Every NYC kid should spend an afternoon bomping around the Ancient Playground in Central Park. The recently-renovated brutalist complex of pyramids, bridges and other structures encourages creative play, while the sideways view of the Met Museum can't be beat. Bonus: The spotless bathrooms have new fixtures. Be sure to spend a moment looking at the intricate sculptures on the entrance gate: The animals are acting out Aesop's fables.
Kids across the five boroughs are spoiled for choice when it comes to playgrounds. The best playgrounds in NYC offer way more than just swings and slides. These epic play spots range from classic to newfangled, design-forward versions geared towards stimulating kids’ creativity while they play. For hot summer days, there are even water playgrounds with splash pads and sprinklers. They’ll climb up mini mountains and swing on whimsical structures while getting in some all-important, energy-burning exercise. Many of these playgrounds are near other kid-friendly attractions and museums, so make it a whole day of play. Then, after running around all day, treat the kids to dinner at one of NYC’s best kid-friendly restaurants.