relaxing vibe. Plus it’s not your run-of-the-mill playground.

Water feature: Water sprouts from the ground in a special section of stacked rocks, creating kid-friendly sprinklers.

Restroom: Located at the northwest corner of the Solaire Building, across the street from the Park House

For the Toddler Set: Toll Family Playground

The Toll Family Playground is a prime spot for toddlers and preschool kids, offering a full selection of features for a wide variety of play. The hallmark of the playground is two small house structures, a nod to similar shelters from the playground's original 1936 design. (The playground was renovated in 2018.)You'll also find a smaller slide and play structure, swings, spinner and spring toys and an area for sand plays that's sized for smaller children. 

Where: West side of Central Park at 84th Street, near Mariner's Gate 85th Street entrance

What’s in it for you: The playground is located at the base of Summit Rock, the highest point the the park and a popular point of interest. 

Water feature: A low-key water feature provides gentle sprays. 

Restroom: No

To Spark Creativity: Imagination Playground

More than your standard swings and slides, Imagination Playground, designed by famed architect (and dad) David Rockwell, is a an interactive play space that prompts kids to engage in unstructured creative free play and make a play space of their own. Kids use sand, water and loose parts like giant foam blocks, mats, and fabric to engage in fantasy and cooperative play, as well as good old fashioned running around like nuts.
Where: The flagship Imagination Playground is located near South Street Seaport at Burling Slip (South St., Front St. and and John St.). Portable Imagination Playgrounds pop up in playgrounds around the city as well. (Check the Parks Department website for news on where they will be.)

What's in it for you: It's a pretty cool idea — and you'll probably want to play along!

Water feature: A separate water play area for hot weather fun is open during the summer at the Burling Slip locale.

Restroom: Public restrooms on site.

For a Waterwheel Near a LEGO Store: Madison Square Park

Madison Square Park Playground is known as a smaller space with big fun. The playground features a jungle gym and appropriate play equipment for both tots and older kids. The highlight during the summer is when the 15-foot tall waterwheel and sprinklers are activated. Bonus: a LEGO store/experience is located a stone's throw away on 5th Avenue at 23rd Street.

Neighborhood: Flatiron

Where: Madison Avenue between 25^th and 26^th Streets

What's in It For You: Wifi hotspots, and Eataly is right across the street on Fifth Ave.

Water Feature: The aforementioned water wheel.

Restroom: No

For a Water Park with a Pirate Edge: Pier 51 Hudson River Park

Ahoy, mateys! A neighborhood favorite with river views, Hudson River Park’s Pier 51 Playground is great for water lovers. At the heart of the playground is a wooden pirate ship. A spiral ramp leads to the lookout, then kids slide down into a water play area outfitted with huge water gushers and buckets. Kids can also "search for lost treasure" in the sand pit. A yellow, tree-like structure spritzes water for those who kiddies who can’t get enough of H20. Brass animals, such as turtles and crabs, adorn the playground and the sand play area and fences explain Manhattan’s ecological history. Little tots like wading in the moving stream and playing in the small spray sprinklers. Don’t forget your towels and sunscreen!

Where: West Village, Horatio St. at the Hudson River

What’s in it for you: It’s a public water park! Who needs a Montauk getaway?

Water feature: The whole park is a splash-splash paradise.

Restroom: Comfort station on site along the walking path.

For Fun for Everyone: Pier 25 Hudson River Park

River Park’s Pier 25 Playground is the golden ticket of playgrounds with a rock climbing wall, two space-age climbing structures for big kids, small slides for toddlers, a modern merry-go-round, roomy sandbox, multiple swing sets and huge water play area. Not to mention, it’s next door to a skate park, snack shack, mini-golf course, beach volleyball court and soccer field. Need more?: how about a historic steamship and tugboat? There really is something for everyone here. The park also features an on-site (free) Art Shack, where kids can get crafty and creative at no cost.

Where: Tribeca, North Moore St. at Hudson River

What’s in it for you: Giving back! There’s an on-site snack bar with yummy treats, and proceeds support the park and Manhattan-based youth programs.

Water feature: Large buckets and spray cannons create a splashy, wet-and-wild time.

Restroom: Courtesy station located on site along the walking path.