Hippo Playground — Attraction in New York

The Hippo Playground in Riverside Park (W. 91st St. & Riverside Dr., New York, NY) is a delightful and whimsical spot for families, offering a perfect blend of fun, creativity, and relaxation. My recent visit with my two daughters was an unforgettable experience, filled with laughter and joy as they explored every corner of this charming playground.

The playground’s iconic hippo sculptures were the highlight of the day. My daughters were instantly drawn to these playful figures, climbing on them and pretending they were part of an imaginative adventure. The water features surrounding the hippos added an extra layer of excitement, as they splashed around and cooled off in the warm weather. These unique elements make the Hippo Playground stand out from other play areas in the city.

Beyond the hippos, the playground offers a variety of structures that cater to children of all ages. My younger daughter enjoyed digging and building in the shaded sandbox, while my older one had a blast on the swings and climbing equipment. The space is thoughtfully designed, with plenty of shaded areas provided by tall trees, making it a comfortable spot for families even on sunny days. Benches scattered throughout allowed me to relax while keeping an eye on my daughters as they played.

Located within Riverside Park, the playground benefits from its serene and picturesque surroundings. The combination of natural beauty and well-maintained facilities creates a welcoming atmosphere for families. The nearby restrooms add convenience, and the clean, safe environment ensures peace of mind for parents.

Overall, our day at Hippo Playground was nothing short of amazing. From the creative design to the variety of play options, it’s clear why this spot is so beloved by locals and visitors alike. Whether it’s climbing on hippos or enjoying the swings and slides, this playground offers endless fun for kids while giving parents a chance to unwind. It’s a must-visit destination for any family looking to create lasting...

This is a large, shaded playground with ample space to run around. There are multiple jungle gyms, bucket and big kid swings, a sand box and some water features when it's warm.

The park has a bathroom and only one fenced exit which makes it harder for kids to get out but the park itself is so big that supervision can be challenging if you're not following your kids around. There's also a hippo which kids can hide in - fun, but definitely cannot see if your kid is in there!

The park is accessible by walking down two different paths from Riverside drive, but it would be very difficult in...

Rats EVERYWHERE. Went for 1st time on a weekday afternoon, saw a few rats on the walk towards, which unfortunately is common in Riverside Park during the day. However then saw one in the playground, then another right near where kids were playing then one run under a bench right next to someone's feet. and another woman said she'd seen five so far and was leaving, so we did too and on the way out we saw many more, in several parts of the playground. I reported it to 311 and the person I was with told a park employee who said she can't do anything...