Sometimes the swings and a sandbox just aren’t enough, especially during the hot summer months. Good thing plenty of local public parks within the city are equipped with exciting water features to help you and your kids stay refreshed this season. Take a look at this list and visit these playgrounds during humid summer days to have fun, be active, and stay hydrated with the little ones. Don’t forget to pack swim suits or a change of clothes!
[To check out our complete 2015 Summer Fun Guide, click HERE.]
Central Park
Ancient Playground: This playground is known for its climbing pyramids, obelisk, and sundial, which are reminiscent of ancient Egypt. But on top of these features, the playground also has user-activated water features, such as the two bridges with flowing water that fall into a cascading waterfall, and an area perfect for kids that gently sprays water from nozzles along the wall. East Side at 85th Street, centralparknyc.org
Heckscher Playground: In addition to curvy slides and swings on Astroturf and a maze-like climber, this park also has a water feature with tunnels, ramps, and slides that sprays water into the air and onto your feet. There’s also a semi-enclosed area where younger kids can cool off in the spray. Central Park at West 65th Street, centralparknyc.org
Rudin Family Playground: In the center of this playground, three granite posts shoot out water for kids to run through, creating rainbow illusions when the sun shines down on the sprinklers. Central Park at West 97 Street, centralparknyc.org
Brooklyn
Harmony Playground(Prospect Park): This music-themed park includes interactive xylophones and spacious sandboxes where kids can hide their treasures; it also features huge, water-spraying trumpets. 64 West Drive, near Prospect Park West and 10th Street, Brooklyn, nycgovparks.org
Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park: Cool off in the Water Lab on Pier 6, which features a water jet field for the kids to explore. When they tire of the splashing, they can check out the two-story slides at Slide Mountain, or play in the Sandbox Village. Off Atlantic Avenue, brooklynbridgepark.org
Splash Pad at the LeFrak Center in Prospect Park : The LeFrak Center at Lakeside boasts the largest water play area in all of Prospect Park, Brooklyn. A shallow layer of water spanning over 16,000 square-feet is bounded by 47 spray jets perfect for youth to run through. Dry off and explore other activities in the center, like roller skating, the Bluestone Café, and surrounding picnic areas. 171 East Drive, Brooklyn, prospectpark.org
Uptown
Neufeld (Elephant) Playground: A local favorite, this park boasts a huge jungle gym, sand table, and swing sets surrounded by large sculpture elephants that spray water from their trunks. Riverside Park at 76th Street, riversideparknyc.org
River Run Playground: Hop off the swings or merry-go-round into the tall fountain leading into the cool stream that runs through the middle of the playground. Riverside Park at 83 Street, nycgovparks.org
Arthur Ross Terrace, Central Park West and 79th Street: Adjacent to the upper levels of the Hayden Planetarium on the Upper West Side, the Ross Terrace is one acre of luscious grass, shady trees, and granite patios, usually supplied with an ice cream stand during sweaty summer days. In the middle of the terrace lays a flat fountain inlaid with tiny mirrors and lights that resemble stars and recreate constellations. Kids are free to run through the thin carpet of water, and adults are welcomed to dip their feet in or lie down in the grass for gentle sprinkling, too. West 81st Street and Columbus Avenue
Chelsea & Flatiron
Chelsea Waterside Play Area: This Chelsea park has huge sprinklers that’ll be sure to douse the kids and revitalize them after a long day of running around in the summer heat. West 23rd Street and 11th Avenue, hudsonriverpark.org
Moira Ann Smith Playground: Run around and climb structures in this Madison Square park playground, but make sure to cool off by darting through sprinklers or soaking yourself underneath the 15-foot water wheel. 26th Street and Madison Avenue, madisonsquarepark.org
Downtown
The Bosque: This Lower Manhattan oasis, filled with 53,000 square feet of gardens is an oasis right in Battery Park City. At the center of the garden lies a 40 ft-wide spiral fountain kids can jump into for an extra rush of energy. Near 17 State Street, thebattery.org
Imagination Playground: Designed to spark children’s imaginations, this interactive, David Rockwell-designed playspace in the South Street Seaport also features a water area where kids can use PVC pipes to build damns and manipulate the flow. 2 Fulton Street, imaginationplayground.com
Nelson A. Rockefeller Park: Park highlights include wide, grassy lawns perfect for picnics and great views of the Hudson River. The water area features elephant water fountains that kids can ride on, and dog heads spewing water into a trough that younger kids can splash in without getting completely drenched. North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace; bpcparks.org
Pearl Street Playground: This playground –which benefited from a $2.1 million renovation in 2012–includes play equipment for tots and a soft surface that absorbs heat. Along with a new garden area, the park also has spray showers for kids who want to cool down. Fulton Street and Pearl Street, nycgovparks.org
Teardrop Park: Teardrop Park feels more like a natural spring than it does a Manhattan playground! Immerse yourself in the sunken water play spot surrounded by boulders and tiered rocks to feel like you’ve taken a one-day escape from NYC. Between Warren Street and Murray Street, East of River Terrace and West of North End Avenue, bpcparks.org
