Ancient Playground (Central Park)

85th and 5th Avenue

I’ve seen this playground reviewed by several news sources.  Newly redone, this miniature concrete jungle is full of impressive structures and coves for kids to climb and explore.  This playground has all this classics as well as some tasteful touches (a waterfall!).  The girls and I spent all morning going between the tire swings and a game of hide and seek (I hid Annie and Lexi would find her).  This playground is great for older kids, but if you have more than one kid and a gap in age you might be in trouble.  When I mentioned Ancient Playground to my friend (mother of a 20 month old and a 4 year old) she said “I just can’t do that playground.  It’s too hard staying with the little one and keeping an eye on [the big one].”  The size (large) and shape (curvy oval) of the playground really make it tough for moms like her.  Also,  because the Met is so close be prepared for ogling tourists.  Sometimes I spot them standing outside the fence like it was a zoo exhibit, the main attraction being the NYC kid.  But come on, you’re next to the Met.  Spend the morning counting all the flowers in paintings and then blow off some steam at the Ancient Playground.  You can’t get more New York than that.

Highlights

• Next to the Met • Pyramids

Lowlights

• Lots of Blindspots • Ogling Tourists • Not Enough Shade

What It’s Got

• 2 Tire Swings • Shower Sprinklers • Waterfall Bridge • 2 Swings • 2 Baby Swings • 1 Handicap Swing • 4 Slides • 3 Jungle Gyms • Mini Sprinkler Area • Sandbox (Round with slides) • 1 Large Pyramid • 2 Small Pyramids • Monkey Bars • Chain Net • Plush Ground

What Parents/Nannies Should Know

•  Shade only around the edges • 1 Entrance (and it’s always open) • Bathrooms inside the park • Plenty of Benches • 2 Picnic Tables

Nearby

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art 

Ratings: (Out of 5)

Sarah: 

Lexi: 

Annie:  X 28