Parks are Levi's stomping grounds. We created our own rhythm over the past few months, consolidating school and nap schedules. After Levi wakes up and before the after school rush, we hit the playground. Sometimes when it is particularly gorgeous out and we both are craving a bit of grass in this city, we make a trip out of it and I bring a small smorgasbord of munchies, a blanket to lie on and a book in case Levi falls asleep.
We visited a number of playgrounds but I am listing those that made an impression on us including the black and blue variety!
Those are the playgrounds we frequent because of their proximity (walking distance):
1. William Sheridan Park: Brooklyn. This is Levi's favorite. There are actually two playgrounds in this park and there are plenty of birds and squirrels for Levi to observe when taking a break from the slides. I just have to be careful to avoid the rush from the school nearby. This is also a place where I can gawk at the oh-so-cool hipster mamas and pops and curse my suffering wardrobe.
2. Berry Playground: Brooklyn. This is one and a half block away. If it's rush hour at William Sheridan Park, we go there. This park is secluded and quiet, almost spooky. It's actually a small playground for toddlers and young children hidden on a residential street. Convenient but not worth a trek if out of the neighborhood.
3. McCarren Park: Brooklyn. There are a couple of playgrounds here too, very toddler friendly. Everything seems spread out. There are several areas for swings and plenty of benches. Grandmothers seem to favor this park. It's at the end of an enormous park, so when I need some strenuous walking and there is no school that day, I stroll Levi over the park to the playground. Levi usually falls asleep on the way back home.
4. Union Square Park: Manhattan. I think this is a romantic place. Not because of the playground there per se (it's overrun by kids in designer garb with their nannies), it's because the playground is a rendezvous for us and Douglas. Douglas walks here from work, surprising Levi then we get a bunch of fresh lavender from the farmer's market and head on home. More about the playground--there is a sand pit and a waiting line for the piddly number of swings. Slides are a bit steep. Not toddler friendly.
These are not Central Park playgrounds, but they also have a nice amount of park (green grass!):
1. Transmitter Park: Brooklyn. A new park in Greenpoint. There's a wonderful view of the city and the East River. Levi likes to amble around on the grass, stopping to look at a small dam/pond. On the edge of the park is a playground and a water fountain. This park is just right in terms of population--not too many people, not too few. Ovenly, the fantastic bakery cafe, is right around the block.
2. Brooklyn Bridge Park: Brooklyn. Definitely worth a visit for anybody with children. The two playgrounds there are just fantastic. One is perfect for toddlers and right by the ferry. The other one is a fun pirate-themed playground for slightly older kids (but see Levi in the photos above? He's having a ball!). Jane's Carousel, this gorgeous vintage merry-go-round is a spectacle. I cannot wait to ride the carousel with Levi when he gets older. There is a lovely view of the Brooklyn Bridge, a great bookstore within walking distance and a number of restaurants and the famous chocolatier Jacques Torres flagship store.
Here are some playgrounds that we went to once or twice and is a bit out of the way, but is good to keep in mind should we find ourselves in the area again:
1. Monsignor McGolrick Park: Brooklyn. Another playground in Greenpoint. Polish grandmothers frequent this park with their grandchildren (duh, who else?). Lovely tree lined playground, spectacular in the fall.
2. Madison Square Park: Manhattan. Levi fell on his head and got a nasty bruise within minutes of entering this playground. It is for toddlers! The irony! I think Levi fell because he was so excited. There is a water fountain too. The playground is a bit labyrinthlike and challenging for parents to tail their young children around. Maybe I just feel like that because Levi fell. I'd give this park another try, though--it won an award and has a revolving showcase of funky sculptures.
3. River Run Park: Manhattan. We went there once with friends after going to the Manhattan Museum for Children only to find it closed for renovation. This toddler friendly park gives toddlers ample room to romp about and scale inanimate objects safely. There's also a water fountain and a tiny "river" for toddlers to do their famous squatting and exploring.
Where do you take your children to in NYC? What are your favorites?
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