1 / 3Billy Johnson Playground
📍 Manhattan, NY
A Central Park playground designed by M. Paul Friedberg featuring two granite slides built into a natural hillside — including a 45-foot slide — plus tire swings, net climbers, a sandbox, amphitheatre spray feature, and adaptive swings.
Great playground to let your kids blow off steam from all the New York City chaos. I’ve come here three times now and my daughter gets more excited every time we go. What I like is that it’s constructed from natural materials which complement Central Park, the slides are made of carved rock which feels really smooth (much better than those stainless steel slides that turn into a grill in the summer sun). There is also lots of shade which is really nice on the warmer days!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Active kids from preschool through early primary school find this playground genuinely exciting — granite slides feel completely different from steel, and the climbing structures encourage physical challenge in an organic setting. The shaded hillside keeps it cooler than open playgrounds during summer.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →717 Google reviews
Berend Broekhoff
a year ago
“Great playground to let your kids blow off steam from all the New York City chaos. I’ve come here three times now and my daughter gets more excited every time we go. What I like is that it’s constructed from natural materials which complement Central Park, the slides are made of carved rock which feels really smooth (much better than those stainless steel slides that turn into a grill in the summer sun). There is also lots of shade which is really nice on the warmer days!”
Sujay Chakraborty
7 months ago
“1. "Visit Billy Johnson Playground in Central Park, New York—featuring the iconic granite slide, climbing adventures, and nature play for children." 2. "Billy Johnson Playground, New York, offers kids a fun escape with its granite slide, climbing structures, and natural play areas in Central Park." 3. "Enjoy family fun at Billy Johnson Playground in Central Park, NYC—famous for its giant granite slide, climbing zones, and nature-inspired design."”
Pauline Clayton
5 months ago
“My 4-year-old nephew really enjoyed this playground! He had so much fun playing on the slides and climbing with the other kids. It made me so happy to watch him having a great time and interacting with others instead of just watching YouTube. It’s such a healthy way for him to learn, play, and communicate. I’m really glad I brought him here we’ll definitely come back!”
Mag Tulsi
4 months ago
“This place is a must go when you’re with kids in Central Park. It has slides, ropey playground and a bridge that almost resembles the one in the park. We had an amazing time there, will definitely come back.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Billy Johnson Playground occupies a natural hillside within Central Park, featuring two granite slides carved into the rock — the longest stretching 45 feet. The M. Paul Friedberg-designed space includes bucket and tire swings, a rustic net climber, sandbox, amphitheatre spray feature, adaptive swings, kid-sized stone bridge, and connecting trails. Natural materials throughout complement the surrounding Central Park landscape, providing shade during warmer months.
