15 Amazing NYC Playgrounds You Need to Know About
There is no shortage of things to do and places to see in New York City. From acclaimed Broadway shows and delicious cuisine to scenic skyline views on the Hudson and East Rivers to world-class museums, there is something magical around every corner. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key to keep your little one active, visit one of the city’s many playgrounds!
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Brooklyn
Sweetwater Playground, Domino Park
15 River St., Williamsburg
With waterfront views and a range of unique play equipment for children, Domino Park is a staple for the North Brooklyn community. Designed as a nod to the historic Domino Sugar Factory that operated there from the 1850s, the industrial-style playground has remnants of the sugar refinery’s past sprinkled throughout. Kids can climb into Sugar Cane Cabin, the industrial-like playhouse, Sugar Cube Centrifuge slide tower, and Sweetwater Silo. Afterwards, they can cool off at the sprout sprinklers. End this sweet day with a beautiful picnic at one of the tables under the Williamsburg Bridge and epic views of Manhattan.
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 Playground
Atlantic Avenue near Furman Street, Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 is a prime location for New York City views and family fun. There are various playgrounds for kids of all ages, like climbing up and sliding down Slide Mountain or Sandbox Village, one of the city’s largest sandboxes (or smallest beaches). Spend your summer at the volleyball courts and the jungle gym. Swing over to Swing Valley for—you guessed it—swings. Escape the heat in the cool interactive water features of Water Lab and Exploratory Marsh, a multi-level splash pad filled with sprinklers and other fun water features. After all that playground fun, grab a bite to eat on the rooftop of Fornino’s Pizza and soak up the Lower Manhattan view.
Imagination Playground at Prospect Park
Ocean Ave. & Parkside Ave.
Tucked into a wooded corner of Prospect Park, the Imagination Playground lives up to its name. Instead of traditional equipment, kids find slides carved into hills, climbing areas built from logs and boulders, a stone bridge, and plenty of sand and water for digging, pouring, and playing freely. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of space designed to spark creativity and exploration. Surrounded by the shade of plenty of trees, it feels more like a natural playland than a city playground—an easy favorite for families visiting the park.
The Bronx
Colucci Playground
Hutchinson River Parkway. E. between Wilkinson Ave. and E. 197 St., Pelham Bay
This welcoming space, designed with older children and teenagers in mind, boasts plentiful workout equipment, a swing set, and open areas to move, stretch, or unwind. With ample seating and clear sightlines, it’s a safe spot for teens to enjoy a bit of independence while still staying nearby and for parents and caregivers to enjoy views of the cherry blossom trees. It’s a simple, well-designed space that meets teens where they are—active one minute, chill the next.
Pelham Bay Park: Playground for All Children
3533 Bruckner Blvd., Pelham Bay
Thoughtfully designed with inclusivity in mind, this playground offers a space where children of all abilities can play together. It boasts wide ramps, accessible surfaces, and equipment accommodating wheelchairs, crutches, and other mobility needs. Sensory-friendly activities, water features, and adjustable basketball hoops add to the enjoyment. The surrounding green space provides a peaceful and scenic environment for families.
Starlight Park Playground
Sheridan Exwy. between E. 174 St., E. 172 St., and Jennings St., Claremont Village
On the grounds of the historic amusement park with the same name, the Starlight Park playground in The Bronx is a fresh, colorful, and fun space, complete with spray showers for warm days. This bright, open area features modern equipment and soft surfacing, making it easily navigable for strollers and wheelchairs. Shaded benches and picnic tables offer a comfortable place for caregivers to relax, while the playground’s blend of play, green space, and river views creates a welcoming, family-friendly spot that feels both fresh and connected to nature.
Manhattan
Ancient Playground – Central Park
East 85th St. & Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
Inspired by ancient Egyptian architecture, Ancient Playground features pyramid-shaped climbing structures, tunnels, and water features that encourage creative exploration. The well-maintained space includes separate toddler and big-kid zones, ample seating, and nearby restrooms. Its unique design and Central Park location make it ideal for a full day out, pairing playtime with museum visits, nature walks, or a picnic. Its thoughtful layout and engaging features make it a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Battery Playscape
20 State St. & Battery Place, The Battery
This unique play space is one of the most innovative in the city. Perfect for curious children, its design was inspired by nature and encourages imaginative and physical play. Rock-climbing, industrial-style play equipment, enormous slides, treehouses, sand zones, and even interactive water play areas encourage imaginative play and physical exploration inspired by nature.
Heckscher Playground
65th St. Transverse, Central Park
Heckscher Playground, the largest and oldest in Central Park, offers a wide range of activities for kids of all ages. Children can climb rocks, navigate a play structure with tunnels and slides, and cool off in a water zone with interactive spraying jets. Surrounded by trees and scenic views, it’s perfect for a full day out, featuring restrooms, shaded benches, and easy access to other park attractions. Heckscher’s expansive layout makes it a reliable spot for families with toddlers and tweens.
Pier 25 Playground – Hudson River Park
West St. & N. Moore St., Tribeca
This modern, waterfront playground is a family favorite for good reason. A massive sandbox, water sprays, climbing structures, and long slides keep kids entertained, while parents appreciate the shade, seating, and skyline views. Located steps from mini golf and snack stands, it’s easy to spend an entire morning or afternoon here. The fully enclosed design offers peace of mind, and its fresh layout makes it one of the best all-ages playgrounds downtown.
Tom Otterness Playground – Riverside Park South
Riverside Blvd. &- W. 64th St., Upper West Side
Located within Riverside Park South, this whimsical playground, designed by celebrated public artist Tom Otterness, brings sculpture to life in a serene, natural environment surrounded by greenery and close to paths, picnic spots, and river views. The charming outdoor space features bronze characters that double as slides, tunnels, and climbers. Kids interact with art as they scale oversized feet and crawl through whimsical figures. This creative escape may be small in size, but it is big in the impression it leaves on families.
Queens
Astoria Heights Playground
30th Rd. between 45th and 46th St., Astoria
The renovated playground has become a cherished community space known for its innovative and comfortable design. It offers a safe and imaginative environment for families with children of all ages, featuring double slides, a spiral pole, and a sprayground for hot summer days. Caregivers can enjoy inviting seating for socializing while keeping an eye on their kids. With nearby athletic fields, tennis and volleyball courts, and a walking track, it’s a prime outdoor destination for recreation.
Beach 30th St. Playground
1-09 Beach 30th St., Far Rockaway
Journey to Beach 30th Street Playground in the Rockaways and set sail on a beach adventure! Your little ones can cool off by running through blue arches and getting soaked, or setting sail on a ship-inspired structure, with water-spewing cannons. It’s no surprise this playground is a hit during the Rockaways’ gorgeous (and hot) summers.
Juniper Valley Park
Juniper Blvd., Lutheran Ave., 71 St. & Dry Harbor Rd., Middle Village
This beloved park is a dream come true for sports enthusiasts and families in the community. Complete with tennis, handball, basketball, shuffleboard, bocce courts, and several play areas, this outdoor oasis is perfect for all ages. Kids can cool off on the splashpad or hang out on the jungle gym. A large running track, baseball fields, and shaded walking paths make it just as appealing for teens, adults, and seniors. With its well-kept grounds and wide-open green space, Juniper Valley Park is a true neighborhood favorite for recreation, relaxation, and family fun.
Playground For All Children
1101 Corona Ave., Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Within the heart of Queens, you’ll find the first accessible playground in the nation. Playground For All Children features a sprawling play area that requires lots of climbing and jumping, while slides help the little ones get down easily. The playground offers wheelchair-accessible ramps connecting different play areas, inclusive equipment, and sensory elements to encourage cooperative play among children of all abilities. Trees provide ample shade throughout the park, and a manmade river leads to a sprinkler area and a kid-sized village with houses and vehicles, inviting imaginative play.
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