About This Playground
🌳 Billy Johnson Playground is a rustic, fairy tale-inspired play area in Central Park, NYC, featuring a 45-foot granite slide, rustic wooden equipment, and natural play spaces that blend with the park's landscape.
Visitor Experience: Highly rated by families, with visitors particularly praising the iconic granite slide, natural setting, and imaginative play opportunities. Many reviewers note it's a hidden gem in Central Park.>
More about this playground
Playground Type
Address
E 67th St, New York, NY 10022, USA
Phone
(212) 310-6600
+1 212-310-6600
Coordinates
40.76942, -73.96997
Hours of Operation
Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.
Playground Features
Age Suitability
Best for children 2-12 years old, with different areas catering to various age groups. The granite slide is popular with older children while younger ones enjoy the smaller play structures.
Equipment Available
45-foot granite slide (the centerpiece), rustic wooden climbing structures, swings, small amphitheater, sand play area, and miniature wooden playhouses.
Shaded Areas
Good natural shade from surrounding trees, particularly in the summer months. Some play areas remain sunny, especially near the main slide.
Seating For Parents
Wooden benches and stone seating areas scattered throughout, with additional seating near the amphitheater area.
Restroom Availability
No restrooms within the playground itself. Nearest public restrooms are located at nearby Bethesda Terrace or the Chess & Checkers House.
Drinking Fountains
One drinking fountain available near the playground entrance, though it may be seasonal.
Safety Accessibility
Fencing
Partially fenced playground with rustic wooden fencing that blends with the natural environment.
Surface Material
Mix of safety surfacing, sand areas, and natural materials including wood chips in some sections.
Ada Accessibility
Limited accessibility due to the rustic, hillside design. The main granite slide and some areas may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Cleanliness Maintenance
Generally well-maintained by Central Park Conservancy. Occasional issues with sand cleanliness during peak season.
Additional Amenities
Nearby Parking
No dedicated parking. Street parking is limited and expensive. Nearby parking garages available but walking or public transportation recommended.
Pet Policy
No pets allowed within the playground area. Dogs are permitted in designated areas of Central Park outside the playground.
Bike Racks
Bike racks available near the entrance to the playground.
Nearby Food Options
No food vendors directly at the playground. Several food carts near Bethesda Terrace and various restaurants along Central Park's edges within walking distance.
Sports Areas
No sports courts within the playground. Nearby areas in Central Park offer various sports facilities.
Walking / Biking Trails Nearby
Located within Central Park with immediate access to numerous walking paths, biking trails, and the main Central Park Loop.
Community Reviews
User Submitted Photos
Many photos showcase children enjoying the granite slide and rustic play structures. Fall and spring photos are particularly popular showing the playground among colorful foliage.
Recent Reviews
Recent visitors highlight the playground's unique aesthetic, shade coverage, and the thrill of the granite slide. Some mention crowds during peak weekend times.
Crowd Levels
Moderately busy on weekdays, very crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during good weather. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be less crowded.
Special Events
Occasional storytelling events at the amphitheater. Central Park Conservancy sometimes hosts seasonal activities for children.
User Experience
Entrance Fee
Free admission as part of Central Park.
Space For Groups
Suitable for small to medium groups. The amphitheater area provides space for small gatherings, though there's limited space for large organized groups.
Nature Connection
Excellent nature integration with design inspired by the children's classic In the Night Kitchen. Natural materials and landscape blend with Central Park surroundings.
Noise Level
Moderate noise level from playing children, but the natural setting helps buffer sound. Positioned away from major roadways.
Aesthetic Design
Rustic, fairy tale aesthetic with structures designed by architect M. Paul Friedberg. Notable for use of natural materials that harmonize with the surrounding park.
Safety Regulations
Security Presence
Regular Central Park security patrols. No dedicated playground security staff.
Rules Restrictions
Standard playground rules apply: adult supervision required, no smoking, no alcohol, no glass containers, and children must wear shoes.
First Aid Availability
No dedicated first aid station at the playground. Emergency assistance available through Central Park staff or by calling 911.
Community Interaction
Community Activities
Informal gathering spot for local families. Occasional organized storytelling events or seasonal activities hosted by the Central Park Conservancy.
Social Interaction
Design encourages cooperative play and social interaction, particularly at the slide where children often take turns and interact, and in the sand play areas.
Sustainability Environment
Eco Friendly Practices
Design emphasizes natural materials and landscape integration. Maintained by Central Park Conservancy with focus on environmental stewardship.
Renewable Energy
No specific renewable energy features within the playground.
Walkability Bike Access
Excellent walkability within Central Park. Accessible via multiple park entrances, with nearby bike lanes and Central Park's car-free hours enhancing accessibility.
Reviews
Ruth Barnet
3 months ago
Any parent knows that a fenced-in playground is where it’s at! This one has lots of fun structures to climb on, some slides, and some good spots for caregivers to sit down. I added some pics of just a small portion of the playground. There are also slides, a gazebo, and some little pathways.
View on GoogleBerend Broekhoff
9 months ago
Great playground to let your kids blow off steam from all the New York City chaos. I’ve come here three times now and my daughter gets more excited every time we go. What I like is that it’s constructed from natural materials which complement Central Park, the slides are made of carved rock which feels really smooth (much better than those stainless steel slides that turn into a grill in the summer sun). There is also lots of shade which is really nice on the warmer days!
View on GoogleJimmy
10 months ago
A great playground that has so many spots to explore for the kids. Needless to say the big slide is always a hit for all the visitors. Once they walk around they’ll discover the bridge, swings and climbing structures in addition to the large and small slides. A definite fun spot for the kids 🛝🦖👍
View on GoogleBecci Cantrell
2 years ago
What a beautiful park made with wood structures and stone steps so it is a natural and serene setting for parents and care givers with multiple play areas for kids. The park was unusually quiet the day we visited plus it is small so that made it easy for the kids to run around and us able to keep up with them. The park has a lot of shaded areas and landing areas are soft and covered in sand so not too rough on little ones knees. My kids (ages 5 & 9) gave it 5 stars!
View on GoogleMindy Ramirez
3 years ago
This is one of our favorite parks in New York it’s beautiful and very unique. It has a kiosk for a little sitting area. It has a water feature. It has a little climbing feature with nets. It has swings entire swings. But the main attraction is the rockslide. It has a lot a large one and a little one the kids can slide on and it’s made out of stone. Our kids always want to come to this part. It is located on the east side of the park about 1/3 from the south.
View on Google