When we received a press release a few months ago about the expanded 15,000-foot playground re-opening in Union Square Park, we thought . . . okay, another new playground. Sounds good. But when we checked it out on Sunday (with some junior “assistants”), we found a truly special oasis of child activity and merriment. — The people who designed this space really have learned from the last 10 years of advances in playground fun and functionality, and just about every feature is the best of its kind: the obstacle-accessorized climbing vines, the slides bursting out of rock quarries, angled twirly hang-on-if-you-can spinners, and the crown jewel, the stainless steel mountain orb (the first in the city). The playground is divided into a space for smaller children up to about age 4 (with the requisite sandbox), and big kid area, which has enough great stuff to challenge children from ages 5 to 12. If you don’t live in the area, this playground is worth treating as a destination spot, especially since you can combine your trip with a picnic in the park, shopping at the Union Square Greenmarket, and visits to Barnes & Noble, Books of Wonder, Max Brenner, and the other spots in the area. PS: Let your child meander through the mini flower garden by the statue of Ghandi at the other end of the park—and try to explain to them the importance of Ghandi! PPS: The area near the playground will have a water park with a big fountain and misters as the weather gets hotter.
Relevant Directory Listings
See MoreWCS Education - Wildlife Conservation Society
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Explore nature, learn about the planet, and get close to animals&mdash;all in New York City! WCS zoo and aquarium day camps are for every young adventurer, from toddlers to teens. Campers experience hands-on learning, from STEAM classrooms and animal exhibits to nature trails and the beach. Recognized as industry leaders, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Education Department was the first of its kind to offer zoo camps and continues to provide award-winning programming. Visit wcs.education/camps to explore summer camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium!</span></span></p>
Academics West
<p>Academics West is an accredited high-support college preparatory school designed to meet the academic and social-emotional goals of its students. Our unique model allows for each student to benefit from a customized educational experience to ensure they are acquiring the skills necessary to navigate their post-secondary lives whether they attend college or pursue another path to future success. Students can select different tracks to construct the most beneficial program to suit their needs and goals. Unlike conventional education, this innovative model enables students to prepare for an ever-changing world that requires young people to have advanced executive functioning, interpersonal and leadership skills to become independent and resilient adults. &nbsp;</p>
Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp
<p>Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp offers five daily rotating activities such as swimming, ice skating gymnastics, rock climbing, parkour, indoor/outdoor turf, and courts plus more in its ample 175,000 sq. ft. facility and 35-acre outdoor area. Aviator Summer Camp also offers off-site and on-site field trips such as a day at Green Meadows Farm, Launch Trampoline Park, and a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The summer camp runs from 9 am-5 pm with early drop off and late stay available. Bus transportation is also available throughout Brooklyn. Lunch and an afternoon snack are included. Sign up by February 28th to receive up to $300 off camp with early bird discounts.</p>
