A Guide to the Best Water Playgrounds and Sprinkler Parks in New York
The best sprinkler parks in New York are Teardrop Park, Chelsea Waterside Park, Domino Park, Travers Park, Vidalia Park, and Bay Park. These sprinkler parks in NYC offer the best fountains, water jets, climbing structures, and inclusive play spaces for families.
Water playgrounds are a popular and effective way for families to enjoy the summer in New York City. They provide immediate relief from the heat while offering activities for all ages. Water playgrounds also encourage family bonding and social interaction.
Across Long Island and NYC, water playgrounds and sprinkler parks turn local parks into refreshing spots for relaxation and play. Whether you head for the parks or the pools, you will definitely have a refreshing summer in New York City. To help you get the most out of the summer, we’ve compiled a list of the best water playgrounds and sprinkler parks in NYC.
Psst… Check out our New York City Summer Bucket List for Families and Kids!
Water Playgrounds and Sprinkler Parks in NY, Manhattan
Heckscher Playground, photo via NYC Parks
Heckscher Playground
65th St Transverse
Neighborhood: Central Park
On hot summer days in New York City, Heckscher Playground offers families a perfect place to cool down and let kids burn off energy. Tucked inside Central Park, this popular spot feels like a true city oasis and stands out as a favorite water playground in New York. Children can start their visit by climbing and exploring the playground’s ramps, slides, and swings, which provide plenty of active fun. When it’s time to cool off, the nearby water area becomes the main attraction. Kids can walk through gently flowing channels and dart between water jets that spray into the air.
Teardrop Park
Warren St.
Neighborhood: Battery Park City
Teardrop Park is a unique destination where creative design and outdoor play are enjoyed. Located in Battery Park City, this space feels less like a traditional playground and more like an interactive work of art, making it a memorable water playground in New York.
Kids can explore the park’s standout feature, the “Ice Wall,” an artistic installation by Ann Hamilton and Michael Mercil, while digging in the sandbox or racing down the enormous metal slide.
Best of all, there is a water area to splash around in when we hit mid-summer and need that cool-down moment.
Chelsea Waterside Park, photo via Hudson River Park
Chelsea Waterside Park
557 W 23rd St
Neighborhood: Chelsea
This redesigned New York water playground, located in Chelsea Park, features a popular water area where children enjoy playing. Kiddos can explore a multi-color pipefish jungle gym and slide, then they can continue their exploration to the small sand area with sprinklers for a refreshing time.
Parents can also cool off in the shaded area as they watch their children have a blast!
Hudson River Park Pier 25
West Street
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Pier 25 playground is a lively summer destination along the Hudson River, offering families a refreshing escape from the city heat. With its scenic waterfront setting, it stands out as a fun and welcoming water playground in New York.
During the warmer months, kids can cool off in the playground’s water features before heading over to enjoy swings, climbing structures, and other play equipment. Parents can also relax nearby in shaded seating areas, making it easy to keep an eye on their children while staying comfortable.
Beyond the playground, families can extend their visit by grabbing snacks or ice cream from nearby concessions, playing on the turf field, or exploring the historic vessel docked close by.
Hudson River Park Pier 51
Hudson River Greenway
Neighborhood: West Village
Bring your beach buckets to Pier 51 for an exciting time at their water and sand play areas! This water playground in New York is one of the best sprinkler parks NYC has to offer, featuring splash pads along with slides, climbing structures, and an awesome pretend boat hull that will make kids feel like they are sailing through the ocean with their friends!
Washington Square Park
5 Ave, Waverly Pl., W. 4 St. and Macdougal St.
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Washington Square Park is always a lively place to visit, with musicians playing and dancers grooving in this small quadrant of the city.
The fountain is always a sight to see as you plop down on the steps, but during the hottest time of the year, you will want to roll up your pants and shuffle your feet around the fountain water.
Nelson A. Rockefeller Playground
75 Battery Pl
Neighborhood: Battery Park City
This unique water play area in New York has it all with awesome structures everywhere. From a dodo bird sculpture dripping water to a sprinkler area spewing water, there is adventure everywhere you turn.
Even as you exit the playground, there is something to see with stone dog and elephant gargoyles spitting more water at you as you walk by.
Pearl Street Playground, photo via NYC Parks
Pearl Street Playground
49 Fulton St
Neighborhood: Between Two Bridges and Wall Street
Lower Manhattan’s waterfront, once lined with heaps of oyster shells, has been thoughtfully transformed into a welcoming family destination. Today, this renovated space provides a charming water playground in New York that combines local history with modern play.
This playground features classic equipment like swings and slides, along with shaded seating where parents can relax comfortably. Staying true to the site’s past, the design centers around an oyster-shaped play area that invites children to explore sand and water together.
Moira Ann Smith Playground
38 Madison Ave
Neighborhood: Midtown
Be sure to visit Madison Square Park, a fantastic sprinkler park in NY, where your kids can enjoy a 15-foot water wheel sprinkler and splash around with water-spraying alphabet blocks. This water playground in New York offers a fun experience perfect for families, and it’s one of the best splash pads in NYC for a refreshing day out!
East 110th Street Playground
Malcolm X Blvd
Neighborhood: Harlem
Located in the northern part of Central Park, this vibrant sprinkler park in NYC features a renovated circular water playground with numerous spouts for kids to splash around. Families can also explore bridges, tunnels, and climbing structures throughout the park. There’s plenty of seating for parents to relax while watching their little ones enjoy all the fun!
Asser Levy Park Playground
302 Sea Breeze Ave
Neighborhood: Kips Bay
Asser Levy Park Playground has been upgraded for children to have an even better time. They can hit the swing sets and play area for a fun-filled time!
Don’t forget to stop by and check out one of the best spray showers in New York, where you can take a break from the beating sun and chill. Asser Levy also added new safety features to prevent the kiddos from getting hurt, like paved pathways, improved lighting, and more!
The Bosque Fountain
Battery Pl and State St
Neighborhood: The Battery
The Bosque Fountain is a fantastic water play area in New York designed specifically for children to enjoy! With multiple water jets shooting up at different times, kids are always guessing as to which jets are going to go off. This fountain also is a great place to relax and take in the rest of beautiful Battery Park.
Water Playgrounds and Sprinkler Parks in NY: Brooklyn
Domino Park
Domino Park
15 River St
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
If you haven’t yet visited this gem along the East River in Williamsburg, now is your time to do so. This delightful location has been transformed from the former Domino Sugar Refinery to the latest New York Water Playgrounds for Kids.
After playing on all the slides, cool off at the fountain and seating steps. Each water jet is illuminated with blue and purple lights, a space for both fun and beauty!
Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 Water Lab
Pier 6
Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Bridge Park has it all, from an amazing playground to its prime location for New York City views. Spend your summer days here at the volleyball courts and around the jungle gym that surrounds the city’s largest sandbox.
Don’t forget to play in the water jet area and escape from the heat. After you work up an appetite from all that playground fun, grab a bite to eat at Fornino’s pizza to fuel up. Park restrooms are located on the first floor of Fornino.
Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 2 Uplands
Pier 2
Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights
For an enjoyable experience complemented by stunning views, Pier 2 Uplands stands out as an ideal playground in New York. The play area features remnants of the pier that were removed during the construction of Pier 3.
Greenpoint Playground
243 Franklin St
Neighborhood: Greenpoint
Stop by at Greenpoint Playground with the kids for a refreshing time. When temps are high, head over to the spray shower to cool off, then have a blast on the green and red climbing structure and swing set. Kids can play, and parents can also relax in the seating area of the park.
Splash Pad
LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park
Neighborhood: Park Slope
True to its name, the Splash Pad at LeFrak Center in Prospect Park is one of the most accessible sprinkler parks in NYC.
After grabbing a cool treat like Marino’s Ices nearby, kids can slip into their swimsuits and run through more than 20 water jets designed just for splashing and laughing. The area is free to the public and thoughtfully created for children 12 and under, making it a safe and exciting water playground in New York. It’s advisable to visit this space during the summer before it gets converted into Lakeside’s second outdoor ice-skating rink later in the year.
Walt Whitman Park
1402, 165 Cadman Plaza E
Neighborhood: Downtown Brooklyn
Named after the inspiring poet, Walt Whitman Park is a peaceful area where families can relax and also have fun. Spend those sunny summer days at the park scooting and strolling along their paved walkways. Children can play at the water fountain while parents keep watch at the benches.
J.J. Byrne Playground
3rd St. & 5th Ave
Neighborhood: Between Gowanus and Park Slope
Get the full water experience at J.J. Byrne Playground with water cannons, sprinklers, and an old-fashion water mill. Cool off from the summer heat but don’t forget the other awesome features this playground has. Kids can head to the top of the climbing structures and enjoy swinging at the swing set.
Don’t miss out on the interactive panels designed by Julie Peppito, centered around farming and the Revolutionary historical period.
Water Playgrounds and Sprinkler Parks in NY: Queens
A Playground for All Children
11101 Corona Ave
Neighborhood: Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
This inclusive playground is designed to provide fun and accessible play opportunities for children with and without disabilities. There is safety surfacing throughout the playground, along with wheelchair-accessible ramps that lead to fun!
Explore this water play area with a 12-foot-long suspension bridge and other fun activities such as a fire station, fire truck, schoolhouse, and flower boxes.
Beach 30th Street Playground, photo via NYC Parks
Beach 30th Street Playground
1-09 Beach 30th St
Neighborhood: Rockaway
This beach-themed playground features blue arches and interactive water elements where children can cool off and play. They can also travel to the sea on a ship-inspired play structure with water-spouting cannons. This location is popular among families looking for splash pads in New York City due to its fun theme and spacious play area. Travel to Beach 30th Street Playground, where you can set sail for the day.
Flushing Meadows Park
Neighborhood: Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Grand Central Pkwy., Whitestone Exwy. bet. 111 St. and College Point Blvd., Park Drive E
Home to two twentieth century World’s Fairs, this hit location is a must-see for a family adventure in Queens.
Being the largest park in the area, there’s plenty of space for baseball, soccer, tennis, cricket, and a huge fountain where kids will get a mist from the geyser waters. Flushing Meadows is one of the best New York sprinkler parks to unwind and cool off after a long day!
Paul Raimonda Playground
20th Avenue between 47th and 48th Streets
Neighborhood: Ditmars Steinway
As a musical tribute to the Steinway & Sons factory just blocks away, this playground was revamped with a baby grand piano sprinkler play area for young kids in New York to splash around and cool down during summer days.
There is also more opportunity for fun with renovated play equipment and a fitness center for adults to exercise and stay healthy.
Charybdis Playground
Within Astoria Park (19 19th St)
Neighborhood: Ditmars Steinway
Get slightly wet to completely soaked with water jets at Charybdis Playground. This water playground in New York is a summer haven for kids.
Get the full water experience in the park and right outside with stellar views of the two bridges, located near the East River. Aside from the water, kids can also climb the marine animal sculptures and swing at the swing sets.
Travers Park
34th Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets
Neighborhood: Jackson Heights
Seek shade from the sun beneath the refreshing misting leaf spray showers and water jets scattered throughout this playground. Travers Park is divided into sections for “little kids” and “big kids,” ensuring that your toddlers can play safely. Parents can rest easy knowing there are cushioned surfaces for children to enjoy activities like playing, swinging, and having fun on the basketball and handball courts.
Water Playgrounds and Sprinkler Parks in NY: Bronx
Fort Independence Playground
Sedgwick Ave. &, W 238th St
Neighborhood: Kingsbridge
Get moving at Fort Independence Playground on the Jerome Park Reservoir. Parents can enjoy the shaded areas while sitting on park benches, while children can explore the play structures.
Vidalia Park
E. 180 St. bet. Daly Ave. and, Vyse Ave
Neighborhood: West Farms
This vibrant playground is loaded with color and fun features for the whole family. Enjoy the basketball and handball courts, along with a lawn that’s perfect for jogging or running. Cool off from all the fun by splashing around by the park geyser and have a fun-filled time.
River Park, photo via NYC Parks
River Park
Boston Rd
Neighborhood: Near West Farms
Take the family for a picnic while you get to listen to the river running by. This summer oasis is the perfect place to hang out with the family, see views of the small waterfall, and have a blast in their water play area. Sit under the shaded trees and enjoy the summer days in New York.
Water Playgrounds and Sprinkler Parks in NY: Long Island
Bay Park
198 First Ave, East Rockaway, NY 11518
Bay Park is a favorite summer destination on Long Island, thanks to its recently upgraded playground and family-friendly design. It offers a refreshing experience similar to a sprinkler park NYC families love, but in a relaxed coastal setting.
This recently upgraded playground features a spray pool, which stays open through Labor Day and allows kids to cool off without ever leaving the play area.
Blumenfeld Family Park
Main St, Port Washington, NY 11050
If you’re looking for a quick cool-off, Blumenfeld Family Park is for you. Get a quick splash from the mushroom shower or water bucket dump feature. When you’re done, enjoy a family stroll through the picturesque park.
Clark Street Playground
94 Clark St, Long Beach, NY 11561
Kids of all ages won’t be able to resist the fun colors at the Clark Street Water Playground. They can run through colorful rings misting water or play in the in-ground sprinklers. Parents can also relax at a covered bench or picnic table while their kids play.
Eisenhower Park
1899 Park Blvd, East Meadow, NY 11554
This park features three playground areas, including a free splash pool with a large sprinkler ring and multiple spray heads. The spray park typically opens in late June, so keep an eye out for information about an opening date this year!
Grant Park
Broadway and Sheridan Ave, Hewlett, NY 11557
The fun at the ice rink in Hewlett’s Grant Park continues into the summertime. Kids can play in the spray pool area through Labor Day. When they’re not cooling off, they can enjoy themselves on the playground, which has areas specifically designed for each age group.
Rev. Arthur Mackey Sr. Park
49 Lakeside Dr, Roosevelt, NY 11575
This sprinkler park features on demand sprinklers as well as a playground. Be sure to stop by the picnic tables for a family picnic or check out the trails for a family hike.
Whether you’re looking for a full playground experience or a scenic family outing, NYC and Long Island offer the best water play spots to beat the summer heat.
