Ready to discover all the playgrounds midtown Manhattan NYC has to offer? Whether you're visiting New York City with family, or just looking for things to do for kids in NYC, there's no shortage of outdoor play areas and jungle gyms in the concrete jungle near our Murray Hill hotel and the surrounding Tudor City neighborhood. And sometimes, when you're done with all the NYC attractions you can take, and your young ones aren't in the mood for yet another NYC art gallery, it's time for something to do in Manhattan that involves swinging, running, playing and screaming,... before heading back to your midtown Manhattan hotel suite for a well-deserved good night's sleep. Check out these great midtown NYC playgrounds to get the kids moving!
This urban enclave has both basketball & handball courts, a great kid's playground & even a wading pool. Since its renovation in 1936, this midtown NYC playground has pleased children of all ages with neat areas like its roller skating track, shuffleboard, and horseshoe pitching, as well as a field house and comfort station.
Address: 1st Avenue &, E 35th St, New York, NY 10016
Cross Street: 2nd Ave between East 35th & 36th St
Hours: Daily 6am-11pm
Cost: FREE
This 'sister' playground across the road from Mary O'Connor Playground features a small toddler playing area and ample room to park your strollers and paraphernalia, as you shut down mommy mode for a few, and text the Starbucks around the corner for a late afternoon pick-me-up mobile order, as your kids careen around the bars and slides.
Address: 328 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Cross Street: East 42nd St between 1st and 2nd Ave
Hours: Daily 6am-11pm
Cost: FREE
As you meander the well-worn streets of Tudor City, you'll notice that this historic area features two playgrounds across the street from each another on 42nd Street. This playground is a bit larger play space and has some swings and benches to park yourself and watch the kids. Just note that neither of these parks have a public restroom, so potty break beforehand!
Address: 327 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Cross Street: East 42nd St between 1st & 2nd Ave
Hours: Daily 6am-11pm
Cost: FREE
This 1.3-acre playground near midtown Manhattan is smack in the middle of the Murray Hill neighborhood just south of the United Nations Headquarters. Although there's no real jungle gym for kids here, your older tweens and teens might find it a good spot for basketball or some relatively safe, car-free bike riding. The park is dog friendly as well, so Fido is welcome!
Address: East 42nd Street and, 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Cross Street: 1st Ave between East 41st & 42nd St
Hours: Daily 6am-9pm
Cost: FREE
Named after the first African-American to win the Nobel Peace Prize, this peaceful, more 'adult' lounging space has a 50-foot tall obelisk reaching up to the sky from the park's center and is generally thought of as a small sliver-park and relaxation space for people to decompress and get out of their sight-seeing rut for a bit. The kids will like the greenery, and you can take in the sites.
Address: 1st Ave. &, E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Cross Street: 1st Ave between East 42nd & 43rd St
Hours: Daily 6am-1am
Cost: FREE
This neat little park can be found on one of New York’s most ambitious unbuilt projects, the Mid-Manhattan Expressway. Although it's a cozy space, there's only one way in and out of the playground so you can turn the kids lose without fear of them wandering off somewhere. A handicapped accessible play area, game tables and a handball court make this a great playground hangout break.
Address: 523 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016
Cross Street: 2nd Ave between East 29th & 30th St
Hours: Daily 6am-9pm
Cost: FREE
Often referred to as the 'health-centric' playground for adults and children alike, many people frequent this particular park to make circuits around its various exercise stations, as well as taking advantage of its volleyball & basketball courts. The decorative animal sculptures are delightful for all ages, and kids will absolutely love the playgrounds.
Address: Mt. Carmel Pl. &, E 27th St, New York, NY 10016
Cross Street: East 26th St To 28th St on 2nd Ave
Hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: FREE
This playground in Madison Square Park is a rememberance of NYPD Officer Moira Ann Smith - one of the many officers who selflessly gave their lives in order to save others on September 11, 2001. Located at the North side of Madison Square Park, this turret-festooned park features play structures, waterwheels and water-spouting splash pad elements, making it a favorite for kids in the summer!
Address: 38 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
Cross Street: Madison Ave between East 23rd & 26th St
Hours: 7am - dusk
Cost: FREE
