INSIDE: Take a sneak peek at the Rudin Family Playground in Central Park New York.
There’s 21 playgrounds in Central Park.
While this is not one of the best playgrounds in Manhattan New York, if you have meandered to the north of Central Park after visiting the Museum of Natural History (and the fabulous Discovery Room for kids) on your New York city explorations, do stop in.
This playground will give the kids a good break from strollers and walking, and a chance to play.
Take a sneak peek below.
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The Rudin Family Playground in Central Park
The Rudin Family Playground can be found at West 96th Street.
Note: You’ll pass the Diana Ross playground on your way from the Natural History Museum. This is an AWESOME timber log nature playground in Central Park. Don’t miss it.
The Rudin Family Foundation playground equipment
At this Central Park playground, you can find:
- a larger multi-level metal and timber fort for climbing and parkour play
- timber bridges and metal climbing ladders
- a smaller fort structure with ramps, bridges, a dual slide, and a undulating slide
- a separate fenced area with a row of 8 swings! (the longest row we’ve seen yet)
- a sandbox
- a water play zone
Locals playground in Manhattan
This playground is definitely a locals neighbourhood playground in Manhattan, and doesn’t attract so many tourists.
This makes it a great place to chat to local New York moms, and ask them for their top tips of things to do in Manhattan with kids.
We loved this New York playground for the location.
It’s super fun to check out all the neighbouring buildings to see how REAL New Yorker’s live.
Built in 1935 and 1936 for local children living in these parts, it was rebuilt in 1992, but still maintains old school charm.
This playground is so unlike anything we’ve seen at home, and that’s part of the fun.
Central Park Swings
There’s also a couple of tyre swings in Central park too.
Rudin Park Chess
There’s lots of seating, and a row of concrete chess and checkers boards too.
BYO chess pieces to join in.
More Central Park playgrounds for kids
While you are there, check out the Tarr-Coyne Wild West Playground, and the Safari Playground, both just metres away.
If you happen to visit during winter, the Central Park sledding hill is right next door.
THE INSIDE SCOOP: Central Park Playgrounds
Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in US dollars, unless otherwise stated
Address: West 96th Street, New York. The entrance to the playground is located on the perimeter, on Central Park West, instead of a park path.
Telephone: 212 310-6600 Information line
Website: Click here
The Rudin Family Playground Opening Hours
8am till dusk
The Rudin Playground Entry Fees
Free
How to get to the Rudin Playground in Central Park
By Bus: The M10 (blue) or the M 96 or M 106 stops (green) are close by
By Subway Train: The A or C train (blue line) stops at 96 St. then walk 2 minutes
On Foot: It’s a 40 minute walk from Heckscher playground at Central Park South.
By Car/Taxi/Uber: Exit at Central Park West and 96 street.
Central Park Parking
There is no parking in Central Park. Many parking garages are available nearby.
Rudin Family Playground Map
Facilities at Rudin Playground Central Park
Nearest takeaway coffee and/or food options: Birch Coffee house at 750 Columbus Ave, New York
Toilets: No
Disability access: Yes, but limited
Closest ATM:
Shade: Trees
Enclosed: Yes, fenced but does open to road.
Ground cover: Rubber soft fall, concrete
Picnic tables: Yes and bench seating
Electric BBQs: No
Water Bubblers/fountains: Yes
Scooters and Bikes: Yes
Dogs: No
Toadstool Rating – Central Park Attractions
For a locals experience, do it.
Looking for MORE Super Fun Things to Do in NEW YORK CITY with Kids?
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