The Top Kids’ Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds in NYC

We’ve rounded up our favorite sprinkler parks and splash pads for kids in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and Westchester—perfect spots to cool off on a hot day!

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!

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Central Park, Mid-park, between 61st and 63rd streets, Lincoln SquareClosest 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.

Hudson River Park, Eleventh Avenue and 23rd Street, ChelseaClosest 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.

Central Park, 85th Street and 5th Avenue, Upper East SideClosest 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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West Street, TribecaClosest 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.

Front, South, and John streets, Seaport DistrictClosest 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.

300 Kent Ave., WilliamsburgClosest 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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LeFrak Center, 171 East Drive, Prospect ParkClosest 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.

Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge ParkClosest 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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76-9 34th Ave., Jackson HeightsClosest 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.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 11101 Corona Ave., CoronaClosest 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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4-09 47th Road, Long Island CityClosest subway stops: 7 at Vernon Boulevard-Jackson Avenue; E, M at Court Square-23rd Street; G at Court Square

Located within a 12-acre, riverside state park, this splash pad features mist showers and water jets—and a great view of Manhattan. There are a few catches for this spray park: Children are required to wear swimsuits, and it's only open when a lifeguard is on duty. Since there's no shade, make sure to reapply sunscreen regularly! And when your kids are done playing in the water (or get hungry), take a break and enjoy a picnic in front of the old Pepsi-Cola sign—a great spot to snap a pic for Instagram.

94 Clark St., Long Beach

This spray park is set on a rubber surface and features a spray area that's separate from the playground. Kids can turn on the spray timer themselves, and run through rings that spray out water. Fountains (that shoot up) and showers (that spray from above) turn on and off unexpectedly. Note that it's low on shade. Still, the breeze from the bay makes it feel cool. Dry off on the playground with a rope climbing tower and other modern equipment.

139 S. Clinton Ave., Bay Shore

This pirate-themed spray ground is located to the right of the parking area at the arena. You’ll find sails, cannons, and a crow's nest. A large shallow pool surrounds the structure that kids can sit and crawl in (it's not deep enough to swim). They’ll also enjoy slides big and small, sprinklers, and buckets dumping water unexpectedly. Kids will undoubtedly love the big water barrel hovering over the slide where they can really get soaked. Head's up, though: This spray park has an entrance fee: $12 non-resident; $10 residents (with proof of ID); $7 with Town of Islip Recreation Card; $2 residents with Town Senior Recreation Card or Permanent Town Disability Card; free for pool members.

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198 First Ave., East Rockaway

This park combines a large playground with its sprinkler aera. You’ll find on-demand sprinklers with three settings and a center area with nozzles that spray out water. Kids will love running around in the water that shoots up from the ground and comes out of the wall.

Main Street, Port Washington

Kids control the sprinklers here; they push large buttons to start and turn on the water spray. Large giant mushroom waterfall fountains and dump buckets will get kids wet. Three timed pattern fountains will go off, too. When you’re done, kids can play in the park that has swings, monkey bars, slides, and more.

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1000 Ocean Parkway, Parking Field 4, Wantagh

This free splash pad is designed to resemble blades of sea grass blowing on a dune. Located next to Boardwalk Café, those blades shoot water and spray bubbles from the ground. Water is sprayed for 6 minutes by kids who press 1 of 3 buttons on the outside of the splash pad. Water launches in a different pattern when another child pushes the button.

60-98 Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck

This spray park is right on the beach. So, you can relax while kids play in the water. Kids will have a blast exploring the wall sprays, cylinder sprayers, fountain geyser, and jet-stream sprays. New features include a 12-foot wavy palm tree and a seahorse structure.

148 Jackson Ave., Yonkers

This pool complex has an aquatic spray playground with jets and sprinklers. The nearby pool houses a separate wading pool and zero-depth entry. You’ll also find a renovated concessions area, bathhouse, bathrooms, and an on-site playground.

25 Andrews Lane, Sleepy Hollow

The water play area portion of this park includes sprinklers and misters. Continue the fun at the park's two large playground areas—one for young children and the other for older kids. You’ll also find restrooms and areas to set up a picnic or munch on a snack.

238 W. Main St., Tarrytown

This park has spectacular views of the Palisades, Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, and New York City skyline. Kids can enjoy jets and sprinklers here. Kids can burn off energy at the playground or run around the grassy field. Or, walk along the park's river walk, a paved mile-long footpath along the waterfront. Bonus: It's steps away from the Tarrytown train station.

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8 Bradford Road, Mount Vernon

You’ll find various water recreation areas here where you cool off. The wave pool goes from 0 inches to 6 feet, with 3-foot waves that last for 6-minute intervals. Two 18-foot water slides splash downward, and the spray deck has 57 spray heads. And the interactive water playground shoots out sprays, fountains, cascades, and curtains.