The Best Playgrounds in New York City

New York City sometimes seems like one big, hectic playground! In this fast-paced world, we forget that there are certain elements of real play (as opposed to virtual) that are important for a child’s development, so finding awesome playgrounds where kids can be active can be like stumbling upon hidden treasure. Your search is over: Here are the best playgrounds in NYC.

1. Evelyn’s Playground

Union Square, Manhattan
This huge, state-of-the-art playground is located inside the historic Union Square Park. While you’re there for the farmers’ market or any one of their many events, let the kids get some exercise on Evelyn’s Playground. It’s very popular and for good reason: there’s so much for kids to do here! The ground is made of rubber tiles, so you don’t have to be too afraid of your kids falling while scaling the adventurous equipment. There are bathrooms inside and there’s plenty of ledge-style seating for the grownups. One drawback is the lack of shade.

2. Playground for All Children

Corona Park, Queens
This is the first playground built in the U.S. for disabled and able-bodied children alike. It set the standard for the rest of the country to follow. Great for kids 3 to 12, it can accommodate crutches, canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. The Apparatus Area has play equipment with safety surfacing, a traffic bridge with traffic lights, slides and swings, and a 12-foot-long suspension bridge. The Interpretive Trail has plaques in English and Braille. The Racing Track winds around the Water Wheel area, which is perfect for cooling off in the summer. The Amphitheatre has a basketball court and seating, while the Meadow Play Area provides room to run. There’s also a baseball diamond, an area for volleyball, badminton, and other games. The playground has benches and drinking fountains throughout.

3. Imagination Playground

South Street Seaport, Manhattan
Imagination Playground is a modern, visually stimulating, destination for sensory play. Designed by architect David Rockwell, this playground is totally interactive, allowing kids to manipulate their environment with sand, water and giant foam blocks. This super creative space really encourages cooperative play. There’s plenty of shade, too!

4. Seaside Nature Wildlife Park Playground

South Shore, Staten Island
This nautical-themed, waterfront park is a beautiful spot to get in touch with nature. The 20-acre park itself is full of wildlife, and the play-scape is perfect for the little pirate fan in your life! It’s got a big, shipwreck-themed feature for imaginative play, a lighthouse, a shark to climb on, and something resembling the Staten Island Ferry.

5. Pier 6 Playground

Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO, Brooklyn
I’ve saved the best for last…while Pier 6 may the youngest park on the list, it’s easy to see why it’s become a favorite of New York families from all five boroughs! This playground is actually made up of five fabulous spaces for kids to explore: Sand Box Village, Water Lab, Slide Mountain, Marsh Garden and Swing Valley. Children of all ages love digging in the city’s largest sandbox, cooling off in the water jet field, slipping down the 2-story slide, and swinging on the Tarzan ropes!