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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in New York

Beaches and playgrounds

You need a beach that offers space to relax and a playground that keeps the kids occupied.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated June 2026
01
Beach 59th St Playground image 1
Beach 59th St Playground image 2
Beach 59th St Playground image 3
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Large playground with accessible entrance and splash area sits next to a clean beach and boardwalk. Semi-enclosed space includes shaded seating and nearby restrooms with changing tables. Equipment suits children of all ages, creating a safe and family-friendly environment.

Clean sand and a beautiful view overlooking the beach and boardwalk stand out here. The beach has improved a lot since the early 90s and offers a wonderful spot for visitors.

New pods of playground equipment suit kids of all ages, with accessible entrance and mats and swings. Located close to the beach, it includes a foot washing facility and restroom but lacks shade covers and trees.

People are saying

"This playground is really kid friendly with lots of new equipment."

"The playground has new mats and swings, plus a splash area."

"I loved how clean the beach was."

Good to know

1

The playground is newly renovated with equipment for all ages.

2

Parking is easy to find around 3 PM on weekdays.

3

The bathrooms are clean and open until late.

02
Rockaway Beach Boardwalk image 1

Concrete boardwalk stretches along a clean, spacious beach with beautiful sea views and welcoming atmosphere. Quiet and peaceful, it offers live music and varied recreational activities like surfing, tennis, and playgrounds. Easy access by public transport and ferry adds to its family-friendly vibe.

Very clean beach with a family-friendly boardwalk and a new playground. Easy to reach by train, bus, or ferry, it offers a relaxing atmosphere even during construction.

Multiple playgrounds for kids and toddlers line the lively boardwalk, which also features sports courts for tennis, pickleball, ping pong, and basketball. The play areas stay very clean and add to the beach experience.

People are saying

"I found the beach here to be beautiful and very nice."

"I loved the beautiful scenery and ocean views from the benches."

"The new playground is great for kids and toddlers."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky at Rockaway Beach Boardwalk.

2

You can reach the beach easily from NYC Ferry stations at Wall Street and Brooklyn Army Terminal.

3

Lifeguards are on duty from 10AM to 6PM.

03
Beach 30th Street Playground image 1

Playground sits adjacent to a free beach and boardwalk with bike and walk paths. It offers waterplay areas with sprinklers and sand pools, plus equipment suitable for all ages. The atmosphere is peaceful and family-oriented, with plenty of parking and picnic spots.

Clean beach sits just steps from a playground that offers great access and fun for the whole family. The area stays quiet and relaxing, with free beach access next to the boardwalk.

Playground sits right by the beach with interesting climbing structures and a large splash pad. It offers swings, a big play area, and sprinklers, plus benches all around for adults to relax.

People are saying

"This playground is so kid friendly with a great splash pad."

"The playground by the beach has a great splash pad."

"The playground is steps from the beach, perfect for kids."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and available on a weekday morning.

2

Bathrooms are close and clean, providing convenience for families.

3

The playground has a waterplay area with sprinklers and a sand-filled pool.

04
Rockaway Beach image 1
Public beach

Public beach offers beautiful views and a calm, relaxing atmosphere with live music and varied sporting activities like basketball and surfing. Renovations include a blue carpet walkway and murals, enhancing the experience. Food trucks and a self-serve bar add to the lively yet peaceful vibe.

Waves here support surfing right in the city. Families find it great for kids with plenty of space to play. The beach offers fresh, clean air and lively concession stands that add to the experience.

A beautiful playground with a sprinkler and water features sits next to the beach. Kids can enjoy swings and climbing obstacles while nearby courts offer basketball, handball, and beach volleyball.

People are saying

"I found the beach here to be beautiful and clean."

"I enjoyed the beautiful scenery and amazing water."

"It's a nice playground with a sprinkler and plenty of water."

Good to know

1

Swimming is only permitted between 10am and 6pm.

2

Lifeguards leave at 6 PM during summer.

3

Parking is free at the beach.

05
Francis Lewis Park image 1

Park offers beautiful water views and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere with a small beach and playgrounds for children. It features courts for basketball, tennis, and pickleball, plus areas for walking and relaxing. Evenings bring a lively vibe with music and dancing under the stars.

A small sandy beach offers clean water and a dog friendly space. It provides a nice spot for kids to play and enjoy the sunset view.

A great playground for kids offers plenty of space for activity. The area around the playground is beautiful, making it a nice spot for families.

People are saying

"You'll love the nice view of the bridge and water."

"It's a nice small beach where you can collect seashells."

"The playground offers a beautiful view of the Whitestone Bridge."

Good to know

1

Summer concerts are hosted regularly at the park; check the schedule for details.

2

Expect larger crowds during events, which may affect parking availability.

3

Public restrooms may close before 6 pm, plan accordingly.

06
Beach 9th Street Playground image 1

Playground sits next to a quiet ocean beach with well-maintained equipment like swings and slides. Atmosphere feels relaxing and peaceful, often with few people around. Space allows kids to run freely, making it suitable for families despite its small size.

Calm water and a clean, redesigned beach create a peaceful spot almost empty of people. The beach sits near a boardwalk and a playground, with an easy walk and no nearby stores.

Small size makes the playground easy to navigate. Swings, slides, and play equipment stay well maintained. Location near the boardwalk and beach adds convenience.

People are saying

"I loved the beach here; it's the best beach in NYC."

"This place is nice and kid friendly for the little ones."

"The playground is great and conveniently located near the beach."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms nearby the beach.

2

The playground is conveniently located near the boardwalk.

3

The swings and slides are well maintained by park staff.

07
Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach image 1

Long boardwalk runs alongside a quiet, clean beach with spectacular views of a large suspension bridge and city skylines. Calm atmosphere suits walking, biking, and family activities with playgrounds and sports courts nearby. Space feels open and peaceful, attracting those seeking relaxation away from crowds.

Wide, clean beach offers a quiet, peaceful setting with very gentle waves. A nice boardwalk runs alongside, providing great views and easy access to clean bathrooms and changing rooms.

Multiple playgrounds sit along the boardwalk and near the beach, offering various spots for kids to play. Facilities include restrooms close to the play areas and easy access from parking.

People are saying

"The view of the Verrazzano Bridge over the ocean is spectacular."

"I found the beach to be clean and quiet."

"There were several playgrounds available for kids."

Good to know

1

Entry to the beach is free.

2

There is plenty of parking available at the boardwalk.

3

Clean bathrooms and changing rooms are available for beachgoers.

08
Great Kills Park image 1

Massive beach and park offer quiet, peaceful atmosphere with beautiful bay and ocean views. Space feels isolated and tranquil, attracting people for walking, fishing, and watching sunsets. Presence of playgrounds and food trucks adds casual convenience without crowding.

Massive, clean sandy beach offers peaceful, quiet surroundings with beautiful views. The area combines greenery and beach, featuring lots of sea glass and rarely crowded spaces.

A small playground by the beach offers a nice breeze and clean play areas. The park includes children playgrounds, tables, and a large bathroom nearby.

People are saying

"I found the beach here to be really peaceful and clean."

"It's a great spot to watch the sunset by the water."

"I found the playground by the beach really good."

Good to know

1

The park has a big parking lot for visitors.

2

Restrooms in the park are clean and well-maintained.

3

The park is dog-friendly; dogs must be leashed.

09
Pelham Bay Park image 1

Park offers a quiet atmosphere despite proximity to major highway I95. It provides a calm space away from typical urban noise.

Spacious yellow sand beach with a waterfront promenade offers a safe swimming area with many lifeguards. Nearby, a playground, dog park, baseball field, and BBQ grills add to the beach experience.

A huge playground features the biggest jungle gym seen, with sprinklers adding fun for kids. The area includes a dog park, baseball field, and BBQ grills, plus a small fake beach nearby.

People are saying

"It's a huge park with spacious trails and waterfront views."

"You can relax on the beach or go fishing here."

"This place has a huge playground, even bigger than Central Park."

Good to know

1

The park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.

2

Parking is available at the main entrance with no fees.

3

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times.

10
Orchard Beach image 1

Wide open beach with boardwalk and sports courts offers space for barbecues and family gatherings. Calm ocean waves contrast with loud music from multiple groups, creating a noisy atmosphere on busy days. Older visitors bring a nostalgic vibe with music and flags along the boardwalk.

Gentle water with no waves makes it safe for kids and older adults. Free parking and beach access add convenience. Strong police presence offers a sense of security. The area is well maintained and surprisingly clean for a city beach.

A very large play area offers swings, slides, and monkey bars. Sprinklers and shower fountains add water fun for kids.

People are saying

"I found the beach beautiful and great for walking."

"It's a really fun, kid-friendly place with a great park."

"The playground has sprinklers and swings for the kids."

Good to know

1

Free salsa concerts are held on Sundays at the beach.

2

Expect a parking fee of $10-15 during peak season.

3

The beach closes at 7 PM, which is also when the last shuttle leaves.

11
New York Aquarium image 1

Underwater tunnels and large tanks showcase sharks, jellyfish, and other marine life with close-up views. Busy exhibits fill the space with loud energy and many children, creating a crowded atmosphere. Interactive features like touch pools and animal shows add hands-on experiences for all ages.

A spectacular party room overlooks the beach with easy restroom access. The nearby aquarium adds an interesting spot close to the shore.

An indoor area offers a touch and play space where kids stay busy. The playground features slides and a submarine, sparking creativity and long play sessions.

People are saying

"It's really Kid Friendly and engaging for all ages."

"Walking through the shark exhibit feels like being underwater."

"The kids' play area is themed like underwater scenery."

Good to know

1

Admission is $33 for adults, but free entry is available after 3 PM on Wednesdays.

2

Tickets for free Wednesdays must be reserved online on the Monday before your visit.

3

Parking costs $18, but finding a spot can be challenging due to high demand.

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