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 Central Park Convervancy

East 72 Street Playground

While older kids love the large climbing structures and rocks at Heckscher Playground, younger children adore Central Park’s East 72 Street Playground. Designed for smaller climbers, the playscape features a granite-faced scalable pyramid (with slides and tunnels), plus the very popular net climbing structure. If you happen to have a non-climber with you, direct him or her toward the tire swings or wall-mounted spray mister.

Location: In Central Park, near East 72^nd St., Upper East Side

Transport: 6 train to East 68 St./Hunter College

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