Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide in 2023 | MommyPoppins - Things to do in New York City with Kids

Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide

Spread a picnic, throw a party, and just enjoy the view from Sheep Meadow during a visit to Central Park with kids. Photo via Flickr by ep jhu

Central Park with Kids: 33 Fun Things To Do and Secrets to Uncover in Manhattan's Backyard

Discover something new in Central Park, NYC's sprawling backyard.

Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep

We've scoured the city and swung on the monkey bars, and these are our favorite spots.

Cool off at the monumental splash pad at LeFrak Center in Prospect Park. Photo by Michael Moran for the Prospect Park Alliance

Prospect Park in Brooklyn: 25 Best Things to Do with Kids

Prospect Park in Brooklyn goes far beyond fantastic playgrounds; visitors can bike, skate, picnic...

Take inspiration for your visit to Van Cortlandt Park from the Tortoise and the Hare statue: slow and steady. There's so much to see in the park, you'll never do it all in one day.

Van Cortlandt Park With Kids: 14 Fun All-Season Activities in the Bronx Oasis

At 1,146 acres, there's something in this green space for all ages.

Pick you own apples at a farm near NYC. Photo by Matt Nighswander

Fall Fun Guide for NYC Kids

Best fall fairs, u-pick farms, art, and seasonal getaway ideas for NYC families.

The High Line, with its wide pathways and beautiful plantings, is a great place to get away from the buzz of the city streets. Photo by Liz Ligon

Visit the High Line With Kids: Top Things To Do

Here's where to go, what to see, and where to find the best snacks (and bathrooms!)

There's plenty for New Yorkers to love on Governors Island. Photo by Julienne Schaer

Visiting Governors Island: 20 Secrets for Things To Do and See

Now a year-round destination, there's always something new to explore.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is a massive green space that offers tons of family activities—and unbeatable city views. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park: 35 Top Things To Do With Kids

Brooklyn's waterfront wonderland is filled with family-friendly amenities and programming.

The Battery Playscape Brings Nature-Inspired Playground to Lower Manhattan

Soaring treehouses and fast slides make this playground a standout.

A 22-foot, rainbow-hued pipefish winds through the multi-level playground.

Destination Playground: Chelsea Waterside Park in New York City

One of NYC's best playgrounds just got a whole new look, and tons of fun play features.

Sassy spraying hippos are kid-pleasing New York City playground residents.

12 Cool Themed Playgrounds in NYC to Inspire Kids' Imaginations

At these NYC playgrounds inspired by ancient cultures, beloved animals, and local landmarks, kids'...

Get Ample Hills Ice Cream by the Thomas Greene Playground. Photo by Jackie Cuscuna

Ice Cream Shops Near Great Playgrounds in Brooklyn and Manhattan

We're well into playground season now, and New York City parents are steeling themselves to endure...

NYC parks make great, budget-friendly spots to host a birthday party. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks

20 Great Parks and Playgrounds to Host a Kids Birthday Party in NYC

Celebrate your birthday child at one of these top party playground destinations.

Central Park's Heckscher Playground is one of our favorites in all of NYC.

Central Park's Top Playgrounds Ranked for NYC Kids and Visitors

It's a big park. Here are our top spots to swing, slide, and frolic.

Many cool playgrounds in Central Park are shaded by tall trees. Photo courtesy of Central Park Conservancy

NYC Playgrounds With Shade: Play It Cool at These Shady Parks in NYC

Cool off under a flower-covered trellis or large trees at these NYC playgrounds.

Bryant Park is one of New Yorkers' favorite hangouts. Photo by Brittany Pertronella for NYCgo

Bryant Park and More Midtown West Parks and Playgrounds to Visit

We bet you never knew all Bryant Park has to offer...most of it FREE!

Kids can splash, climb, build, and create their own play structures at this playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

NYC Destination Playground: The Imagination Playground

The groundbreaking play space helps kids build, climb, splash, and create their own adventures.

Brooklyn tots have plenty of options when it comes to playground play time. Photo by Sara Marentette

Our Favorite Toddler Playgrounds in Brooklyn

These are our picks for the best playgrounds for tots in Brooklyn.

Explore all the nooks and crannies of the unique water play area.

Destination Playground: Ancient Playground in Central Park

Sprinklers, swings, sandbox...pyramid! Here's why the Ancient Playground, near the Met, is one of...

Parents and kids alike flock to Vanderbilt Playground for its separate jungle gyms for big and little kids, which keeps mixed-age siblings happy.

Best Playgrounds in Brooklyn's Prospect Park (Ranked!)

Which ones offer the most bang for the buck? We ranked them!

A top Queens playground, Paul Raimonda Playground offers sprinklers, climbing, and shady seating. Photo by author

The Best Playgrounds in Queens

There's a playground for everyone in Queens, from a modern ropes web to an kid-sized Ferris wheel.

Central Park

Central Park's Heckscher Playground is one of our favorites in all of NYC.

Central Park's Top Playgrounds Ranked for NYC Kids and Visitors

It's a big park. Here are our top spots to swing, slide, and frolic. READ MORE

The super-long slides are back and better than ever at Billy Johnson Playground in Central Park.

Billy Johnson Playground Reopens in Central Park After Renovation

The Billy Johnson Playground in Central Park has reopened after a months-long rehabilitation and...READ MORE

Destination Playground: Central Park's Heckscher Playground

This Central Park standby is ideal for little and big kids alike.READ MORE

The Central Park Zoo sea lions never disappoint. Photo by Joy Kaufman via Flickr

Visiting the Central Park Zoo with Kids: Best Things to See and Do at the Zoo

Perfectly sized for a day of exploration, Manhattan's Central Park Zoo is a must-visit for toddlers.READ MORE

Chelsea, the Village and Midtown Parks & Playgrounds

The Pier 25 splash pad in Hudson River Park is a guaranteed kid-pleaser. Photo by Jody Mercier

10 Best Hudson River Park Piers and Playgrounds for Kids

Explore the best of the Hudson River Park piers for families, from playgrounds to skate parks. READ MORE

The High Line, with its wide pathways and beautiful plantings, is a great place to get away from the buzz of the city streets. Photo by Liz Ligon

Visit the High Line With Kids: Top Things To Do

Here's where to go, what to see, and where to find the best snacks (and bathrooms!) READ MORE

A 22-foot, rainbow-hued pipefish winds through the multi-level playground.

Destination Playground: Chelsea Waterside Park in New York City

One of NYC's best playgrounds just got a whole new look, and tons of fun play features.READ MORE

The faux boulders are a big attraction at Pier 25 Playground.

Destination Playground: Pier 25 Playground Is Action-Packed for Kids of All Ages

Giant sprinklers, water views, a huge sandbox, and swings galore: Put Pier 25 on your must-visit...READ MORE

Bryant Park is one of New Yorkers' favorite hangouts. Photo by Brittany Pertronella for NYCgo

Bryant Park and More Midtown West Parks and Playgrounds to Visit

We bet you never knew all Bryant Park has to offer...most of it FREE!READ MORE

Midtown West's Hudson Yards neighborhood offers tons of new places to snap a photo, play, shop, and eat.

Top Things to Do at Hudson Yards With NYC Kids

Enjoy the arts, eats, treats, and wide variety of attractions in the new 'hood.READ MORE

Uptown Parks & Playgrounds

Splash with the hippos at the Upper West Side's Hippo Playground.

Destination Playground: Hippo Playground on the Upper West Side

Hippo Playground is a beloved community home base for the Upper West Side, with action and fun all...READ MORE

Gentle and pretty walking paths make Fort Tryon a hit with all ages. Photo by Mommy Poppins

Things to Do in Fort Tryon Park & Fort Washington Park with Kids

Discover over 200 acres of family fun at Fort Tryon and Fort Washington Parks.READ MORE

Gertrude Ederle Playground Opens in NYC on Upper West Side

This $5 million brand-new facility works well for all ages.READ MORE

Take a break from playing to enjoy the breathtaking views at Riverside State Park.

Destination Playground: Harlem's Riverbank State Park

Harlem's very own state park is home to the coolest carousel in town, plus pools, skating, and...READ MORE

Destination Playground: Central Park's Heckscher Playground

This Central Park standby is ideal for little and big kids alike.READ MORE

Carl Schurz Park with NYC Kids: Things to Do in the Upper East Side Park

Its rolling hills, playground, dog parks, and lovely promenade make this UES park a gem.READ MORE

Downtown Parks & Playgrounds

The Battery Playscape Brings Nature-Inspired Playground to Lower Manhattan

Soaring treehouses and fast slides make this playground a standout. READ MORE

Kids can splash, climb, build, and create their own play structures at this playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

NYC Destination Playground: The Imagination Playground

The groundbreaking play space helps kids build, climb, splash, and create their own adventures.READ MORE

Get ready for challenging climbing at the Hester Street Playground.

Destination Playground: Hester Street Playground Is a Play Oasis in Chinatown

Swings, climbers, sand, spray: There's something for every age at this popular Chinatown playground.READ MORE

The faux boulders are a big attraction at Pier 25 Playground.

Destination Playground: Pier 25 Playground Is Action-Packed for Kids of All Ages

Giant sprinklers, water views, a huge sandbox, and swings galore: Put Pier 25 on your must-visit...READ MORE

Brooklyn Parks & Playgrounds

Parents and kids alike flock to Vanderbilt Playground for its separate jungle gyms for big and little kids, which keeps mixed-age siblings happy.

Best Playgrounds in Brooklyn's Prospect Park (Ranked!)

Which ones offer the most bang for the buck? We ranked them! READ MORE

Brooklyn tots have plenty of options when it comes to playground play time. Photo by Sara Marentette

Our Favorite Toddler Playgrounds in Brooklyn

These are our picks for the best playgrounds for tots in Brooklyn. READ MORE

Brooklyn Bridge Park is a massive green space that offers tons of family activities—and unbeatable city views. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park: 35 Top Things To Do With Kids

Brooklyn's waterfront wonderland is filled with family-friendly amenities and programming. READ MORE

Sunset Playground. Photo by Malcolm Pinckney for NYC Parks

Brooklyn Playgrounds Cool Enough for Your Big Kids

When your little ones aren't so little anymore, it's time to seek out bigger playthings.READ MORE

Cool off at the monumental splash pad at LeFrak Center in Prospect Park. Photo by Michael Moran for the Prospect Park Alliance

Prospect Park in Brooklyn: 25 Best Things to Do with Kids

Prospect Park in Brooklyn goes far beyond fantastic playgrounds; visitors can bike, skate, picnic...READ MORE

Prospect Park's New Natural Play Area: Climb Trees, Sit on Trunks & Commune with Nature

New York City is filled with fun and unique playgrounds and parks. But as you can see from our...READ MORE

Specialized Parks

Climb aboard the Sway Fun at the accessible playground in Bloomingdale Park on Staten Island. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks

17 Accessible Playgrounds in NYC for Special Needs Kids

Kids of all ages and abilities love these picks for accessible playgrounds in NYC. READ MORE

Many cool playgrounds in Central Park are shaded by tall trees. Photo courtesy of Central Park Conservancy

NYC Playgrounds With Shade: Play It Cool at These Shady Parks in NYC

Cool off under a flower-covered trellis or large trees at these NYC playgrounds. READ MORE

Sandbox Village at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6 is a sand city with playhouses and and a water spray area. Photo by Diana Kim

Best Destination Sandboxes at Local Parks for NYC Kids

These mom-approved sandboxes are sure to keep your tot entertained for hours. READ MORE

Adventure Playground on Gov. Island Debuts 2018 Schedule and Name

Everything you need to know about NYC's only adventure playground in 2018.READ MORE

Test your comfort zone on the zip line at the Bronx Zoo's Treetop Adventure.

Adventure Parks, Ropes Courses, and Zip Lines near NYC

Release your inner daredevil at these treetop-skimming parks. READ MORE

The Prospect Park Carousel is spinning again to the delight of young fans. Photo courtesy of Prospect Park

Best Carousels in NYC: 13 Merry-Go-Rounds City Kids Love

Take a spin on one of these carousels located in the five boroughs. READ MORE

Queens Parks & Playgrounds

Kids can jump all their wiggles out on two trampolines at Charybdis Playground.

Astoria Park's Charybdis Playground Reopens Following Massive Renovation

The neighborhood park is action-packed and ready to welcome visitors again. READ MORE

The kid-friendly splash pad at the Fountain of the Fairs is made even sweeter when the ice cream truck cruises by.

See the Mega Splash Pad in Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Be warned: The magical mist is hard to resist on a hot summer day. READ MORE

A top Queens playground, Paul Raimonda Playground offers sprinklers, climbing, and shady seating. Photo by author

The Best Playgrounds in Queens

There's a playground for everyone in Queens, from a modern ropes web to an kid-sized Ferris wheel. READ MORE

Enjoy family-friendly programs and explore different aspect of forest life at the Queens Botanical Garden located within Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Photo by Gennessey Palma

Visiting Flushing Meadows Corona Park with Kids: 25 Things To Do in Queens' Largest Green Space

This green space is kid heaven, with a zoo, rides, museums, playgrounds, and the famous fountains. READ MORE

Bronx Parks & Playgrounds

Take inspiration for your visit to Van Cortlandt Park from the Tortoise and the Hare statue: slow and steady. There's so much to see in the park, you'll never do it all in one day.

Van Cortlandt Park With Kids: 14 Fun All-Season Activities in the Bronx Oasis

At 1,146 acres, there's something in this green space for all ages. READ MORE

Things to Do in Bronx Park with Kids: Playgrounds, Zoo, Gardens, Skate Park

From peaceful bike paths to the celebrated Bronx Zoo, you'll find plenty to do in this park.READ MORE

Pelham Bay Park's shady paths are great for scooting, biking, walking, or running.

Pelham Bay Park with Kids: Bike, Hike, Play in the Sand

Get to the Bronx for swimming, sports, and miles of shady cycling and hiking trails.READ MORE

Destination Playground: Barretto Point Park in the South Bronx

All city parks offer a respite from the concrete jungle, but Barretto Point Park is truly an oasis...READ MORE

Archives

Bryant Park's Ice Rink Bumper Return MLK Weekend

They're back: Bumper cars on ice are returning to Bryant Park's rink. READ MORE

Fun Things To Do with Preschoolers in NYC: 5 Itineraries for Little Kid Fun

These picks offer the right amount of culture, food, and walking for the under-5 set. READ MORE

17 Stunning Long Island Fall Foliage Nature Walks for Families

Enjoy these colorful foliage walks on Long Island ideal for kids. READ MORE

100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up

Your ultimate bucket list of the best things to do in NY as a family. READ MORE

Easy Hikes near NYC in the Hudson Valley's Beautiful State Parks

These kid-friendly trails are perfect for exploring nature with the whole family. READ MORE

Central Park with Kids: 33 Fun Things To Do and Secrets to Uncover in Manhattan's Backyard

Discover something new in Central Park, NYC's sprawling backyard. READ MORE

Parks & Playgrounds Preschoolers Kids Tweens & teens