Heckscher Playground

About

Oldest playground in Central Park, with climbing structures, slides, water features & restrooms.

Visitors rate it highly — 4.7 out of 5 across 1,298 Google reviews. That puts it 2nd of the 13 rated playgrounds we list in New York.

It keeps the same hours every day — 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM — which makes planning simple. And if it does not suit, 12 more playgrounds in New York are listed further down this page.

The quick take

Drawn from this listing's ratings, amenities, hours and how it stacks up against other playgrounds in New York.

What works

Consistently well reviewed
4.7 stars held across 1,298 reviews is not a fluke — people keep going back.
2nd best-rated in New York
Measured against the 13 rated playgrounds we track in New York.
A genuine local landmark
1,298 reviews is the kind of number a place only reaches when the whole city knows it.
Open every day
The same hours all week (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM), so there is no schedule to memorise.
Easy to pair with a second stop
12 other playgrounds sit in the same city, so a wash-out here need not waste the trip.

Worth knowing first

Parking is undocumented
No lot or street parking is recorded against this listing. Assume you are hunting for a kerbside spot.
Popular enough to be busy
1,298 reviews cuts both ways. Weekend afternoons draw a crowd, so go early or go midweek if you want it quiet.

Planning a visit

General guidance for playgrounds, adjusted for what this listing records.

What to expect

Play equipment, plus the benches that make it survivable for the adults.

A good fit for families with young kids.

When to go

After school and weekend mornings are peak chaos. Mid-morning on a weekday is close to empty. The gates are open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

What to bring

Water and snacks
Sunscreen
Wipes

Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Featured in

#2 in Best Playgrounds in New York, NY

Common questions about Heckscher Playground

What is Heckscher Playground?

Oldest playground in Central Park, with climbing structures, slides, water features & restrooms. It is a playground in New York, NY, at E 65th St.

What are the opening hours at Heckscher Playground?

Heckscher Playground is open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM every day of the week.

Is there parking at Heckscher Playground?

No parking is recorded for Heckscher Playground. Expect to look for street parking nearby.

How is Heckscher Playground rated?

Heckscher Playground holds 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,298 Google reviews.

What else is nearby?

New York has 12 other playgrounds listed on AllParx, including Ferox Ninja Park - Trampolines, Ninja gym, Parkour, Complete Playground and Cunningham Park.