The ULTIMATE Guide to HECKSCHER PLAYGROUND in Central Park New York

INSIDE: The Complete Guide to the Heckscher Playground Central Park with stone forts and tunnels for kids. Updated 2019.

The friendly policemen pointed us in the right direction to Heckscher Playground, the oldest playground in Central Park in New York. 

But before we headed off, we took that iconic photo with a New York City policeman selfie.

Because you have to, right?

(It made our day!)

Then the kids RACED across the grass to this kids playground.

Heckscher Playground Central Park

Heckscher Park Playground, the oldest playground in Central Park, was originally built back in 1926!

This childrens playground is a fort-and-tunnel style with:

• bridge walks
• turrets
• multiple slides

Underground tunnels cut their way through stone domes.

Multiple slides take the children back down from up high on the forts.

The playground backs onto giant-sized boulder rock formations – a parkour lover’s dream.

These rocks are just as good as the playground equipment – kids are all over them!

Unique Central Park Playground

I can’t quite put my finger on what this part of the playground reminds me of.

One minute, I’m thinking ancient Egyptian pyramids.

The next, future space stations on Mars.

One thing is for sure, this playground was before its’ time, and it continues to capture the imaginations of kids from around the world.

Equipment at Central Park Heckscher Playground for Kids

At Heckscher Park playground in Manhattan, there’s also :

• a water playground inside three adjoining paved circles (kind of like mystery crop circles…. the space theme continues!)

• a separate swing zone, with multiple swings and two giant-sized slippery dips on either side

Heckscher Central Park Playground Giant Sandbox

Centre stage, there’s a giant sandpit zone, with a climbing net.

In the centre of the sandpit sits a twin-carriage toddler-sized slide set on a smaller pyramid structure.

The Heckscher playground at Central Park was reconstructed in 2005, and is fully fenced.

It’s definitely one of the best Manhattan playgrounds, and up there on our list of the best playgrounds in New York City for kids from toddlers to elementary school.

Heckscher Fields Central Park Ballgames

The Heckscher Ballfields consist of six baseball and softball fields located at 63rd Street, west of the Carousel.

Baseball and softball leagues from all over the city play on these six fields every year.

You’ll be most likely to find a game in play during May to July, and there’s plenty of seating for you to stop and enjoy this New York family tradition.

Heckscher Park Events

There’s lots of FREE and low-cost Central Park events and attractions, including storytelling, guided walks, kids adventure tours and more.

Click the blue link for current Central Park events.

Visiting Central Park should be on your list if you are looking for interesting things to do in New York City with kids. We spent three WHOLE days on our last trip wandering the park, visiting all the Central Park playgrounds and visiting the museums that border Central Park.

We barely scratched the surface!

Exploring New York playgrounds

Hand on heart, my favourite thing about travelling with kids is exploring local playgrounds.

It’s hands-down the best way to find and meet locals, if only for a few minutes chat. Manhattan locals are happy to share their top tips on the best places to visit with kids in New York.

We have been given so many golden nuggets of insider travel from awesome mums (moms) and dads we’ve met while pushing a swing, catching a child at the bottom of a slide, or sharing a smile as our offspring played alongside one another, as brand new ‘best friends’.

Heckscher Playground was no different.

I chatted to a few Manhattan moms who gave us tips on where to eat with kids in New York City, other Central Park Children’s playgrounds we must visit, where to find more Central Park swings, and fun interesting things to do in New York City with children in tow.

The places they go when they head out with the kids.

NOT the tourist stuff.

Heckscher Park Central Park, a favourite with NY locals

Turns out the Heckscher Playground is a popular haunt with locals, and visiting families with kids, because it’s the closest playground to the W59th st entrance to Central Park.

This is the road across from The Plaza, where the horse-and-carriage rides wait.

It’s also within walking distance from the Empire State building, Radio City Music Hall and the Rockefeller Center LEGO brick store.

Don’t be put off by the dry landscape if you are visiting after winter like we did. Kids don’t care about a bit of dirt.

Where to eat at Central Park

Look out for the Snack carts on site near the Heckscher playground.

Ballfields Cafe is the closest cafe for coffee and light meals.

The Inside Scoop – Heckscher Playground New York NY

Correct at time of publication. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of.

Address: Heckscher Playground NYC is located at 7th Avenue and Central Park South, mid-park from 61st to 63rd Streets.
Telephone: 212-310-6600 (Information available Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Website: Click here  (Managed by Central Park Conservancy)
Opening Hours of Heckscher Playground in Central Park: 7:30am until dusk
Entry Fees: Free entry

How to get to Heckscher Playground in Central Park

By Bus: From the Empire State Building, catch the M5 (Red line) or M7 (Blue line bus) up 6th Avenue. Disembark at Central PK S/6 Av

By Subway train: Catch the N or R train to 5 Ave Subway Station

On Foot: Entrance to Central Park South is opposite the Plaza Hotel on W 59th St Central Park S

By Taxi/Uber/Car: Drop off point is W 59th St Central Park South

Parking at Heckscher Playground: There is no parking in Central Park. Many parking garages are available nearby.

Heckscher Playground Map

Facilities at Central Park

Toilets: Restrooms onsite, including baby change table
Disability access: Limited
Closest ATM: There’s a Wells Fargo ATM two blocks south at 1755 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA
Shade: Trees for shade. BYO Hats and sunscreen.
Enclosed: Yes.
Ground cover: Rubber soft fall, concrete pathways, grassy field, synthetic turf
Picnic tables: Yes, and bench seating
Electric BBQs: No
Water Bubblers/fountains: Yes
Scooters and Bikes: Yes
Dogs: On leash only.

Notes: This playground was last reviewed in 2019.

Toadstool Rating – The Best Playground in Central Park 

Heckscher Playground is best for children ages 6 to 12.

Looking for MORE Super Fun Things to Do in NEW YORK CITY with Kids?

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• Book afternoon tea at American Girl Cafe in NYC

• Visit Eloise at the Plaza Store in New York & take high tea at the Plaza too!

• Buy ALL the American candy at the nostalgic candy store, Dylan’s Candy Bar in Manhattan

• 9 SUPER COOL Fun Things to Do with Kids at Brooklyn Bridge Park

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