Our Guide to the Most Interesting Playgrounds in NYC

The summer is winding down, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to break out the board games! Fall is arguably the best season to get outside and enjoy all that NYC has to offer and any New York City nanny knows to take advantage of the cooler weather by enjoying some of the best parks and playgrounds for kids.

However, if you’re looking to branch out from your “regular” neighborhood jaunt, here are some top-notch, fun and kid-friendly parks across the five boroughs! Hop on the subway and take the kids somewhere new where they can explore, climb, play, run, and imagine. These spots are more than just swings, slides and sandboxes, but are great places for kids to make new friends and form memories that will last a lifetime.

Break out the fall scarves and sweaters and treat yourselves to a hot cider on the way!  

If you're a New York City Nanny look no further! Here are our personal Top 5 NYC Playgrounds that are well worth the trip: 

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1.  Tom Otterness Playground in Midtown West

Since it’s grand opening in 2009, this playground has been a huge hit with art lovers and children alike! This giant Tom Otterness sculpture that doubles as a climbable jungle gym is a must-go for you and the kids. Aptly titled 'Playground,' the sculpture of a man has slides for legs, seats for hands and arms a child can shimmy up with ease.

Located on W. 42nd St and 11th Ave, this park is a short walk from several Subway stops. If the kids can’t get enough Otterness, take them on a second trip to the 14th Street Subway Station where they can see his “Life Underground” permanent sculpture exhibit. 

Visit the website here! 

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2. Billy Johnson Playground in Central Park

A trip to Central Park with the kids wouldn’t be complete without a quick (or not so quick) excursion to the Billy Johnson Playground and one (or many) turns down the 45-foot-tall, carved granite slide that awaits in the leafy playground. This charming New York City spot has withstood the test of time, and become a staple of Manhattanite childhood memories. It also boasts an extensive sand area, rustic summerhouse-like structures made of wood, and a stone bridge alone which alone would endear it to kids and grown-ups alike.

​Visit the website here!

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3. Ancient Playground in Central Park

So long as we’re talking Central Park, we can’t leave this playground off the list. Walk over towards the Metropolitan Museum of Art and check out the Egyptian-inspired Ancient Playground. Despite it’s name, this is one of the most recently reconstructed playgrounds in the area. The playground's climbing pyramids, obelisk and sundial were inspired by the museum's collection of Egyptian Art. In the main play area, pyramid-shaped climbers with slides and tunnels are linked by concrete bridges. Additional wooden climbers are ideal for older children who love to climb and explore. For younger children, the playground has an obelisk-shaped structure set in a sandbox. Bucket, tire and strap swings accommodate children of all ages.

​Visit the website here!

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4. J.J. Byrne Playground in Park Slope

Brooklyn nannies (like us) have been huge fans of the J.J. Byrne Playground ever since its very-grand re-opening in 2012. However, even if you don’t live close by, this park is well worth the trek. After many years and millions of dollars in renovations, the park is now a marvel of off-beat attractions and activities for kids of all ages. It has distinct play areas for kids of different ages. The playground has a nice design flow featuring bucket swings, animal picture boards, little kid equipment and a gated toddler area on one side and more challenging apparatus for older children on the other side. The equipment on the big kid side includes lots of ways to climb, spin and balance, as well as sectioned off big kid swings. There are lots of benches under shady trees in the playground, where you can relax while keeping a mindful eye on the kids. J.J. Byrne Playground is located in Washington Park on Fifth Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets in Park Slope.

​Visit the website here! 

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5. Playground for All Children in Queens

When it first opened in 1984, this Queen playground was the first of its kind; designed to accommodate kids of all abilities and disabilities. It has since served as a prototype for similar playgrounds worldwide. The site features a wide variety of activities for children ages 3 to 12.  A network of wheelchair-accessible ramps connect various jungle gyms, play equipment, nature trails, sports areas, and meadows with Braille signs marking the way. 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. It is sure to be a place of unfettered fun for all. Located within Flushing-Meadows Corona Park, this playground can be a fun addition to a trip to the New York Hall of Science! If you're a New York City nanny, add this to your list for a Columbus Day trip!

​Visit the website here!

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Have a favorite NYC playground that we forgot to include on our list? Include it in the comments below! 

Happy Playing! 
- Kith & Kin