The best playgrounds in New York
New York has the densest playgrounds in the country and they keep getting better: themed design, spray areas, river views. This list is picked for soft surfaces, separate toddler areas, restrooms, and water in summer.
Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park is widely considered the city's best (Water Lab, Slide Mountain, Sandbox Village); Domino Park in Williamsburg is themed on the sugar refinery and faces Manhattan; in Central Park, Heckscher's giant rocks and Ancient's Egyptian pyramids each have their fans; Pier 25 in Hudson River Park and Rockefeller Park in Battery Park City run along the river; and Imagination Playground at the Seaport is nothing but giant blue foam blocks.
- 9 places
- 9 free
- 9 stroller-friendly
- closest is 10 min away
9 places
Travel times from Midtown, by subway or car
Central Park: Heckscher Playground
5.0Manhattan · 10 min away
2 h · stroller-friendly
Free · Getting there: Subway A/C/B/D/1 to 59 St–Columbus Circle, then a 5-minute walk
Central Park: Ancient Playground (Egyptian theme)
5.0Manhattan · 20 min away
1.5 h · stroller-friendly
Free · Getting there: Subway 4/5/6 to 86 St, then a 10-minute walk (north side of the Met)
Domino Park
5.0Brooklyn · 20 min away
2 h · stroller-friendly
Free · Getting there: Subway J/M/Z to Marcy Av or L to Bedford Av, then a 10-minute walk; NYC Ferry to North Williamsburg
Battery Park City: Rockefeller Park and Teardrop Park
5.0Manhattan · 20 min away
2 h · stroller-friendly
Free · Getting there: Subway 1/2/3 to Chambers St, then an 8-minute walk
Riverside Park: Hippo Playground and the riverside path
5.0Manhattan · 20 min away
2 h · stroller-friendly
Free · Getting there: Subway 1 to 86 St or 96 St, then an 8-minute walk
Imagination Playground (blue blocks)
5.0Manhattan · 20 min away
1.5 h · stroller-friendly
Free · Getting there: Subway 2/3/4/5/A/C/J/Z to Fulton St, then an 8-minute walk (South Street Seaport)
Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 playgrounds
5.0Brooklyn · 30 min away
2.5 h · stroller-friendly
Free · Getting there: Subway 2/3/4/5 to Borough Hall, then a 12-minute walk; NYC Ferry to Pier 6
Prospect Park: Harmony Playground
5.0Brooklyn · 35 min away
1.5 h · stroller-friendly
Free · Getting there: Subway F/G to 7 Av or 15 St–Prospect Park, then a 5-minute walk
Astoria Park and its giant pool
4.0Queens · 30 min away
2.5 h · stroller-friendly
Free · Getting there: Subway N/W to Astoria Blvd, then a 10-minute walk
💡 Good to know
- Spray areas generally run Memorial Day to Labor Day; bring a change of clothes, and an extra layer for the windy waterfront ones.
- Weekend mornings from 9 to 11 are quietest; by afternoon every playground is packed.