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Diana Ross Playground Description

Named after its benefactor and neighbor, Diana Ross, this playground is a fun place for kids to run, jump, slide and swing. There are two main play structures, one for big kids and one for toddlers. They are connected and seem intertwined so this is an easy place to keep an eye on kids of varying ages. Plus the little ones won't even notice that they are relegated to the baby slides. Kids love it here because there are 3 slides: a corkscrew, a really high one, and a "great and kind of scary" shiny metal tube slide. The playground itself is beautiful, the structures are made almost entirely of wood and the ground cover underneath is a giant sandbox, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the natural environment of rocks and rolling hills in this area of Central Park. Be sure to check out our other Upper West Side vacation ideas.

Planning Notes

Bathroom breaks. Many of Central Park's playgrounds are not equipped with bathrooms. The closest bathrooms are in front of the Delacorte Theater, however -- less than a 5-minute walk from the playground.

The big-kid play structure is really made for big kids. Most of this structure is elevated and kind of high. It is not at all appropriate for children under five years.

Hot-weather relief. If the weather is above 85 degrees the NYC Parks Department turns on the water! This playground has a cool water mushroom kids love -- so bring a towel.

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