# The best playgrounds in New York City, borough by borough

By Dan, Boroughs & Brood. Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/playgrounds.html. Map of every playground: https://boroughsandbrood.com/playgrounds/map.html. Data: https://boroughsandbrood.com/data/playgrounds.json

## The short answer

NYC Parks runs 1,012 playgrounds with dedicated children's areas: 204 in Manhattan, 288 in Brooklyn, 257 in Queens, 202 in the Bronx, 61 on Staten Island. 889 of them have spray showers (usually on from Memorial Day to Labor Day), and 426 are within a 10-minute walk (half a mile) of a subway station the MTA lists as accessible. Our top picks: Heckscher Playground in Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 playground in Brooklyn, Playground For All Children in Queens, Playground For All Children in the Bronx and Willowbrook (Carousel) Adventure Station on Staten Island.

New York is very good at playgrounds and oddly bad at telling you where they are. NYC Parks runs 1,012 playgrounds with children's areas across the five boroughs and publishes every one of them as open data, then leaves you to work out which one has the sprinkler, which one has a restroom, and which one is close enough to the subway that the walk back won't end in a sit-down protest on the sidewalk.

So we did some sorting. Below are our favorites in each borough, the famous ones next to ones you've probably walked straight past, each checked against its own page. Then there's the map: every playground in the city, with a filter for spray showers and another for playgrounds within a 10-minute walk of a subway station the MTA lists as accessible, which matters a great deal when you're pushing a stroller and the alternative is carrying it up the stairs while someone small asks if we're there yet.

A word on how this works. We visit New York a lot, but we don't live here, so everything leans on what can be checked: the NYC Parks and MTA data, the official pages, and the practical bits parents ask about. If we couldn't verify a detail, it isn't here.

## This month

October: the spray showers are off until around Memorial Day (Monday, May 31, 2027), but this is a good month for playgrounds: cooler, quieter, and the leaves give the little ones something to throw. It gets dark early once the clocks go back on the first Sunday in November, so plan the park first and the snack second.

NYC Parks spray showers: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/spray-showers

## The best playgrounds in Manhattan

204 playgrounds in Manhattan on the NYC Parks list, 180 with spray showers, 149 within a 10-minute walk of an accessible station.

Full page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/playgrounds/best-manhattan.html

### 1. Heckscher Playground

The Central Park playground at the south end, and the one on every list, so expect company on a dry weekend. NYC Parks lists a wheelchair-accessible restroom and water-based play, and the spray shower runs on days the temperature hits 80 degrees or higher. I'd call it a July playground first and an October one a distant second.

- Neighborhood: Central Park South
- Ages: Mixed ages (Parks lists accessible swings for ages 5 to 12)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: A/C/B/D/1 to 59 St-Columbus Circle (accessible), about 0.2 mi; also N/Q/R/W to 57 St-7 Av (accessible), about 0.3 mi
- Nearest accessible station: 59 St-Columbus Circle (A/C/B/D), 0.2 mile, about a 5-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/292
- Coordinates: 40.7687, -73.9774

### 2. Ancient Playground

Central Park again, this time on Fifth Avenue at 85th Street, a few blocks north of the Met, which makes a museum morning followed by a proper run-around easy to plan. Parks lists a wheelchair-accessible restroom and water-based play, and flags it as having sensory-friendly spaces for children with autism. It is a Central Park name, so queue your expectations accordingly.

- Neighborhood: Upper East Side
- Ages: Mixed ages (Parks lists accessible swings for ages 5 to 12)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: 4/5/6 to 86 St (partly accessible, check the MTA), about 0.3 mi; also 6 to 77 St (not accessible), about 0.5 mi
- Nearest accessible station: 86 St (4/5/6) (Uptown local only), 0.3 mile, about a 7-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/299
- Coordinates: 40.7808, -73.9617

### 3. Imagination Playground

Not a slide-and-swing job. Parks describes it as a space designed by David Rockwell where children build their own play with sand, water and loose parts such as giant foam blocks, mats, wagons and crates. Hand a six-year-old a pile of blocks and a four-year-old a bucket, then sit down and enjoy the rare quiet. Parks lists a wheelchair-accessible restroom.

- Neighborhood: Financial District
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: J/Z/A/C/2/3/4/5 to Fulton St (accessible), about 0.3 mi; also 2/3 to Wall St (not accessible), about 0.3 mi
- Nearest accessible station: Fulton St (2/3), 0.3 mile, about a 5-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/493
- Coordinates: 40.7062, -74.0041

### 4. Hippo Playground

A Riverside Park playground at 91st Street, on the Hudson side of the Upper West Side rather than inside Central Park. The name at least gives a four-year-old something to look for. Parks lists ground-level and water-based play, a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible) and sensory-friendly spaces.

- Neighborhood: Upper West Side
- Ages: Mixed ages (Parks lists accessible swings for ages 5 to 12)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: 1/2/3 to 96 St (accessible), about 0.3 mi; also 1 to 86 St (not accessible), about 0.3 mi
- Nearest accessible station: 96 St (1/2/3), 0.3 mile, about a 6-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/360
- Coordinates: 40.793, -73.9782

### 5. Sol Bloom Playground

A small neighborhood playground between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West at 91st and 92nd Streets. Parks says its distinctive feature is a sunflower-themed spray shower, a nod to Sol Bloom's name and its suggestion of sun and flowers. It lists ground-level and water-based play and a public restroom that is not wheelchair accessible.

- Neighborhood: Upper West Side
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: C/B to 96 St (not accessible), about 0.2 mi; also C/B to 86 St (not accessible), about 0.3 mi
- Nearest accessible station: 96 St (1/2/3), 0.3 mile, about a 7-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/462
- Coordinates: 40.7898, -73.9688

### 6. Seward Park Playground

Parks says Seward Park has the distinction of being home to the first permanent, municipally built playground in the nation, which is a good fact to deploy on a seven-year-old who is complaining about the walk. It lists a spray shower, ground-level play, accessible swings for under-5s and a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible).

- Neighborhood: Lower East Side
- Ages: Toddlers and up (Parks lists accessible swings for under-5s)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: F to East Broadway (not accessible), about 0.1 mi; also M/J/Z/F to Delancey St-Essex St (not accessible), about 0.3 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/375
- Coordinates: 40.7146, -73.9897

### 7. Catbird Playground

Tucked into Carl Schurz Park on the East River, where the promenade looks out over Roosevelt Island's lighthouse, the Triborough Bridge and Gracie Mansion, per Parks. The playground side has a spray shower, ground-level play and accessible swings for under-5s, and the park has a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible at the playground, per Parks). Handy if you are on the Upper East Side.

- Neighborhood: Yorkville
- Ages: Toddlers and up (Parks lists accessible swings for under-5s)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: Q to 86 St (accessible), about 0.5 mi; also 4/5/6 to 86 St (partly accessible, check the MTA), about 0.7 mi
- Nearest accessible station: 86 St (Q), 0.5 mile, about a 9-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/374
- Coordinates: 40.7741, -73.9447

### 8. Washington Market Park Playground

Parks describes a spacious, tree-covered playground with several smaller play areas, including one shaped like a ship called the S.S. Fun. It has a spray shower and a wheelchair-accessible restroom listed, and the park also has tennis and basketball for the grown-ups who still think they are twenty-five. A solid Tribeca option away from the Hudson River Park crowds.

- Neighborhood: Tribeca
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: 1/2/3 to Chambers St (accessible), about 0.1 mi; also R/W/A/C/E/2/3 to Chambers St (partly accessible, check the MTA), about 0.2 mi
- Nearest accessible station: Chambers St (1/2/3), 0.1 mile, about a 3-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/488
- Coordinates: 40.717, -74.011

### 9. Vesuvio Playground

A small playground on Thompson Street between Spring and Prince, named (Parks says) after the Italian bakery on Prince Street that has been family run since 1920. Parks lists a spray shower, a wheelchair-accessible restroom and an outdoor pool in the park. A little corner of SoHo that is not a shop.

- Neighborhood: SoHo
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: C/E to Spring St (partly accessible, check the MTA), about 0.1 mi; also 1 to Houston St (not accessible), about 0.2 mi
- Nearest accessible station: Spring St (C/E) (Downtown only), under 0.1 mile, about a 2-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/355
- Coordinates: 40.7255, -74.0026

### 10. Pearl St Playground

A downtown playground on Pearl Street between Fulton and Beekman that NYC Parks reconstructed at a reported cost of $2.1 million, with a spray shower to cool off in. There is no restroom listed here, so plan your snack and bathroom timing accordingly.

- Neighborhood: Financial District
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: No restroom listed by NYC Parks at this playground.
- Subway: J/Z/A/C/2/3/4/5 to Fulton St (accessible), about 0.2 mi; also 2/3 to Wall St (not accessible), about 0.3 mi
- Nearest accessible station: Fulton St (2/3), 0.2 mile, about a 3-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/492
- Coordinates: 40.7079, -74.004

## The best playgrounds in Brooklyn

288 playgrounds in Brooklyn on the NYC Parks list, 253 with spray showers, 126 within a 10-minute walk of an accessible station.

Full page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/playgrounds/best-brooklyn.html

### 1. Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 playground

The big waterfront playground at the south end of Brooklyn Bridge Park. The Conservancy describes Slide Mountain, Sandbox Village, Swing Valley and the Water Lab with seasonal water features, open sunrise to sunset. It is popular, so a weekday morning is the sensible bet, and the Conservancy's page does not confirm restroom details, so check before you rely on them.

- Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights
- Ages: Mixed ages (the Conservancy says the playground suits kids of all ages and adventure levels)
- Restrooms: Not confirmed on the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy page; check before you go.
- Subway: R/2/3/4/5 to Court St (partly accessible, check the MTA), about 0.5 mi; also 2/3 to Clark St (not accessible), about 0.6 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Official page: https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/places/pier-6/
- Coordinates: 40.6925, -74.0014

### 2. Third Street Playground

One of several playgrounds Parks lists inside Prospect Park, on the Park Slope side. Parks lists water-based play, accessible swings for ages 5 to 12, sensory-friendly spaces and a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible). Handy if the plan is a morning in the park and the afternoon on 5th Avenue in search of a sit-down.

- Neighborhood: Park Slope
- Ages: Mixed ages (Parks lists accessible swings for ages 5 to 12)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: F/G to 7 Av (accessible), about 0.4 mi; also 2/3 to Eastern Pkwy-Brooklyn Museum (accessible), about 0.6 mi
- Nearest accessible station: 7 Av (F/G), 0.4 mile, about an 8-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/40
- Coordinates: 40.6671, -73.9729

### 3. Fort Greene Park Playground

Fort Greene Park started as the site of forts built for the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, per Parks, which is a decent hook for a child who needs a reason to climb the hill. The playground has ground-level and water-based play and a wheelchair-accessible restroom, plus sensory-friendly spaces.

- Neighborhood: Fort Greene
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: G to Fulton St (not accessible), about 0.2 mi; also C to Lafayette Av (not accessible), about 0.3 mi
- Nearest accessible station: DeKalb Av (B/Q/R), 0.4 mile, about a 9-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/19
- Coordinates: 40.6902, -73.9737

### 4. Brower Park Playground

Right next to the Brooklyn Children's Museum, which makes it a natural pairing: museum first, burn off whatever is left second. Parks lists a wheelchair-accessible restroom, accessible swings for under-5s and sensory-friendly spaces. No water play is listed on the playground page, so this is more of a swings and slides stop.

- Neighborhood: Crown Heights
- Ages: Toddlers and up (Parks lists accessible swings for under-5s)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: 3 to Kingston Av (not accessible), about 0.3 mi; also 3 to Nostrand Av (not accessible), about 0.4 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/4
- Coordinates: 40.6735, -73.9435

### 5. Imagination Playground at Betsy Head

Betsy Head Memorial Playground has been part of Brownsville for almost 100 years, per Parks, and this part of it is an Imagination Playground. Parks lists ground-level and water-based play, accessible swings for under-5s, sensory-friendly spaces and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. Off most visitors' maps, which in my book is a recommendation.

- Neighborhood: Brownsville
- Ages: Toddlers and up (Parks lists accessible swings for under-5s)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: 3 to Rockaway Av (not accessible), about 0.2 mi; also 3 to Saratoga Av (not accessible), about 0.3 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/3
- Coordinates: 40.6641, -73.9118

### 6. Coffey Park Playground

A Red Hook neighborhood park named for Michael J. Coffey, a state senator who represented the area, according to the Parks sign text. The playground has a spray shower and a wheelchair-accessible restroom listed. Red Hook is a long way from the subway, so do the walk or bus sums before you promise anyone a quick trip.

- Neighborhood: Red Hook
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: F/G to Smith-9 Sts (not accessible), about 0.7 mi; also F/G to Carroll St (not accessible), about 0.8 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/46
- Coordinates: 40.677, -74.0087

### 7. WNYC Transmitter Park Playground

A Greenpoint waterfront park opened in 2012 on the site of the old WNYC radio transmission towers, with an overlook, seating and a waterfront esplanade next to the play area. Parks lists ground-level and water-based play and a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible). Parks also lists fishing at the park.

- Neighborhood: Greenpoint
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: G to Greenpoint Av (accessible), about 0.3 mi; also G to Nassau Av (not accessible), about 0.6 mi
- Nearest accessible station: Greenpoint Av (G), 0.3 mile, about a 6-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/271
- Coordinates: 40.7301, -73.9604

### 8. Owls Head Park Playground

Owl's Head Park has rolling hills and, per Parks, views of the Manhattan skyline and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, with sledding mentioned for winter. The playground has water-based play and a wheelchair-accessible restroom listed. A proper local park, and a useful one to know if you are doing Bay Ridge.

- Neighborhood: Bay Ridge
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: R to Bay Ridge Av (not accessible), about 0.5 mi; also N/R to 59 St (accessible), about 0.7 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/37
- Coordinates: 40.64, -74.0305

### 9. Asser Levy Playground

Part of the Coney Island complex, in the Coney Island area, handy for a child who has run out of patience for the beach. Parks lists ground-level and water-based play, accessible swings for under-5s and a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible).

- Neighborhood: Coney Island
- Ages: Toddlers and up (Parks lists accessible swings for under-5s)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: Q to Ocean Pkwy (not accessible), about 0.2 mi; also F/Q to W 8 St-NY Aquarium (not accessible), about 0.2 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/49
- Coordinates: 40.5752, -73.9721

### 10. Sunset Park Playground

Sunset Park is the one with the view: Parks says it looks out over the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty from the park's highest point. The playground has a wheelchair-accessible restroom and accessible swings for under-5s listed, with sensory-friendly spaces. No water play is listed here.

- Neighborhood: Sunset Park
- Ages: Toddlers and up (Parks lists accessible swings for under-5s)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: R to 45 St (not accessible), about 0.3 mi; also D/N/R to 36 St (not accessible), about 0.5 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/52
- Coordinates: 40.6477, -74.0045

## The best playgrounds in Queens

257 playgrounds in Queens on the NYC Parks list, 230 with spray showers, 41 within a 10-minute walk of an accessible station.

Full page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/playgrounds/best-queens.html

### 1. Playground For All Children

One of eight playgrounds Parks lists in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Parks shows accessible swings for both under-5s and ages 5 to 12, ground-level and water-based play, and sensory-friendly spaces. No restroom is listed at the playground itself, so plan around that.

- Neighborhood: Flushing Meadows Corona Park
- Ages: Toddlers to 12 (Parks lists accessible swings for both under-5s and ages 5 to 12)
- Restrooms: No restroom listed by NYC Parks at this playground.
- Subway: 7 to 111 St (not accessible), about 0.8 mi; also 7 to 103 St-Corona Plaza (not accessible), about 0.9 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/565
- Coordinates: 40.7412, -73.849

### 2. Jurassic Playground

Named for a geological period, with a neighbor called Triassic Playground in the same park, so a dinosaur-minded child can tick both off. Parks lists water-based play and sensory-friendly spaces but no restroom at this playground. The park is huge, so check the map before you set off on foot.

- Neighborhood: Flushing Meadows Corona Park
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: No restroom listed by NYC Parks at this playground.
- Subway: M/R to 67 Av (not accessible), about 0.8 mi; also E/F/M/R to Forest Hills-71 Av (accessible), about 0.9 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/563
- Coordinates: 40.7352, -73.8436

### 3. Hunter's Point South Playground (North)

On the Long Island City waterfront, in a park Parks describes as a former abandoned post-industrial area, now with a central green, playgrounds, a promenade and a 30-foot cantilevered platform for viewing the skyline. Parks lists no restroom and no specific play features for this part of the playground, so it is more about the setting than the equipment.

- Neighborhood: Long Island City
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: No restroom listed by NYC Parks at this playground.
- Subway: 7 to Vernon Blvd-Jackson Av (not accessible), about 0.4 mi; also G to 21 St (not accessible), about 0.6 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/746
- Coordinates: 40.7429, -73.9607

### 4. Charybdis Playground

Astoria Park sits on the East River between the Triborough and Hell Gate bridges and has the oldest and largest pool in the city, per Parks. The playground has a wheelchair-accessible restroom, ground-level and water-based play, accessible swings for ages 5 to 12 and sensory-friendly spaces. Bring a jacket; the river wind does not care what the forecast said.

- Neighborhood: Astoria
- Ages: Mixed ages (Parks lists accessible swings for ages 5 to 12)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: N/W to Astoria-Ditmars Blvd (not accessible), about 0.6 mi; also N/W to Astoria Blvd (accessible), about 0.7 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/500
- Coordinates: 40.7797, -73.9221

### 5. Rockaway Beach Playground

A playground on the Rockaway boardwalk, which Parks says comes alive each summer from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Water-based play is listed and sensory-friendly spaces, but no restroom at the playground. If you swim, stay where lifeguards are on duty during the season, and keep an eye on the surf conditions.

- Neighborhood: Rockaway Beach
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: No restroom listed by NYC Parks at this playground.
- Subway: A to Beach 67 St (accessible), about 0.4 mi; also A/S to Beach 90 St (not accessible), about 0.6 mi
- Nearest accessible station: Beach 67 St (A), 0.4 mile, about an 8-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/601
- Coordinates: 40.5864, -73.8019

### 6. Hallets Cove Playground

Parks says it has one of the best views of any playground in the city: from the benches grown-ups can look out over Hallets Cove toward the Manhattan skyline while children climb and run. There is also a half-court basketball area. Parks lists a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible) and water-based play, and the nearest subway is a proper walk away, so decide how you are getting there.

- Neighborhood: Astoria
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: N/W to 30 Av (not accessible), about 0.8 mi; also N/W to Broadway (not accessible), about 0.8 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/612
- Coordinates: 40.7718, -73.9345

### 7. Travers Park Playground

A Jackson Heights park rebuilt with a great lawn, play equipment and a performance area with stadium seating, per Parks. The playground lists ground-level and water-based play and a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible). A genuinely local one.

- Neighborhood: Jackson Heights
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: E/F/M/R/7 to 74 St-Broadway (accessible), about 0.5 mi; also 7 to 82 St-Jackson Hts (not accessible), about 0.5 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/632
- Coordinates: 40.7543, -73.8893

### 8. Rufus King Park Playground

The playground shares a park with King Manor Museum, the historic house of Rufus King, so you can fit a short history lesson in between swings if the mood allows. Parks lists water-based play, accessible swings for under-5s and a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible).

- Neighborhood: Jamaica
- Ages: Toddlers and up (Parks lists accessible swings for under-5s)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: E/J/Z to Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer (accessible), about 0.2 mi; also F to Parsons Blvd (not accessible), about 0.3 mi
- Nearest accessible station: Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer (E/J/Z), 0.2 mile, about a 3-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/531
- Coordinates: 40.7039, -73.8034

### 9. Bayswater Playground

A Far Rockaway playground with a wheelchair-accessible restroom, ground-level and water-based play and accessible swings for both under-5s and ages 5 to 12, per Parks. Not on many visitor itineraries, which is partly why it is here.

- Neighborhood: Far Rockaway
- Ages: Toddlers to 12 (Parks lists accessible swings for both under-5s and ages 5 to 12)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: A to Beach 36 St (not accessible), about 0.3 mi; also A to Beach 25 St (not accessible), about 0.3 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/507
- Coordinates: 40.599, -73.7669

### 10. Fort Totten Playground

The playground is inside Fort Totten Park, which Parks describes as a preserved Civil War fortress with natural areas, historic buildings and an outdoor pool in summer. Parks lists ground-level play and no restroom at the playground, so it works best as one stop on a longer visit, and the park has a nature center if rain forces a change of plan.

- Neighborhood: Bayside
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: No restroom listed by NYC Parks at this playground.
- Subway: No subway nearby. Closest station: 7 to Flushing-Main St (accessible), about 3.6 mi. A bus or car is easier.
- Spray shower: no
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/744
- Coordinates: 40.7941, -73.778

## The best playgrounds in the Bronx

202 playgrounds in the Bronx on the NYC Parks list, 183 with spray showers, 107 within a 10-minute walk of an accessible station.

Full page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/playgrounds/best-bronx.html

### 1. Playground For All Children

Pelham Bay Park is more than three times the size of Central Park, per Parks, so the walk from wherever you left the car or bus is part of the day. The playground has a wheelchair-accessible restroom, ground-level and water-based play and accessible swings for under-5s. Pair it with Orchard Beach in summer.

- Neighborhood: Pelham Bay
- Ages: Toddlers and up (Parks lists accessible swings for under-5s)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: 6 to Pelham Bay Park (accessible), about 0.3 mi; also 6 to Buhre Av (not accessible), about 0.4 mi
- Nearest accessible station: Pelham Bay Park (6), 0.3 mile, about a 6-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/857
- Coordinates: 40.8486, -73.8256

### 2. Orchard Beach Playground

The playground at Orchard Beach, in Pelham Bay Park on the Long Island Sound shoreline. Parks lists a wheelchair-accessible restroom and sensory-friendly spaces but no specific play features, so go for the beach and treat the playground as the extra. Swim only in the guarded areas during the beach season.

- Neighborhood: Pelham Bay
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: No subway nearby. Closest station: 6 to Pelham Bay Park (accessible), about 1.9 mi. A bus or car is easier.
- Spray shower: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/860
- Coordinates: 40.8631, -73.7943

### 3. Van Cortlandt Classic Playground

Van Cortlandt Park is over a thousand acres and the city's third largest park, per Parks, with playgrounds scattered around its edges. This one has ground-level and water-based play, accessible swings for under-5s and a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible).

- Neighborhood: Van Cortlandt Park
- Ages: Toddlers and up (Parks lists accessible swings for under-5s)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: 4 to Mosholu Pkwy (accessible), about 0.5 mi; also 1 to Van Cortlandt Park-242 St (not accessible), about 0.5 mi
- Nearest accessible station: Mosholu Pkwy (4), 0.5 mile, about a 10-minute walk
- Spray shower: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/875
- Coordinates: 40.8852, -73.8906

### 4. Playground Of The Stars

One of nine playgrounds Parks lists in Crotona Park, which has a 3.3-acre lake that is home to turtles, ducks and fish. This one has water-based play and a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible).

- Neighborhood: Crotona Park
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: 2/5 to Freeman St (not accessible), about 0.6 mi; also 2/5 to 174 St (not accessible), about 0.7 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/834
- Coordinates: 40.8359, -73.9001

### 5. Poe Park Playground

The park is named for Edgar Allan Poe, who rented the white farmhouse that is now Poe Cottage for $100 a year from 1846 to 1849, per Parks. The playground has ground-level play and a wheelchair-accessible restroom and no spray shower. A short stop with a literary footnote for the parent who needs one.

- Neighborhood: Fordham
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: B/D to Kingsbridge Rd (accessible), about 0.2 mi; also 4 to Kingsbridge Rd (not accessible), about 0.2 mi
- Nearest accessible station: Kingsbridge Rd (B/D), 0.2 mile, about a 3-minute walk
- Spray shower: no
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/861
- Coordinates: 40.8648, -73.8945

### 6. Barretto Point Park Playground

A small East River park where, per Parks, people fish from the piers and take canoes and kayaks out. The playground has water-based play and a wheelchair-accessible restroom listed. Good if you want the Bronx waterfront without a long trip.

- Neighborhood: Hunts Point
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: 6 to Longwood Av (not accessible), about 0.8 mi; also 6 to E 149 St (accessible), about 0.9 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/1014
- Coordinates: 40.806, -73.888

### 7. Starlight Park Playground

A reconstructed 13-acre park on the Bronx River that, per Parks, has two playgrounds with spray showers, a floating dock and a link to the Bronx River Greenway across the pedestrian bridge at East 177th Street. Parks lists a wheelchair-accessible restroom and accessible swings for ages 5 to 12.

- Neighborhood: West Farms
- Ages: Mixed ages (Parks lists accessible swings for ages 5 to 12)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: 2/5 to 174 St (not accessible), about 0.4 mi; also 6 to Elder Av (not accessible), about 0.4 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/906
- Coordinates: 40.8343, -73.8821

### 8. Seton Park Playground

The park stands on the site of Seton Hospital, a tuberculosis hospital that opened in 1895 and closed in 1955, per the Parks sign text. The playground has water-based play and a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible).

- Neighborhood: Spuyten Duyvil
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: 1 to 231 St (accessible), about 0.8 mi; also 1 to 238 St (not accessible), about 0.9 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/963
- Coordinates: 40.8867, -73.917

### 9. Spuyten Duyvil Playground

Shares its name with the adjacent public school, the nearby creek and the neighborhood, per Parks, so you will need to say Spuyten Duyvil often enough to master it. Parks lists ground-level and water-based play and a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible).

- Neighborhood: Spuyten Duyvil
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: 1 to 238 St (not accessible), about 0.8 mi; also 1 to 231 St (accessible), about 0.8 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/941
- Coordinates: 40.8872, -73.9165

### 10. Paul's Playground

One of the playgrounds in Henry Hudson Park, a small park with a monument to the explorer and some very old trees, per Parks. Water-based play is listed and no restroom at this playground, so bring what you need.

- Neighborhood: Riverdale
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: No restroom listed by NYC Parks at this playground.
- Subway: 1 to Marble Hill-225 St (not accessible), about 0.7 mi; also 1 to 231 St (accessible), about 0.8 mi
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/870
- Coordinates: 40.8807, -73.9201

## The best playgrounds on Staten Island

61 playgrounds on Staten Island on the NYC Parks list, 43 with spray showers, 3 within a 10-minute walk of an accessible station.

Full page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/playgrounds/best-staten-island.html

### 1. Willowbrook (Carousel) Adventure Station

In Willowbrook Park, one of Staten Island's most popular Greenbelt parks, per Parks. The park is also home to the Carousel for All Children, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round with 51 hand-carved wooden animals, so check the carousel's current hours before you set off. Parks lists a wheelchair-accessible restroom at the playground.

- Neighborhood: Willowbrook
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: Staten Island has no subway. Nearest Staten Island Railway (SIR) station: New Dorp (accessible), about 3.0 mi. A bus or car is usually easier.
- Spray shower: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/784
- Coordinates: 40.6032, -74.158

### 2. Clove Lakes Park Playground

Clove Lakes Park is a protected Forever Wild site with lakes and ponds, per Parks, so there is more to do than swing. The playground has a wheelchair-accessible restroom, water-based play and accessible swings for under-5s.

- Neighborhood: Clove Lakes
- Ages: Toddlers and up (Parks lists accessible swings for under-5s)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: Staten Island has no subway. Nearest Staten Island Railway (SIR) station: Grasmere (not accessible), about 1.6 mi. A bus or car is usually easier.
- Spray shower: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/753
- Coordinates: 40.6185, -74.106

### 3. Wolfe's Pond Park Playground

Wolfe's Pond Park is a beach, a wildlife preserve and a recreation area, per Parks, so it suits a day with a mixed-age group. The playground has ground-level and water-based play and a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible).

- Neighborhood: Great Kills
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: Staten Island has no subway. Nearest Staten Island Railway (SIR) station: Prince's Bay (not accessible), about 0.8 mi. A bus or car is usually easier.
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/765
- Coordinates: 40.516, -74.1909

### 4. Silver Lake Park Playground

Silver Lake Park was created as Staten Island's answer to Central Park and Prospect Park, per Parks, with a lake loop to run or push a stroller around. The playground has a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible) and no water play listed.

- Neighborhood: Silver Lake
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: Staten Island has no subway. Nearest Staten Island Railway (SIR) station: Stapleton (not accessible), about 1.2 mi. A bus or car is usually easier.
- Spray shower: no
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/760
- Coordinates: 40.6282, -74.0988

### 5. Walker Park Playground

A plain neighborhood playground on the north shore. Parks lists a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible), sensory-friendly spaces and no specific play features, so it is a modest pick for a quick stop rather than a destination.

- Neighborhood: New Brighton
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: Staten Island has no subway. Nearest Staten Island Railway (SIR) station: Tompkinsville (not accessible), about 1.9 mi. A bus or car is usually easier.
- Spray shower: no
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/758
- Coordinates: 40.6437, -74.1104

### 6. South Beach Playground

On the FDR Boardwalk and Beach, so it fits easily into a boardwalk walk. Parks lists ground-level play and a public restroom (not wheelchair accessible). Check the beach season before planning a swim.

- Neighborhood: South Beach
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks (not wheelchair accessible). Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: Staten Island has no subway. Nearest Staten Island Railway (SIR) station: Old Town (not accessible), about 1.3 mi. A bus or car is usually easier.
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/776
- Coordinates: 40.5922, -74.0634

### 7. Midland Beach Playground

Another playground on the FDR Boardwalk and Beach, with water-based play and a wheelchair-accessible restroom listed by Parks. A reasonable stop between boardwalk strolls.

- Neighborhood: Midland Beach
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: Staten Island has no subway. Nearest Staten Island Railway (SIR) station: Dongan Hills (accessible), about 1.2 mi. A bus or car is usually easier.
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/778
- Coordinates: 40.5744, -74.0846

### 8. Seaside Wildlife Nature Playground

Parks calls it one of the city's most inventive playgrounds: entirely nautical, with a lighthouse, a shark to climb on, play units that resemble the Staten Island Ferry and a large shipwreck feature, surrounded by nearly 20 acres of salt marsh and native plants. No restroom is listed at the playground, so plan around that. Of the fifty playgrounds on this list, it is the one I would most like to see.

- Neighborhood: East Shore
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: No restroom listed by NYC Parks at this playground.
- Subway: Staten Island has no subway. Nearest Staten Island Railway (SIR) station: Great Kills (accessible), about 0.8 mi. A bus or car is usually easier.
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/813
- Coordinates: 40.5415, -74.1427

### 9. Schmul Park Playground

Parks describes a brightly colored playground with a spray shower, swings and a sandbox, at the Travis entrance to Freshkills Park. It lists a wheelchair-accessible restroom and accessible swings for under-5s.

- Neighborhood: Travis
- Ages: Toddlers and up (Parks lists accessible swings for under-5s)
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: Staten Island has no subway. Nearest Staten Island Railway (SIR) station: Great Kills (accessible), about 3.3 mi. A bus or car is usually easier.
- Spray shower: yes
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/775
- Coordinates: 40.5902, -74.1882

### 10. Blue Heron Tot Lot

A tot lot inside Blue Heron Park, which Parks lists with natural areas and a nature center. Parks shows a wheelchair-accessible restroom and a Sway Fun play feature, so it suits the youngest children best.

- Neighborhood: Blue Heron Park
- Ages: Young children; NYC Parks does not list age bands for this playground
- Restrooms: Public restroom listed by NYC Parks, wheelchair accessible. Park restrooms can have set hours, so check before you go.
- Subway: Staten Island has no subway. Nearest Staten Island Railway (SIR) station: Annadale (not accessible), about 0.7 mi. A bus or car is usually easier.
- Spray shower: no
- Lesser known: yes
- Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds/807
- Coordinates: 40.5307, -74.1774

## Indoor play for rainy and freezing days

Full page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/playgrounds/indoor.html

### Good Day Play Cafe

A cafe with a play space attached, for the 0 to 6 crowd, where you book a two-hour session and the grown-ups get coffee. The venue recommends reserving and says walk-ins are welcome if a session has room. Socks are required for adult and child, so pack spares, because somebody always loses one.

- Where: Park Slope
- Type: paid play space
- Ages: 0 to 6
- Price: $28.34 for one child for a 2-hour open play session; up to 2 adults per child; sibling prices are lower
- Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm in sessions (10am to 12pm, 12:30pm to 2:30pm, 3pm to 5pm); weekend hours can change around parties
- Subway: R to Prospect Av (not accessible), about 0.2 mi; also R/F/G to 4 Av-9 St (not accessible), about 0.4 mi
- Stroller: Not stated on the venue's pages; ring ahead (347-799-1152) if you are bringing a stroller.
- Official page: https://www.gooddayplaycafe.com/

### Kids Fun House

A Ridgewood indoor play center with open play sessions you can walk into or book. The pricing is simple: adults are free up to two per child, and the extra grown-up pays $10. Sessions change day to day, so look at the calendar before you head over, because a closed door on a rainy day is nobody's idea of fun.

- Where: Ridgewood
- Type: paid play space
- Ages: Children; the open play page does not state an age range, so check the site
- Price: Tuesday to Friday $17 per child, 2 adults free, each additional adult $10; Saturday, Sunday and holidays $22 per child, 2 adults free, each additional adult $10
- Hours: Open play sessions are listed on the calendar at kidsfunhouse.com (for example a Sunday session 10am to 12pm on October 4)
- Subway: M to Fresh Pond Rd (not accessible), about 0.3 mi; also M to Forest Av (not accessible), about 0.5 mi
- Stroller: Not stated on the page; call (718) 418-5437.
- Official page: https://www.kidsfunhouse.com/open-play-list

### Little Sharks Playground

An approximately 4,000 square foot indoor playground on Staten Island's South Shore for ages 1 to 11, with a toddler area for the younger ones. It is closed Monday and Tuesday, which is the sort of detail you only learn once, so I have put it here. Good for a freezing day when the ferry plans have collapsed.

- Where: Charleston, Staten Island
- Type: paid play space
- Ages: 1 to 11, with a dedicated toddler area
- Price: 2 hours $30 per child; 3 hours $36 per child; additional adults (12+) $10 each; groups of 8+ children get $5 off per child
- Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm
- Subway: Staten Island has no subway. Nearest Staten Island Railway (SIR) station: Richmond Valley (not accessible), about 1.4 mi. A bus or car is usually easier.
- Stroller: Not stated on the page; call (718) 612-5867.
- Official page: https://www.littlesharksplayground.com/indoor-playground-staten-island

### Twinkle Playspace

Twinkle describes custom-built exhibits that feel more like a children's museum than a playground, for the 6 and under crowd. Socks are required for children and adults. Older siblings aged 7 to 17 are not allowed in during open play, so it is a no for the seven-year-old and a yes for the four-year-old, and you should plan the split.

- Where: Williamsburg
- Type: paid play space
- Ages: 6 and under only
- Price: $23 per child, $15 per adult; 1 adult per 3 kids; siblings 12 months or younger do not need a ticket
- Hours: Open play sessions such as 10am to 12pm, 12:30pm to 2:30pm and 3pm to 5pm; check the booking page for the day
- Subway: L to Graham Av (not accessible), about 0.2 mi; also L/G to Lorimer St (accessible), about 0.4 mi
- Stroller: Not stated on the page; check with the venue.
- Official page: https://twinkleplayspace.com/openplay

### Brooklyn Children's Museum

Three floors of interactive exhibits, per the museum's site, with Totally Tots as the toddler favorite. It is a museum rather than a pure play space, so it earns its place here for a wet day with a child under about eight. Parks' Brower Park Playground is next door for the dry spells.

- Where: Crown Heights
- Type: museum play area
- Ages: 6 months to 10 years
- Price: $15 per person (discounted admission for partners)
- Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, closed Monday and Tuesday; no entry after 4:50pm
- Subway: 3 to Kingston Av (not accessible), about 0.4 mi; also C to Kingston-Throop Avs (not accessible), about 0.4 mi
- Stroller: Not stated on the visit page; check the museum's Know Before You Go page.
- Official page: https://www.brooklynkids.org/visit/

### Staten Island Children's Museum

On the Snug Harbor grounds, with hands-on exhibits including Pets & People, Sea of Boats and Portia's Playhouse, a fully outfitted stage. The Great Explorations exhibit is currently closed and a new Explore Staten Island exhibit is listed as launching in October 2026, so check before you go. It is a ferry ride and a bus away, so it makes a decent long day.

- Where: Snug Harbor, Staten Island
- Type: museum play area
- Ages: 1 and up
- Price: $10 for adults and children; under 1 free; members free
- Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm; members-only hour Wednesday to Friday 9am to 10am
- Subway: Staten Island has no subway. Nearest Staten Island Railway (SIR) station: Tompkinsville (not accessible), about 1.5 mi. A bus or car is usually easier.
- Stroller: Not stated on the page; see the museum's accessibility page (sichildrensmuseum.org/accessible/).
- Official page: https://www.sichildrensmuseum.org/visit/

### Children's Museum of Manhattan (PlayWorks)

CMOM's own page describes PlayWorks as a dedicated space for the youngest visitors, with daily programs for ages 0 to 4. The whole museum is aimed at ages 0 to 6, so it is a poor choice for the seven-year-old and a good one for the three-year-old. Tickets are cheaper online, and I'd book ahead on a rainy weekend.

- Where: Upper West Side
- Type: museum play area
- Ages: 0 to 6 (PlayWorks programs for 0 to 4)
- Price: $18 in person; $1 off when booked online; check the page for senior and infant pricing
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm
- Subway: 1 to 79 St (not accessible), about 0.2 mi; also 1 to 86 St (not accessible), about 0.2 mi
- Stroller: CMOM has a Strollers section on its plan your visit page; check it before you go.
- Official page: https://www.cmom.org/plan-your-visit/

### Bronx Children's Museum

The Bronx Children's Museum sits on the second floor of the Parks Powerhouse Building at the north end of Mill Pond Park, with the entrance on the Harlem River side. It has strict adult-to-child ratios, and the museum closes for a break at 1pm on some days, which is worth knowing before you arrive at 12:55.

- Where: Mill Pond Park, South Bronx
- Type: museum play area
- Ages: Young children; the museum asks for one adult for every three children
- Price: Children $8, adults $14, seniors $10; children under 1 free
- Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm; Wednesday and Friday 10am to 1pm (the museum's pages show seasonal hours, so check before you go)
- Subway: 4/2/5 to 149 St-Hostos (accessible), about 0.2 mi; also 3 to 145 St (not accessible), about 0.3 mi
- Stroller: Not stated; the museum is on the second floor of Parks' Powerhouse Building, so ask about the elevator.
- Official page: https://www.bxcm.org/visitus

### Children's Library Discovery Center

Queens Public Library says the Discovery Center has hands-on interactive exhibits and learning labs for children aged 3 to 12, run by a Discovery Team. It is free, which makes it one of the best rain-day answers in the borough, though it is a learning space rather than a run-around gym. Call ahead for program times.

- Where: Jamaica
- Type: free library play room
- Ages: 3 to 12
- Price: Free
- Hours: Central Library hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm
- Subway: F to 169 St (not accessible), about 0.2 mi; also F to Parsons Blvd (not accessible), about 0.5 mi
- Stroller: Central Library is listed as wheelchair accessible; stroller access is not described on the page.
- Official page: https://www.queenslibrary.org/programs-activities/kids/childrens-library-discovery-center

### Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) children's center

NYPL's page describes SNFL's new dedicated centers for children and teens. A Midtown library with a children's center is a handy backup when rain has wrecked the Bryant Park plan. Mommy Poppins describes the children's center as colorful with a massive rainbow couch, which is an accurate description of what will become a toddler's favorite object.

- Where: Midtown
- Type: free library play room
- Ages: Children (the library has a dedicated children's center)
- Price: Free
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 8am to 9pm, Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm
- Subway: 4/5/6/7/S to Grand Central-42 St (accessible), about 0.1 mi; also B/D/F/M/7 to 5 Av (not accessible), about 0.1 mi
- Stroller: Not stated on the page; check the NYPL branch page for accessibility.
- Official page: https://www.nypl.org/locations/snfl

### Park Slope Library children's room

A big children's section, which Mommy Poppins says takes up almost half the first floor. It is a library, not a play gym, so bring a book and low expectations about volume. Hours vary day to day (Tuesday opens at 1pm), which is worth a check before you walk over.

- Where: Park Slope
- Type: free library play room
- Ages: Children (kids' space takes up almost half the first floor, per Mommy Poppins)
- Price: Free
- Hours: Monday 10am to 6pm, Tuesday 1pm to 8pm, Wednesday 10am to 6pm, Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm
- Subway: F/G to 7 Av (accessible), about 0.2 mi; also R/F/G to 4 Av-9 St (not accessible), about 0.3 mi
- Stroller: Not stated on the page; check the branch page.
- Official page: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/park-slope

### Kingsbridge Library children's room

Mommy Poppins describes a spacious, bright children's space with soft flooring and bean bag chairs. NYPL's page says Kingsbridge is now open on Sundays, which makes it one of the few free options that late in the week. A quiet library room, not a gym.

- Where: Kingsbridge
- Type: free library play room
- Ages: Children
- Price: Free
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 7pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm
- Subway: 1 to 231 St (accessible), about 0.2 mi; also 1 to Marble Hill-225 St (not accessible), about 0.4 mi
- Stroller: Not stated on the page; check the NYPL branch page.
- Official page: https://www.nypl.org/locations/kingsbridge

### Charleston Library children's area

NYPL's page describes this 10,000 square foot branch as having areas for adults, children and teens, and calls it the newest NYPL branch. Mommy Poppins mentions play tables and a magnet letter wall in the children's area. It is a library, so bring a book, and note it is closed on Sundays.

- Where: Charleston, Staten Island
- Type: free library play room
- Ages: Children
- Price: Free
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am to 7pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 5pm, closed Sunday
- Subway: Staten Island has no subway. Nearest Staten Island Railway (SIR) station: Richmond Valley (not accessible), about 1.1 mi. A bus or car is usually easier.
- Stroller: Not stated on the page; check the NYPL branch page.
- Official page: https://www.nypl.org/locations/charleston

### Hunters Point Library

A Long Island City library with dedicated children's reading areas and water views of Manhattan, per Mommy Poppins. Queens Public Library lists it as the Hunters Point Library and Environmental Education Center. It is a quiet room rather than a play space, so treat it as a rainy-day reset between playground trips.

- Where: Long Island City
- Type: free library play room
- Ages: Children (dedicated children's reading areas, per Mommy Poppins)
- Price: Free
- Hours: Sunday 12pm to 5pm, Monday 10am to 6pm, Tuesday 1pm to 6pm, Wednesday 10am to 6pm, Thursday 12pm to 8pm, Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm
- Subway: 7 to Vernon Blvd-Jackson Av (not accessible), about 0.3 mi; also G to 21 St (not accessible), about 0.4 mi
- Stroller: The branch is listed as wheelchair accessible; stroller access is not described on the page.
- Official page: https://queenslibrary.org/about-us/locations/hunters-point

### Harlem Library children's room

Mommy Poppins describes a separate children's room on the second floor with toys and games, plus story times and STEAM events. Free, central and open Sundays from 1pm, which is useful. Check the elevator situation before you commit with a stroller.

- Where: Harlem
- Type: free library play room
- Ages: Children
- Price: Free
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 11am to 7pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm
- Subway: 2/3 to 125 St (not accessible), about 0.2 mi; also 4/5/6 to 125 St (accessible), about 0.3 mi
- Stroller: Not stated on the page; check the NYPL branch page.
- Official page: https://www.nypl.org/locations/harlem

## Sprinklers

NYC Parks lists 0 spray shower sites. By borough: Manhattan 0, Brooklyn 0, Queens 0, The Bronx 0, Staten Island 0. Full list: https://boroughsandbrood.com/playgrounds/sprinklers.html

## Getting there with a stroller

Every accessible subway station and the honest rules: https://boroughsandbrood.com/subway-with-a-stroller.html

## Questions people ask

**How many playgrounds are there in New York City?**

NYC Parks lists 1,012 playgrounds with dedicated children's areas: Manhattan 204, Brooklyn 288, Queens 257, The Bronx 202, Staten Island 61. Playgrounds inside big parks count separately, so Central Park alone has 22.

**When do the sprinklers turn on in NYC playgrounds?**

Spray showers usually run from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. In 2026 that's Monday, May 25 to Monday, September 7. Individual showers can be out of order, so check with NYC Parks before a special trip.

**Which NYC playgrounds have sprinklers?**

889 playgrounds on the NYC Parks list have spray showers, and NYC Parks lists 0 spray shower sites in all. Our sprinklers page lists them by borough and park, and the map has a spray shower filter.

**Are NYC playgrounds free?**

Yes. NYC Parks playgrounds are free and you don't need to book. Indoor play spaces are a different story, and our indoor list says which ones charge.

**Which playgrounds are near an accessible subway station?**

426 of the 1,012 playgrounds are within half a mile, about a 10-minute walk, of a station the MTA lists as accessible. Turn on that filter on our map. Elevators do go out of service, so check the MTA's elevator status before you set off.

**Do NYC playgrounds have restrooms?**

Some do, many don't. The bigger parks usually have a comfort station somewhere, but not always next to the playground, and seasonal hours vary. Each of our picks says what's there.

**Where can kids play indoors in NYC when it rains?**

Our indoor list has 15 places across the city, from free library play rooms to paid play spaces, with prices and hours where they're published.

## Sources

- NYC Parks: Playgrounds with Dedicated Children's Areas (NYC Open Data): https://data.cityofnewyork.us/Recreation/j55h-3upk
- NYC Parks: Spray Showers (NYC Open Data): https://data.cityofnewyork.us/Recreation/ckaz-6gaa
- MTA: Subway Stations (data.ny.gov): https://data.ny.gov/Transportation/MTA-Subway-Stations/39hk-dx4f
- NYC Parks playgrounds: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/playgrounds
- NYC Parks spray showers: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/spray-showers