New York: Our Favorite City Playgrounds and So Much More..

NY’s city parks try very hard to encourage outdoor living, and they succeed – weather permitting anyway. Over-the-top play structures, great food options and free wi-fi are some of the things that make the following parks hot favorites with kids and adults alike.

Madison Square Park: Straddling the 24th street block between Fifth and Madison, Madison Square Park has a “where everybody knows your name” kind of vibe. The playground is teeming with kids, giant screens present communal viewing of hot events and the Shake Shack is great for burgers, juices or just water. Big plus that it is fairly contained so no one can get too lost, but everyone can find their own corner of peace. The water play area was a highlight with Karam on a smoldering NY summer day.

Union Square Park: The latest in NY’s city playgrounds, this one is bursting with creativity, with funky yellow tunnels and slides for the yunguns and space-themed climbing structures for the older kids. NY is obviously into water play because the sprouting fountains here occupy center court and are quite the crowd-pleaser. Since this is Union Square, the park is flanked by several cafes and restaurants and a Babies-R-Us and Children’s Place if you are up for some shopping.

Central Park: One of the most famous city parks in the world, Central Park does not disappoint wrt its offerings for children, be it winter or summer. Aside from the actual playgrounds (find them on the interactive map on the website), the special attraction in the summer is the Victorian Gardens, the ice rink that is converted into a mini amusement park. Not exactly cheap ($6.50 pp but one adult accompanying a child is free) but filled with age-appropriate rides and activities (and lavender candy floss, on which I overdosed). You can pay per ride ($2each) or buy the all-you-can-eat package (again one adult can ride with the child for free). My only caution here is that the attendants are not always mindful or aware of the restrictions of a ride and may permit a child to ride alone when they should be accompanied by an adult. So use your judgment and the guidelines displayed at the entrance of every ride. When you are done, hang out by the pond or take an (overpriced) horse carriage ride around the park and wave out to fellow riders.

Grab a coffee at the Time Warner Center, if not for the perfectly fluffy quiches at Bouchon bakery, then for the gorgeous views of Columbus Circle.