Pier 51, Hudson River Park, Greenwich Village

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Pier 51 Playground in Hudson River Park is one of the best waterfront playgrounds in Lower Manhattan, combining climbing structures, splash areas, river views, and unique maritime-inspired design. Located along the Hudson River Greenway, it is an easy stop if you are visiting the High Line, the Whitney Museum, Little Island, Gansevoort Peninsula, or exploring Hudson River Park by bike.

In this mid-sized playground jutting out on a Pier, there are three play structures, a sandbox, and a few ways to get wet. While there are features for all ages, smaller kids may get the most out of it.

The centerpiece play structure is the wide spiral ramp that climbs around and around, up to six feet tall at the top. It’s an easy and safe run to the top or up a chain ladder in the middle.

There are two other, more traditional play structures – one for older kids (ages 5 to 12) and a much lower one for younger kids (ages 2 to 5). These both feature some typical slides, monkey bars, and hanging bridges.

In summer, there are water features for all ages. For bigger kids, there are fountains of water from high up and mists spraying out sideways from the wall. There is a gentle stream to splash in that flows throughout the playground. Far away from any older kids, is a third water play spot with a few gentle spouts.

What’s more? There is a reference to the far past history of the area in a couple of the playground’s structures. The spiral ramp with flags was designed as a nod to a military fort that was situated nearby during the War of 1812. The stream of water represents the Minetta Brook, which ran from as far as Washington Square Park but was paved over in the 18th century. Minetta Playground in Greenwich Village also references this brook. Outside the playground perimeter, kids can walk out to a ship’s bow jutting out into the water.

From the ship's bow there are permanent binoculars to get a close-up view of an actual sandy beach on nearby Ganesvoort Peninsula, bringing you closer than ever to dipping your toes into the Hudson River.

Pier 51 is one of five playgrounds within Hudson River Park, a 550-acre park along the Hudson River. It is separate from the New York City Parks Department and receives no City funding for its operations. The Hudson River Park Playground Committee raises money and advocates specifically for the benefit of children’s spaces and activities within the Park. There is an extensive line-up of free arts, recreation, and education activities offered throughout Hudson River Park year-round.

Snack Time/Coffee Break? There are many benches but only a few trees for shade along the perimeter of this playground. For snacks, walk five minutes north along the river to Gansevoort Peninsula to find Hudson Plate Cafe, or further on to the food hall at Pier 57 with a variety of options, cool indoor spaces to get a break from the heat, and a rooftop park to explore.

Visibility/Safety: From a bench, it is possible to keep an eye on kids in different sections and the two gates. The flooring is soft and bouncy rubber, except for the water spray areas that are concrete.

Bathroom Emergency? There are bathrooms maintained by Hudson River Park just outside the playground.

Features: Slides, monkey bars, water sprays, benches, nearby snacks.

The bottom line: Pier 51 is an excellent add-on if you're already doing the High Line or the Whitney. The river setting gives it something most city playgrounds can't offer. Worth building into a wider Hudson River Park day rather than visiting on its own.

Gianna Abruzzo is EatPlayExplore's playground correspondent and the person who knows Manhattan's parks better than anyone. Brooklyn-born and mother of three, she has raised her girls on these playgrounds and spent years championing the parks that make this city liveable. She created a collection of embroidered iron-on patches to celebrate them. Shop her patches here and follow her on Instagram.