At this massive playground at the southern tip of Manhattan, kids can climb high to metal playhouses in the trees and slide down smooth granite slides. A sand and water play area and lots of space to run around landscaped greenery makes this a great playground to explore.
There are granite slides accessed by stairs, stepping stones, or by a wheelchair accessible ramp. The tallest slide is 18 feet high, and the shorter double-slides allow for young children to go in tandem next to an adult or friend.
In another area, three wooden playhouses on the ground have interactions at each one. Then kids can climb up ropes and ramps and across bridges to high lookouts.
The large sand and water play area is great for digging and getting wet. Farther along there is a low climbing wall and hill. A small amphitheater with a framed stage and metal mesh curtain holds professional staged children’s performances as well as impromptu performances among the kids who are playing there.
What’s More? The playground is located within a 25-acre park, The Battery, which also includes gardens, an urban farm, a fountain with cooling sprays, and more than 20 monuments. [Note: there is ongoing construction for coastal flood resiliency scheduled through 2027, which may affect access to areas of the park.] But kids will want to go directly next door to the delightful SeaGlass Carousel to sit on giant pastel-colored fish of their own and take a spin, while bobbing and twirling.
Fun Fact: The $18 million playground, funded through a public-private partnership, was designed with the coastal resiliency in mind, including a drainage system that captures stormwater for irrigation. Hurricane Sandy destroyed the previous, smaller playground on this site.
Visibility/Safety? In this vast playground, it is difficult to keep an eye on kids if they move through the different play zones. There is one entrance to the playground, which is gated.
Bathroom Emergency? There is a nearby public restroom within the park.
Snack Time/Coffee Break? For a quick assist, there are always street food vendors and ice cream carts hanging nearby. For a treat, Waffles and Dinges is a permanent outdoor spot with tables and umbrellas, located a five minute walk from the playground near the South Ferry train station.
Features: Slides, water sprays, sandbox, special climbing features, shade, benches, bathrooms, nearby coffee and snacks.
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.
