About This Playground
🌳 Ancient Playground is a unique Egyptian-themed playground located adjacent to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Central Park, New York City. Its design was inspired by the Temple of Dendur exhibit at the Met, featuring pyramid-shaped climbing structures, obelisks, and sand areas that reflect ancient Egyptian architecture.
Visitor Experience: Ancient Playground receives consistently positive reviews from families, with many praising its unique theme, varied play equipment, and proximity to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Visitors particularly appreciate the creative design that combines fun with educational elements about ancient Egypt.>
More about this playground
Playground Type
Address
Museum Mile, New York, NY 10028, USA
Phone
(212) 310-6600
+1 212-310-6600
Coordinates
40.78073, -73.96143
Hours of Operation
Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.
Playground Features
Age Suitability
The playground is designed for children of various ages, with separate areas for younger children (2-5 years) and older children (5-12 years).
Equipment Available
Egyptian-themed climbing pyramids, obelisk-shaped structures, tunnels, slides, swings, spinners, balance beams, and a large sandbox area for creative play.
Shaded Areas
Moderate shade from surrounding trees, though the main play areas receive direct sunlight during midday hours.
Seating For Parents
Several benches located around the perimeter of the playground, allowing parents to monitor children while resting.
Restroom Availability
Public restrooms available nearby in Central Park, but not directly within the playground area.
Drinking Fountains
Water fountains are available within the playground for hydration.
Safety Accessibility
Fencing
The playground is fully enclosed with decorative fencing that incorporates Egyptian design elements, with designated entry/exit points.
Surface Material
Safety surfacing includes rubber mats under play equipment, some concrete pathways, and sand play areas.
Ada Accessibility
Partially accessible with paved pathways leading to and through portions of the playground, though some play features may not be fully accessible to all mobility levels.
Cleanliness Maintenance
Well-maintained by NYC Parks Department with regular cleaning and equipment inspections. The sandbox is regularly raked and cleaned.
Additional Amenities
Nearby Parking
Limited street parking available on Fifth Avenue, but public transportation is recommended. Paid parking garages are available in the vicinity but can be expensive.
Pet Policy
No pets allowed within the playground area, as per standard NYC playground regulations.
Bike Racks
Bike racks are available near the entrance to the playground for visitor use.
Nearby Food Options
Vendors and food carts can be found along Fifth Avenue and within Central Park. The Metropolitan Museum also has cafes and dining options.
Sports Areas
No dedicated sports areas within the playground itself, but Central Park offers numerous athletic fields, courts, and facilities nearby.
Walking / Biking Trails Nearby
Located within Central Park, the playground is surrounded by extensive walking paths, biking trails, and jogging tracks that connect to the larger park system.
Community Reviews
User Submitted Photos
Many visitors share photos highlighting the Egyptian-themed structures and children enjoying the pyramid climbers and sandbox areas.
Recent Reviews
Visitors frequently mention the playground's unique theme, its educational value, and how well it complements a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Crowd Levels
Typically busy on weekends and during summer months, especially after museum visits. Less crowded on weekday mornings and during the school year.
Special Events
Occasionally hosts educational programs in partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, particularly during school holidays and summer months.
User Experience
Entrance Fee
Free public playground with no admission charges.
Space For Groups
Ample space for small to medium-sized groups, though the playground can become crowded during peak times. School groups often visit after museum tours.
Nature Connection
Located within Central Park with mature trees surrounding the playground, offering a nice balance of nature and play structures.
Noise Level
Moderate to high noise level, particularly during busy periods, though the surrounding park helps buffer some noise.
Aesthetic Design
Distinguished by its Egyptian-inspired design elements that reference the Temple of Dendur and other exhibits from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, creating an educational play environment.
Safety Regulations
Security Presence
Regular patrols by Central Park Conservancy staff and occasional NYPD presence in the area.
Rules Restrictions
Standard NYC playground rules apply: no adults without accompanying children, no smoking, no alcohol, playground closes at dusk.
First Aid Availability
No dedicated first aid station, but Metropolitan Museum security and Central Park staff can assist with emergencies.
Community Interaction
Community Activities
Sometimes hosts community events and children's programs, especially those connected to the adjacent Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Social Interaction
Design encourages collaborative play, with multiple children able to use climbing structures and sandbox simultaneously, fostering social development.
Sustainability Environment
Eco Friendly Practices
Part of Central Park's broader sustainability initiatives, with recycling bins available and environmentally friendly maintenance practices.
Renewable Energy
No specific renewable energy features on site, though Central Park Conservancy implements sustainable practices throughout the park.
Walkability Bike Access
Highly walkable location accessible via Central Park's path system, with nearby subway stations (80th-81st Street) and bus stops along Fifth Avenue. Citibike stations are located nearby for bike sharing.
Reviews
Bridget Stouffer
4 months ago
I live around the corner and nanny in the neighborhood. This is a great location and the playground is unique but better for 5yr +. Not good for toddlers and the adults watching them. It needs more ladders for little ones
View on GoogleOulfa
3 months ago
One of the best playgrounds in CP. Spacious and for a all ages
View on GoogleSteve Vera
a year ago
Visited with my granddaughter. The playground definitely was a good positive challenge for her from your traditional NYC Parks Dept set ups. I like the seating along the perimeter which allows parents to keep an eye on their children. Glad the sprinklers by the sand pit were on that helped with both cooling the kids off and removing the bulk of the sand before getting into the car at end of day. There seemed to be difficulty getting the taller sprinklers on so older children were stuck using other sprinklers which always becomes a problem with time. Otherwise clean, restrooms open, no homeless inside park area and well maintained.
View on GoogleChelsea Kelly-Sipe
2 years ago
Great playground near The Met with clean bathrooms, seating for observers and fun play structures for a variety of ages. Pro tip: there are two sides to the bathrooms. The bathrooms on the inside of the play area (not the ramp side) are usually empty.
View on GoogleYlislovelook
2 years ago
It’s ancient because of the Egyptian theme with the pyramids, I liked that it has water splash pad and sand pit however the pyramids isn’t really good for younger kids and it’s not a park you can sit and watch your kids you literally have to keep going around with them to see where they are due to the tunnels and pyramids , where I kept having to help my niece climb and bring her down . I was frustrated the whole time . I like the area it’s nice location next to the Moma museum other than that wasn’t my favorite
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