Stop By If You’re Nearby: For older kids, this small playground packs in lots of climbing and jumping, and has one of the highest vertical nets we’ve seen in Lower Manhattan. It’s a neighborhood spot to be proud of, and a fun quick stop for families passing through the area.
Hugging a short block of Sixth Avenue, the bright blue and green playground pops up under the shade of grand mature trees, which may have been there since the playground first opened in 1935. Near the entrance is an organized tangle of vertical and twisted nets as well as different stepping pads, both stable and wobbly suspended, making for a great obstacle course. A couple of these climbers are a challenge – especially the arched net that reaches straight up about 8 feet high and the suspended tunnel that looks like detached caterpillar segments. There are two sets of monkey bars – one that curves high in an arch and a lower one that attaches to a bridge leading to a mid-sized slide and small climbing wall. All of this is aimed at an older crew (recommended ages 5 – 12).
For toddlers there is less to do—there are two baby swings, a couple of plastic manipulatives on a wall (finger tracing maze and spinning cylinders), and a small gazebo structure with a bench and window that we made into a lemonade stand. Toddlers could also jump on some of the stepping pads, climb over the bridge (while supervised) and go down the slide, but overall there is not much equipment for the youngest playground goers.
The north end of the playground is open space with a couple of artificial rocks, two water sprays. When the water is not on, there’s space to toss a football, as we’ve seen.
Visibility/Safety? The climbing structures are condensed into a fairly small area, so you cannot lose track of multiple kids. A tall, heavy gate leading directly out to busy Sixth Avenue remains closed and is the only exit to this playground. The play structures are in great shape, but the rubber floor tiles are coming up significantly at the edges – trips and falls are possible.
Bathroom Emergency? There is no public bathroom here.
Snack Time/Coffee Break? Benches line the perimeter of the playground and there are three chess tables to set down a snack. Cross over to Carmine Street for the perfect combination of a classic New York slice of pizza at Joe’s and an ice cream at Venchi a few doors down.
Features: Baby swings, slide, monkey bars, water sprays, special climbing structures, shade, benches, picnic tables, nearby coffee and snacks.
Fun Fact: The summertime water sprays create a blue spiral stream for kids to splash in. This feature is a nod to the ancient Minetta Creek, which still runs through the area (but is now underground). Across the street is Minetta Green, a small garden with a curved path and surprise etchings of trout fish, which once swam in the creek. [Revised 4/2026]
Gianna Abruzzo is a Brooklyn-born mom who has raised 3 girls on the playgrounds of Lower Manhattan. To celebrate and support parks, she created a collection of embroidered, iron-on patches to wear with pride. Shop here, and follow her on Instagram.
