About This Playground
🌳 Heckscher Playground is one of Central Park's largest playgrounds, located near Central Park South between 61st and 63rd Streets. The 1.8-acre playground features multiple play areas with varied equipment, water features, and climbing structures designed for children of different ages.
Visitor Experience: Heckscher Playground generally receives positive reviews from parents and caretakers who appreciate its variety of play equipment, spacious layout, and water features during summer. Visitors particularly enjoy the playground's integration with Central Park's natural environment.>
More about this playground
Playground Type
Address
E 65th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
Phone
(212) 310-6600
+1 212-310-6600
Coordinates
40.76846, -73.97723
Hours of Operation
Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.
Playground Features
Age Suitability
Suitable for children of various age groups, from toddlers to pre-teens, with separate areas designed for different developmental stages.
Equipment Available
Swings, slides, climbing structures, monkey bars, bridges, tunnels, and an elaborate water play area with sprinklers during summer months.
Shaded Areas
Several areas with shade from mature trees, particularly around the perimeter. Some play structures have partial shade depending on time of day.
Seating For Parents
Multiple benches scattered throughout the playground perimeter, allowing parents to supervise children from various vantage points.
Restroom Availability
Public restrooms available within the playground area, though they may be closed during winter months.
Drinking Fountains
Several drinking fountains located throughout the playground area.
Safety Accessibility
Fencing
Fully fenced playground with multiple gated entrances for safety.
Surface Material
Mix of rubber safety surfacing under play equipment, sand in some areas, and some concrete pathways.
Ada Accessibility
Playground has accessible entrances and some accessible play equipment, though not all structures are fully accessible.
Cleanliness Maintenance
Generally well-maintained by Central Park Conservancy, with regular cleaning and prompt repairs to equipment.
Additional Amenities
Nearby Parking
No dedicated parking, but street parking may be available on Central Park South or nearby streets (typically difficult to find and expensive).
Pet Policy
No pets allowed inside the playground area, though dogs are permitted in designated areas of Central Park outside the playground.
Bike Racks
Bike racks available near the playground entrances.
Nearby Food Options
Seasonal food carts near the playground and several cafes and restaurants along Central Park South.
Sports Areas
Adjacent fields used for informal sports, with official baseball fields nearby within Central Park.
Walking / Biking Trails Nearby
Connected to Central Park's extensive network of walking and biking paths.
Community Reviews
User Submitted Photos
Many visitors share photos showing children enjoying the water features in summer and the variety of climbing structures.
Recent Reviews
Recent reviews note the playground's cleanliness, variety of equipment, and popularity during peak times.
Crowd Levels
Very busy on weekends, holidays, and summer afternoons; mornings and weekdays tend to be less crowded.
Special Events
Occasional special events and programming organized by Central Park Conservancy, particularly during summer months.
User Experience
Entrance Fee
Free admission to all visitors.
Space For Groups
Spacious playground that can accommodate groups, though it becomes challenging during peak hours.
Nature Connection
Located within Central Park with mature trees and views of the park landscape.
Noise Level
Typically loud during busy periods, with ambient city noise in the background.
Aesthetic Design
Classic playground design that blends with Central Park's aesthetic, featuring natural materials and colors that complement the park setting.
Safety Regulations
Security Presence
Regular patrols by Central Park Conservancy staff and NYPD, especially during busy periods.
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, but Central Park has multiple visitor centers with basic first aid capabilities.
Community Interaction
Community Activities
Informal gathering spot for local families and nannies, with spontaneous social interactions among children and caregivers.
Social Interaction
Design encourages cooperative play and social interaction between children of various ages.
Sustainability Environment
Eco Friendly Practices
Part of Central Park Conservancy's sustainable management practices, which include water conservation and natural landscaping.
Renewable Energy
No specific renewable energy features in the playground itself.
Walkability Bike Access
Excellent walkability with multiple pedestrian entrances and connections to bike paths throughout Central Park.
Reviews
Hugo Krajnc
6 months ago
Most exciting and well equipped playground in Central Park, with water fountains, climbing towers, swings, both shaded and sunny areas, plenty of space, and most importantly: decent bathrooms at the entrance, so you don’t have to run far in an emergency or to get them re-dressed. Recommendable, and it’s also close to the south entrances so it’s also well connected to public transport
View on GoogleSerena Liao
8 months ago
The best playground we’ve been to in NYC as a visitor. Water castle, multiple natural boulder fields, separate age-appreciate areas, sand play and water play, plus bathroom and plenty of seatings for adults. Can’t ask for more. Bring a towel, so kids can easily change.
View on GoogleAbdulkarim ALZarouni
10 months ago
Family friendly spot in Central Park, the playground is located at the north side of the park. It's spacious and well maintained, providing ample room for kids to run around and play. What makes this playground unique is its proximity to a large rock formation. This rock not only adds a natural element to the playground but also offers a breathtaking view of the New York skyline. The view from the rock is particularly stunning at sunset, as the golden hues of the sun reflect off the city's skyscrapers, creating a magical sight. It's a perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of New York City. Whether you're a local looking for a peaceful escape or a tourist exploring Central Park, this playground and its adjacent rock offer a memorable experience for all ages.
View on GoogleAlex & Erika on YouTube
5 months ago
Awesome spot for the kids, during out 4 days in NYC we spent a few hours here one afternoon. The kids really enjoyed it. Great spot to let them run around and be kids.
View on GoogleMiriam Miriam
6 months ago
Excellent park for the summer time with waterplay and plenty of swings. The big rocks were the kid's favorite. They climbed up so quickly that it was hard to catch up. When we got up to the top of the rocks, there was one area with a weird poo smell - not sure if any cats or animals left that.. Anyway, it looks like a very popular spot for kids to play. The view is also so unique, being surrounded by trees and skyscrapers.
View on Google