~*~ Our Latest Playground Adventures ~*~

This past weekend, the Stumpjumpers took the long away around Central park for a morning at a little playground hidden in plain sight. The Adventure Playground gets overshadowed by the nearby Heckscher, but most parents I know prefer this quieter spot. There are some decent climbing structures spread around a giant sandbox, ringed with benches. The other half of the playground focuses on a splash pad fountain, with a long stream-like outlet. This is definitely a highlight. To be honest, this isn't a playground anyone should go out of their way to visit, but it's a great place to meet friends if you're in the area. It's got a little of everything and it's in a great location on a hill surrounded by massive trees. There's an impressive elm tree smack in the middle of the playground, possible one of the largest in the park. EQUIPMENT: Climbing structures like a scaled-down Heckscher, with a splash pad and an artificial river. VIBE: Lots of Lincoln Sq. locals who can be a little standoffish, but I'd take them over the lost tourists who wander into the Heck. BATHROOMS: A little bit of a walk away, tucked behind Tavern on the Green. Mid to low cleanliness. NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: There is a soft rubber toddler playground just a binkie throw away, the Tarr-Coyne Tots Playground.

Williamsburg's waterfront gem impressed us more than expected this trip. After a nice bicycle ride over the 59th St Bridge and then the Pulaski Bridge (where we got to watch the drawbridge in action), we found ourselves in gentrified Brooklyn. The repurposed industrial cranes towering overhead give the whole playground a wonderfully weird flavor you won't find anywhere else in the five boroughs. The splash pad was the real star, with jets popping up in unpredictable patterns that had kids sprinting in circles for a solid hour. There's a great sand pit for the toddlers too, plus benches with an actual river view for tired grown-ups. Bathrooms were a little hike away across the street, but they were very clean. Highly recommended for a hot afternoon!

Most tourists never make it this far uptown, which is exactly why this little playground stays blissfully uncrowded. Tucked among the trees near the Cloisters, this spot has a rugged, almost storybook quality with wooden climbing structures that feel like they belong in a fairy tale. We spent a good ninety minutes here and never once had to wait in line for the slide. Bring a picnic blanket, because the surrounding lawn is perfect for lounging while the kids play. This one stays locals-only for a reason—let's keep it that way!