Best Playgrounds on the UES 2023

Margaret L. Kempner Playground

Location: Located at 5th Av & E 96th St, New York, NY 10128
ACESSIBILITY

Accessible surface, water feature, transfer to sand area, and sand table; adaptive swings; ramped play structure

FEATURES

Wooden play structures with climbers and slides; tire, bucket, and strap swings, a sandbox and sandtable, water feature, and picnic tables in a landscape play area.

WATER FEATURE

Yes

RESTROOMS

No restrooms

Robert Bendheim Playground

Location: East side at 100th Street

RESTROOMS

Open late March through early November, 7:00 AM to dusk. Wheelchair accessible.

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessible surface, water feature, and sand table; ramped play structure; adaptive swings

FEATURES

A large play structure, tunnels, slides, sound-generating play components, wheelchair-accessible ramps, a sandbox with raised sand tables, water feature, and bucket swings.

WATER FEATURE

Yes

Samuel Seabury Playground

Location: Situated on East 96th Street, between Lexington and Third Avenues, on the Upper East Side of NYC.
Play Structures: Offers a variety of engaging play equipment, including swings, slides, climbing frames, and interactive elements.
Age-specific Play Areas: Multiple designated areas catering to different age groups for tailored play experiences.
Splash Pad: Features an expansive splash pad with water fountains, sprayers, and misters for refreshing fun during the summer.
Seating and Shaded Areas: Ample seating and shaded spots for parents and guardians to relax while keeping an eye on their children.
Recreational Sports Facilities: Basketball court for shooting hoops and a multi-purpose field for soccer and other team sports.
Nearby Amenities: Close proximity to public restrooms, water fountains, local eateries, and park areas for added convenience.
Accessible to All: Designed to be accessible for children of all abilities, ensuring inclusivity and equal enjoyment for everyone.
Tranquil Atmosphere: Surrounded by trees and greenery, creating a peaceful and inviting ambiance.

Cat Bird Playground

Location: East 86th Street and East End

Has Restrooms: Has public restroom, but not wheelchair-accessible
Accessible Play Elements
Types of Accessible Play Features: Ground-level play features, Water-based play features
Ramps: Yes
Mobility Transfer Systems: Yes
Accessible Swings (Under Age 5): Yes
Accessible Swings (Ages 5-12): No

Accessible Amenities
Companion Seating (Space in between benches for wheelchair users): Yes
Benches with backs and armrests: Yes
Accessible Game Tables: Yes
Accessible Drinking Fountains: Yes
Sensory-Friendly Spaces for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Yes
Multi-Sensory Play Experiences for Children with Sensory Impairments: Auditory, Tactile, Visual
Water Feature: YES

Ancient Playground

LOCATION

 East Side at 85th

AGES

Pre-school, School-age

RESTROOMS

Open 7:00 AM to dusk. Wheelchair accessible.

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessible surface, water feature, and transfer to sand area; ramped play structure; adaptive swings

FEATURES

Climbers, slides, tunnels, concrete bridges, sandbox, and bucket, tire, strap swings, and water feature

WATER FEATURE

Yes

DeKovatz Playground

Amenities

Has Restrooms: No

Accessible Play Elements

Types of Accessible Play Features: Water-based play features

Ramps: No

Mobility Transfer Systems: No

Accessible Swings (Under Age 5): No

Accessible Swings (Ages 5-12): No

Accessible Amenities

Companion Seating (Space in between benches for wheelchair users): Yes

Benches with backs and armrests: Yes

Accessible Game Tables: Yes

Accessible Drinking Fountains: Yes

Water Feature: YES

Inclusive Play Elements

Sensory-Friendly Spaces for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Yes

Multi-Sensory Play Experiences for Children with Sensory Impairments: None

Rupert Playground and Park

Amenities

Has Restrooms: No

Accessible Play Elements

Types of Accessible Play Features: Water-based play features

Ramps: No

Mobility Transfer Systems: No

Accessible Swings (Under Age 5): No

Accessible Swings (Ages 5-12): No

Accessible Amenities

Companion Seating (Space in between benches for wheelchair users): No

Benches with backs and armrests: No

Accessible Game Tables: Yes

Accessible Drinking Fountains: Yes

Water Feature: YES

Inclusive Play Elements

Sensory-Friendly Spaces for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Yes

Multi-Sensory Play Experiences for Children with Sensory Impairments: None

RUTH AND ARTHUR SMADBECK-HECKSCHER EAST PLAYGROUND

LOCATION
East Side at 79th
AGES
Toddler, Pre-school
RESTROOMS
No restrooms
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessible surface, water feature, transfer to sand area, and sand table; adaptive swings
FEATURES
Bucket swings, a climber, slide, water feature, and sandbox with a sand table.
WATER FEATURE
Yes

JAMES MICHAEL LEVIN PLAYGROUND

LOCATION

 East Side at 76th

AGES

Pre-school, School-age

RESTROOMS

No restrooms

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessible surface, water feature, and transfer to sand area; adaptive swings

FEATURES

Deck climber, bucket swings, water feature, and a large sandbox.

WATER FEATURE

Yes

Heckscher Playground (Central Park’s largest and oldest playground)

LOCATION
Mid-Park between 61st and 63rd
AGES
Pre-school, School-age
RESTROOMS
Open 7:00 AM to dusk. Wheelchair accessible.
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessible surface, water feature, and transfer to sand area; adaptive swings
IN THESE GUIDES
Meet the Trees of Central Park
FEATURES
Swings, slides, water feature, and a large, maze-like climber.
WATER FEATURE
Yes

Billy Johnson Playground

LOCATION

 East Side at 67th

AGES

Pre-school, School-age

RESTROOMS

No restrooms

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessible surface, water feature, and sand table; adaptive swings

FEATURES

Bucket and tire swings, an amphitheater spray feature, two granite slides set into a hill, a rustic net climber, and a sandbox and sand table, all set in a miniature park landscape with rustic structures and stone bridge.

WATER FEATURE

Yes