When we received a press release a few months ago about the expanded 15,000-foot playground re-opening in Union Square Park, we thought . . . okay, another new playground. Sounds good. But when we checked it out on Sunday (with some junior “assistants”), we found a truly special oasis of child activity and merriment. — The people who designed this space really have learned from the last 10 years of advances in playground fun and functionality, and just about every feature is the best of its kind: the obstacle-accessorized climbing vines, the slides bursting out of rock quarries, angled twirly hang-on-if-you-can spinners, and the crown jewel, the stainless steel mountain orb (the first in the city). The playground is divided into a space for smaller children up to about age 4 (with the requisite sandbox), and big kid area, which has enough great stuff to challenge children from ages 5 to 12. If you don’t live in the area, this playground is worth treating as a destination spot, especially since you can combine your trip with a picnic in the park, shopping at the Union Square Greenmarket, and visits to Barnes & Noble, Books of Wonder, Max Brenner, and the other spots in the area. PS: Let your child meander through the mini flower garden by the statue of Ghandi at the other end of the park—and try to explain to them the importance of Ghandi! PPS: The area near the playground will have a water park with a big fountain and misters as the weather gets hotter.
Relevant Directory Listings
See MoreAviator Sports Summer Day Camp
<p>Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp offers five daily rotating activities such as swimming, ice skating gymnastics, rock climbing, parkour, indoor/outdoor turf, and courts plus more in its ample 175,000 sq. ft. facility and 35-acre outdoor area. Aviator Summer Camp also offers off-site and on-site field trips such as a day at Green Meadows Farm, Launch Trampoline Park, and a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The summer camp runs from 9 am-5 pm with early drop off and late stay available. Bus transportation is also available throughout Brooklyn. Lunch and an afternoon snack are included. Sign up by February 28th to receive up to $300 off camp with early bird discounts.</p>
Polaris Productions Theater Camp
<p>Kids will learn, rehearse, and perform the wonderful Maurice Sendak and Carole King musical, Really Rosie. For 10 weekdays, campers will take part in physical and vocal warm-ups and learn choreography, staging, and vocal parts. They&rsquo;ll develop skills in acting, singing, character development, and more. This camp will ignite your child&rsquo;s imagination and passion for performing, build their self-esteem, and help them form lasting friendships. They&rsquo;ll have fun! At camp&rsquo;s end, the kids will perform Really Rosie for family members and friends. Kids of all levels of experience, ages 8 through 13, are welcome to join.</p>
Monster Mini Golf
<p>Upon entering Monster Mini Golf, all perceptions of traditional mini golf will be spirited away by the indoor, 18-hole, monster-theme, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course! The locations in <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Deer Park</a>, and <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/gardencity/">Garden City, NY</a> invite guests to experience a host of family-oriented fun activities. Whether visiting for the first time or the one hundredth, mini golfers feel the excitement and adventure of playing mini golf amidst spooktacular monsters and custom, glow-in-the-dark, hand-painted artwork. While testing their skill on the fairways, lively music flows over the course from the unique &ldquo;WEIRD Radio&rdquo; station&rdquo; and an interactive DJ entertains golfers with contests, awarding cool prizes for the wackiest reasons. While the course is challenging enough for adults, it is also quite playable for children. Monster Mini Golf is open year-round and frightfully fun for the entire family. In addition to miniature golf and thrilling arcade and redemption games, the locations offer additional attractions. <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park, NY</a> offers a Laser Maze and a Virtual Reality experience. The Garden City location offers a Laser Maze, Bowling, and a Virtual Reality Experience. Two very posh, private party rooms are also available and are perfect for any event. Monster Mini Golf looks forward to making it a monstrous success. Monster Mini Golf is indoors, ensuring that the event will always take place, regardless of the weather. It is a climate-controlled, affordable source of family entertainment. For more details please visit <a href="http://monsterminigolf.com">monsterminigolf.com</a> or find them on Facebook.</p>