This is perhaps my favorite playground within walking distance from us…read more Just a few blocks North of the Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza, Underhill playground has two main play areas (one for one for the little guys and one for older kids) that are separated by sprinklers, and a single entrance, which makes it easy to keep kids safely inside. To the right in the back are baby swings, and to the far left is a little grassy area under the trees. There are also two open cement areas in front of the restrooms, down a few steps, where children often play with balls or ride bikes and toys around. This playground has two distinctive features that make it stand out from other playgrounds: 1. The fountains, art sculptures, and mosaics that are the work of Julie Peppito[1]. They can seem whimsical or creepy depending on your artistic inclination: Gigantic fish with pudgy hands as tails and a duck on their head, with a human figure embedded in the duck; house-like metal sculptures with human features; large eye mosaics on the front wall of the bathroom. 2. The abandoned toys. Tons and tons of abandoned toys: Plastic bikes, excavators, toy houses, a spring horse, stuffed animals, cars, a scooter, push carts, etc... Most of these toys are broken, but the kids love them, and thanks to them your kid(s) will never get bored at this playground. This playground is well maintained, restrooms are open during normal hours, and the sprinklers have been on at all times during the summer months. Also, strategically located just a few blocks South is Gold Star Beer Counter[2], which is a great place for all beer lovers; after spending a few hours running after your kid(s) at this playground, you know you deserve a cold one. ------------------- [1] http://juliepeppito.com/new-page [2] http://goldstarbeercounter.com/

Plenty of kids (likely those coming after school ). Ship themed with a small boat for a sand box…read more No restroom but Time Out is nearby for that purpose. Bench seating surrounds the playground for parents and caregivers to relax. Overall a solid place for lids to run. Jane's Carousel is a few mins walk away

Yet another beautiful NYC playground. This one is well maintained, spacious and has something for…read morekids of all ages and abilities. The bonus here are the beautiful bridge views. The entire space is gated. There are plenty of benches around to take a break. Wish it stayed open slightly later in the summer (closes at 8pm and you will get kicked out).

Named after Elijah G. Stroud[1], a local NYPD Officer who was killed in 1972 after interrupting a…read morerobbery in progress, this playground, located on Classon Avenue between Park Place and Sterling Place, is probably the nicest-looking one in the Prospect Heights/Crown Heights neighborhoods. Reopening in 2019 after a two-year, $5 million reconstruction that was designed in partnership with the Prospect Park Alliance[2], this playground has something for children of all ages: swings, two playground areas catering to little kids and older ones, two sets of sprinklers, four basketball courts, a fenced handball court, a small gym area, an open play area with synthetic turf, and a walking/running track. I like how this playground appeals to very different people: families with young children, kids playing basketball, skaters, fitness and training classes in the open play area[3], kids from local daycare centers, people working out, birthday and block parties, etc.. This playground is generally clean; perhaps cleaner than most playgrounds in Brooklyn I know. I also like how, unlike at other playgrounds in the area[4], the sprinklers at Stroud Playground were open all day every day throughout the summer. --------------------- [1] You can read more about Officer Stroud and the history of this playground here: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/stroud-playground/history [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cykj164ow_Y [3] Someone put two large truck tires here this past summer. [4] Such as the playground at Mount Prospect Park: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mount-prospect-park-brooklyn

Nice neighborhood playground. Lots of benches with shady trees, a waterworks area, slides and…read moreswings for all ages and restrooms kept pretty clean and always open.

The Aquajeux delightful mister stand inside of the kiddie track is a must!!!!!!!…read moreClean, safe, great little exercise park near Domino. Practice wall for tennis, gym for isometric, bball court, and fun kids gym all here!!

These days it is very difficult to find a public restroom. That's why this one was such a score…read more What's more this park is sort of out of the way. Do you know what that means? 5 star cleanliness and a full supply of toilet paper. Sure if you have kids you will also enjoy this park for the jungle gyms. And since there's less foot traffic a *safe* experience during these covid times. Have fun dropping off the kids!

Domino Park is a 6-acre waterfront park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, built on the former Domino Sugar…read moreRefinery site, blending industrial history with modern recreation. This park features an elevated walkway with Manhattan skyline views, a sugar factory-themed playground, sand volleyball and bocce courts, water features, and a taco stand. Moreover, this park has a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline and Wiliamsburg bridge. Parking is very challenging so it's best to take a public transit. As a first time visitor, I really like this park and its modern design. This park was not built when I was exiled to LA over a decade ago! Overall, I am glad I enjoyed this park and its stunning view. I highly recommend you visit.

This is a wonderful park to play, walk, just hang out at. They have a playground for the kiddos,…read moreand great walking, bike, run path. There are areas to sit on grass and enjoy day. There is a taco place here that I have heard great things about. Come here if you want to soak in the sunshine and see amazing views of Manhattan.

Von King Park was designed by the same guy who designed Central Park and Prospect park and has cool…read morefeatures for all kinds of people like an outdoor gym, baseball field and dog park. HVK puts Bedford Stuyvesant on the map for having a amphitheater as well. The only downside is that it's an extremely popular park and can get crowded! I am so grateful for Von King Park!

This is a solid park, especially if you have a dog and are looking for a community of friendly…read moredog-owners. The dog run isn't the widest space but the park is well kept and chips get replaced when it rains.

Great park for little kids (2-6), has baby swings and two sets of playground equipment. Older…read moreequipment but pretty clean and better maintained than the Von King playground. Could use some upgrades but my daughter loves the camel figurine.

Nested between the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Brooklyn Central Library, Mount Prospect Park is…read morethe second highest point in Brooklyn after Battle Hill inside the Green-Wood Cemetery. It fact, "It was used by the Continental Army in 1776 as a lookout point, which at that time offered strategic views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York harbor, a portion of New Jersey, Staten Island, and Long Island"[1]. Mount Prospect Park has something to offer for everyone: - If you have a dog, this is a dog-friendly park, with many dogs enjoying the large grassy area at the center. Keep in mind that the area is completely open. There are specific off-leash hours, and I found all dog owners who come to the park to be friendly and respectful. - If you like to run, there is a running route that goes all around the park, mainly shaded by wonderful tree, that covers 0.22 miles/0.36 km[2]. There are also some stairs that lead to the highest point in the park, that are also good for exercising. Another set of (steeper) stairs is near the second access point near the Brooklyn Public Library. - If you have young kids, there is a playground with two jungle gyms separated by a sprinklers area, plus an enclosed area with swings, and six concrete small tables with benches. There are a lot of mosquitoes, particularly tiger mosquitoes i.e. the ones that are active during the day, in the area near the benches around the fence. The main entrance by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has no stairs, and its gentle incline is perfect if you have a stroller or bike. - If you have older kids, I have seen soccer games and other team sports (baseball, freesbee, etc...) or training sessions take place in the lawn at the center of the park. Keep in mind that the area is not completely covered in grass, and it can get dusty. The park seems to be generally understaffed (hence 4 stars instead of 5). The trash cans are not emptied daily, and the hours at which sprinklers are on during the summer, or when restrooms are open, seem to be totally random. While I find the dog owners and runners very respectful, some of the people who have birthday parties or other celebrations here tend to leave a lot of trash behind. Which is a shame, as this park is generally quiet, much less busy than nearby Prospect Park, and generally a great place to just relax and unwind. ----------------------- [1] https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/mount-prospect-park/history [2] https://www.plotaroute.com/route/723847

Huge playground. Plenty of climbable options for your children. Lots of benches in the shade. Close…read moreproximity to the Brooklyn Museum and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Restrooms available (really dirty, though). Ice-cold water coming from the water fountain! Thumbs up!

This is a great park to stop by if you're on a long walk - even though it was chilly out, it still…read morehad a decent amount of people (wearing masks and distancing) and was pretty lively. It's a spacious park with tonsss of benches - great spot to eat outdoors on a sunny day and there's some green space to sit down or lay out in the summer. Conveniently located by the AC as well.

What a quiet, lovely park in the middle of…read more..... I was passing by and nearly missed it but was so happy I didn't. There were two other people at this time and I was so grateful for the peace. Even with all the carrying ons on adjacent Fulton Street, it's a park I think I can comfortably get my Meditation on. Find comfort in the midst of chaos. I'll be back.

Prospect Park is a beautiful park. It gets overshadowed by Central Park, but I think we like it…read morethat way. We're okay with gatekeeping it even though it's not really even hidden. It's gorgeous, it's spacious - no tourists, no horse rides.

'An urban oasis' first comes to mind when I think about our first visit to Prospect Park. The…read moreoverall experience was certainly positive, with some fine points. As a visitor to the city, finding parking on a weekday afternoon was near impossible, until it became possible after what felt like 25 minutes of searching for a spot. The park is truly sprawling and there are many places to explore, including pavilions, bridges, falls, a pond, a creek, and endless paved trails. We also couldn't help but notice that the park overall may not have been maintained consistently, based on the extensive weeds in fountains, for instance. We saw at least two cafes that had pastries, sandwiches, and beverages on their menu that looked good enough to make us think we'd definitely go there if we lived locally. All in all, I'm grateful for this space being available for locals and visitors to enjoy, and hope it is maintained and stays open for many more years.