Activities for Kids

6 NYC Playgrounds Where Climbers Can Reach New Heights

At these cool playgrounds kids can scale walls, nets and even a pyramid putting traditional jungle gyms to shame.

By rtstephaniepedersen September 10, 2014

You know those days when your kids are climbing the walls? Maybe even literally, climbing the sofas, the beds, and anything else they can scale in your apartment? Head out to one of these NYC playgrounds where you’ll find nets, pyramids, walls and more to climb that’ll put traditional jungle gyms to shame.

Photo courtesy of New York City Department of Parks & Recreation

Union Square Playground

Union Square Playground’s shiny, enormous, super-smooth metal dome is the ultimate challenge for climbing kids. This downtown attraction - beloved by kids from elementary grades to high school - is a must-stop spot after visiting the Greenmarket. Scaling the dome takes skill, and shoes with a bit of grip. It usually also takes a running start and a helping hand from someone already at the top. Though there is a partial canopy over the dome, it gets hot in the sun. Touch it before you let your kiddos climb it: If it’s too warm, direct them to the various climbing nets or let them climb the rocks that lead up to the playground’s covered slide instead.

Location: At the North side of Union Square Park near East 16^th St., Union Square

Transport: 4, 5, 6, N, R, Q or L train to Union Square

Looking for more of NYC’s best playgrounds? Check out Red Tricycle’s post on Manhattan’s Top 10 Coolest Playgrounds and 5 Playgrounds Perfectly Sized for Toddlers.

Where does your little climber like to burn off energy? Tell us in a Comment.

–Stephanie Pedersen