Heckscher Playground and Park
add photosHeckscher Playground and Park in Central Park is a 3 acre playground which makes it the largest playground and the only one located in the southern area of Central Park. The playground offers a range of play equipment including 14 swings, seesaws, and a wooden suspension bridge; it also features its own restroom facilities. The ball fields are also equipped with bleachers for the convenience of spectators.
3 Reviews for Heckscher Playground and Park
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'10, '11, '12
0 families found this helpful
"Definitely a destination playground"
Nothing about Heckscher Playground in Central Park is prefab. Everything is custom build to look like a fort. Although the playground is one the older side, it looks like it gets some updating every so often. There is a ton of space for older kids to run around without knocking over little ones.
My favorite thing about the playground is the setting. We were there in the fall and the trees were in a dazzling array of colors. I felt surrounded by beauty as I sat watching the kids play. In the distance, you can see tall apartment buildings around Columbus Circle.
Another delightful surprise we discovered is the large rock kids just loved clambering all over right outside the fence of the playground. It seemed like the granite rocks were the inspiration for the playground. Our kids had so much fun on this rock, it might be the thing they remember most about their trip to New York.
I was visiting with an old friend who I hadn't seen in several years and we had 4 boys ages 4 to 8. We were actually able to have a conversation because the boys were so happy playing and chasing each other around. It's mostly fenced in, so you can keep your eye on the two entrances/exits.
Bathrooms are right in the main entrance, and they were actually surprisingly clean.
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0 families found this helpful
"Get a map and find your way here"
This is definitely one of the best playgrounds in NYC. Summers can be brutal in NYC for kids and this is a great place for kids to cool off. The stream that meanders through tunnels and across ladders into a set of sprinklers is fun for a large range of kids. The man-made hills are great for toddlers and preschoolers to explore and run on. The other play equipment and slides are in relatively decent shape since the playground was renovated only about 3 years ago.
My other choice would for water fun in the city would be Washington Square Park for kids in Lower Manhattan.
1 family found this helpful
"The best playground in Central Park"
This is by far the best playground (and newest) for school aged kids! There's a suspension bridge and water play area! Wonderful slides and nets to climb! Its not on the edge of Central Park like most playgrounds in CP but rather in the middle, so you may not find it unless you are looking for it! but its worth the hunt! It even has its own bathroom facilities!
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