Evelyn's Playground

Evelyn's Playground at Union Square occupies a special spot in Manhattan's playground landscape: it's the playground that drops you directly into the energy of the city. Unlike Central Park's pastoral escapes or Riverside Park's waterfront serenity, playing here means you're in the thick of New York City life.

Union Square Park is one of Manhattan's great democratic spaces — farmers, activists, tourists, NYU students, office workers, and neighborhood families all share this urban green zone. The playground sits within this vibrant mix, giving kids and parents a distinctly NYC experience that more secluded playgrounds can't replicate.

The playground itself is well-maintained and offers good equipment for a range of ages, from climbing structures for younger children to equipment that challenges older kids. The NYC Parks Department keeps it in good condition, and the high-traffic location means issues get addressed promptly.

What really elevates a visit here is the Union Square Greenmarket, which operates on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. If you plan your playground visit on a market day, you can supplement the playground outing with a browse through one of NYC's best farmers markets. Kids can sample apple cider, watch bakers pull fresh bread, and learn where food comes from — all steps from the swings.

For families visiting NYC and staying in Midtown or the East Village, this playground is an excellent choice. It's accessible from nearly every subway line, surrounded by excellent food options, and gives kids a real taste of Manhattan street-level life.