The Top 21 Kids’ Splash Pads & Water Playgrounds in NYC, Long Island, & Westchester

We’ve been cooped up all year. Since it’s finally summertime, we have no doubt that you’ll bring the kids to a water playground, sprinkler park, or kids’ splash pad at some point this season. We rounded up some of our favorites at playgrounds in the New York metro area. That way, all you have to do is fill the tank up with gas (or grab your Metro Card), pack towels and snacks, and head out for an afternoon of water fun. Of course, don’t forget sunscreen. For the best indoor water parks, check out this article on New York Family.

RELATED: Download the Family Fun Guide for 100+ Things to Do This Summer!

Select your preferred region below to jump to that section:

• Manhattan
• Brooklyn
• Queens
• Long Island
• Westchester
• Rockland

The Best Spray Grounds in Manhattan

1. Heckscher Playground

Central Park, Mid-park, between 61st and 63rd streets, Lincoln Square
Closest subway stops: N, Q, R, W at 57th Street; A, B, C, D, 1 at 59th Street-Columbus Circle; 6 at 59th Street

One of the most prominent features of this beloved playground in Central Park is its elaborate water-play area. It was built on the site of the existing wading pool and has a series of elevated walkways that are animated by sprinklers and connected to the ground with ladders and slides. When you’re done, play in the playground that has areas for tots and older kids.

2. Chelsea Waterside Playground

Hudson River Park, Eleventh Avenue and 23rd Street, Chelsea
Closest subway stops: C, E at 23rd Street

Located in the Hudson River Park near the water, this park is a neighborhood gem. A new and enlarged playground features a custom, multi-colored, 64-foot wooden slide in the shape of a pipefish, one of many fish species that lives within park waters. Kids can explore the jungle gym and slide. They can cool off at the sprinklers and jets, and play in the small sand area.

3. Ancient Playground

Central Park, 85th Street and 5th Avenue, Upper East Side
Closest subway stops: 4, 5, 6 at 86th Street; B, C at 86th Street

Inspired by the Temple of Dendur that resides next door in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this playground is another favorite of both tourists and locals. Its unique water feature recreates a river during the summer months. Kids can splash under a mini waterfall in a water-jet area. The younger set will adore watching the water squirting from the nozzles in the walls. Bonus: It’s in an enclosed and gated space.

 

 

 

 

 

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4. Pier 25 at Hudson River Park

West Street, Tribeca
Closest subway stops: 1 at Franklin Street; A, C, E at Canal Street

Recently renovated, this water spot near the southern end of Hudson River Park boasts a soft and thick surface. You’ll find user-activated water elements that make cooling off fun. Little ones can frolic in the gentle sprinklers while the older set gets wet from tipping buckets. Play a friendly game with the two water cannons. The park also has mini golf, a skate park, and a climbing wall.

5. Imagination Playground

Front, South, and John streets, Seaport District
Closest subway stops: 2, 3, J, Z, 4, 5 at Fulton Street; R, W at Cortlandt Street

This playground plays on the area’s maritime history with a ship and harbor theme. You’ll find elements like a cascading water channel, climbing rope, lookout ramp with telescopes, and pulleys and masts. Loose PVC pipe parts are in the water play area for kids to build with and divert water in different directions. You’ll also find a small wading pool area, waterfall, and spouting jets that kids will love stepping on.

The Best Spray Grounds in Brooklyn 

1. Domino Park

300 Kent Ave., Williamsburg
Closest subway stops: L at Bedford Avenue; M, J, Z at Marcy Avenue

This 6-acre park is located along the East River in Williamsburg. You’ll find water jets, sprays, and mists to help kids keep cool. Parents and caregivers can take it all in as they sit in the stadium-style seating. When you’re done, head over to the playground which has sections designed to resemble the actual Domino Sugar Factory that once operated on this site.

 

 

 

 

 

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2. Prospect Park Splash Pad

LeFrak Center, 171 East Drive, Prospect Park
Closest subway stops: Q at Parkside Avenue; B at Prospect Park; F, G at 15th Street-Prospect Park

The Splash Pad is Prospect Park’s largest water play area. You’ll find 47 water spray jets covering 16,000 square feet to provide hours of warm-weather fun. It’s free to the public for children ages 12 and younger in season. Fun fact: In the winter, the splash-pad site transforms into the LeFrack Center ice-skating rink.

3. Water Lab at Pier 6

Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Closest subway stops: 2,3 at Clark Street; A, C at High Street or Jay Street-MetroTech; 4,5  at Borough Hall; F at York Street

Brooklyn Bridge Park really does have it all—from sports fields and exercise equipment to tasty treats, grassy areas perfect for picnics, playgrounds, and a small beach—including a sprinkler park for kids located on Pier 6! Touted as the most popular playground in the park, Water Lab features a water-jet field spraying water that will keep the kids entertained and cool. And if you want to find a smaller water playground in Brooklyn Bridge Park, check out the Pier 2 Water Area, which features water jets built into reclaimed piles removed from Pier 3. 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Best Spray Grounds in Queens

1. Travers Park

76-9 34th Ave., Jackson Heights
Closest subway stops: 7 at 82nd Street

You’ll find a few different water features here. Kids will love watching jets that shoot up. Large leaf-and-vine shaped sprinklers spray water all over. Areas for tennis, handball, basketball, and roller hockey are nearby. Playgrounds have swings and play structures, all on cushioned ground surfaces.

2. Playground for All Children

Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 11101 Corona Ave., Corona
Closest subway stops: 7 at 111th Street

This spot in Flushing Meadows Corona Park—designed for children with crutches, canes, walkers, or wheelchairs—gives opportunities for social, cognitive, sensory, and motor activity for all children of all abilities. The water-play area has a 12-foot-long suspension bridge, jets, and sprinklers. A kid-sized village features a fire station with a fire truck and school. 

 

 

 

 

 

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