We’re collecting parent reviews for the best playgrounds in NYC! From cool destination playgrounds to hidden gem neighborhood parks, see what parents say about the top local spots for kids to play outdoors. Click the map view and zoom in to discover the best NYC playgrounds near you.
Your reviews, tips & photos will help other families looking for a new playground to check out, so please chime in and share the scoop on your favorites!
Our list of New York indoor playgrounds has you covered when the weather isn't cooperating, too.
Seaside Wildlife Nature Park
Taking a cue from its wonderful waterfront view, this unique nautical-themed playground has a large shipwreck to explore, a lighthouse, a shark climbing feature, sprinklers, sand play areas, and a play unit modeled after the Staten Island Ferry. There are swings for toddlers and older kids.
Rockefeller Park
Located at the north end of Battery Park City, Rockefeller Park showcases a large playground featuring bridges, nets, climbing structures, and sand and water play. Kids love the pedal-powered merry-go-round.
Battery Playscape
Opened after Storm Sandy with a flood-resistant design, this cool NYC playground has five ecology-inspired zones to explore. You'll find granite slides, a sandy riverbed, themed playhouses, a footbridge, and even an amphitheater that hosts youth performances.
Governors Island Slide Hill
Slide Hill, rising 40 feet, is home to four slides, including New York City's longest slide at 57 feet!
Teardrop Park
Battery Park City's Teardrop Park offers plenty of spots to explore, with the play area built into a serene natural setting. A long slide is accessed by climbing up a rocky path, there are sand and water play areas, and plenty of nooks to climb and discover.
Pier 26 Science Play Area
Play to learn and learn to play in this 4,000-square-foot marine-science-focused playground. It’s a place where children can climb, slide and be inspired by wildlife and the Hudson River nature and habitat.
Pier 25 Playground at Hudson River Park
One of Hudson River Park's three playgrounds, the Pier 25 Playground is a gated play space featuring a sandbox, swing sets for big and little kids, a climbing wall and boulders, and a seasonal water play area. While you're in the area, Pier 25 is also home to a great mini golf course.
Brooklyn Bridge Park - Pier 6 Playgrounds
Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6 has several unique playgrounds that are all worth checking out. Swing Valley has 10 swing sets (for kids of all ages) and Tarzan ropes. Sandbox Village boasts an enormous sandbox. Slide Mountain area has jungle gyms and two-story slides and Water Lab is a kid favorite for its water jet design.
Vesuvio Playground
Named for the nearby Vesuvio Bakery, this playground is a fun, almost hidden spot that has extensive jungle gyms ideal for all ages. There are swings, basketball and handball courts, and a spray shower and outdoor pool in the summer.
Tom Otterness Playground
This NYC playground is a work of art - literally! Kids love the quirky human playground sculpture by artist Tom Otterness, featuring multiple slides, climbing spots, and fun vantage points. Look closely for the many tiny sculptures which dot the large one. There's another play structure here which is more appropriate for toddlers, and when weather allows, kids can also cool off with interactive water features.
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is home to three playgrounds that appeal to kids of all ages. Play Hills features rolling turf-covered hills with an elevated rope course for climbing. A Big Kid Playground features swings, sand play, slides, and more. There's also a separate Toddler Playground for the little ones.
J.J. Byrne Playground
Juan L.: This Brooklyn playground has distinct play areas for bigger kids, smaller kids and toddlers. The toddler area is gated and features mini equipment and swings. There's also a very cool sprinkler area.
Madison Square Park
Police Officer Moira Ann Smith Playground at Madison Square Park has swings, jungle gyms, and more for kids of all ages. There's even water play in the summer. Enter the park on Madison Ave. and 25th and 26th streets.
Matthew P. Sapolin Playground
The Matthew P. Sapolin Playground was renamed in 2012 to honor the former Commissioner of the New York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities. The playground is categorized as a Level 1 playground (a playground for all children), and includes ramped play equipment, ground level play features, accessible swings, wheelchair-accessible tables, and drinking fountains. It also has adjustable basketball backstops that can be lowered for athletes in wheelchairs.
Domino Park Playground
Kelly R: This Williamsburg waterfront park is home to a pretty epic industrial playground inspired by the sugar refinery that once operated on the site. Play features bring kids through a Sugar Cane Cabin, Sweetwater Silo, and Sugarcube Centrifuge that mirror the refinery process, and an enclosed design means even younger kids will be able to safely enjoy the slides, ramps, tunnels, and climbing spots. The playground itself is worth a special trip, but stick around to experience the spray fountain, large playing field, Fog Bridge, bocce court and Tacocina, the in-park taco stand.
Primary photo: Governors Island Slide Hill (Timothy Schenck, The Trust for Governors Island)
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.
