Feeling the heat and looking for a playground with shade? We’ve rounded up some of the shadiest playgrounds in NYC—as in places with lots of shade, the kind that involves sunlight. There are a few in Manhattan, an awesome all-abilities playground, and even some where you can get wet when you really want to cool off. And when you just need some major time in the A/C, there are loads of indoor playgrounds that the kids will love.

For a Pioneer in Queens: The Playground for All Children

The Playground for All Children is the first playground constructed in the United States for disabled and able-bodied children. It served as a prototype for similar sites across New York City, the United States, and the world. Designed for kids ages three to 12, the playground offers opportunities for social, cognitive, sensory and motor stimulation, with accessible slides, swings, a bridge, a water wheel area, Nature Interpretive Trail and more. Plaques are in English and braille, and the playground is home to several Parks Department learning programs dedicated to nature, arts, and cultural understanding. 

Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Near 111th Street and Corona Ave. 
Online: nycgovparks.org

Shade for Tots in DUMBO: Pier One, Brooklyn Bridge Park

Mimi O'Connor

An unsung hero in Brooklyn Bridge Park (often overshadowed, so to speak, by Slide Mountain and Swing Valley over on Pier 6) the Pier 1 play space is notable for a couple of reasons. While we love the playgrounds at BBP, shade can be sparse in the park, where the vegetation is still growing in. However, this playground is an exception and is mercifully surrounded by greenery. (It's tucked away and feels like a hidden sanctuary.) The playground is also a fantastic space for the beginner (at life) set; babies and toddlers can explore low-lying turtles, a colorful mini house and climbing structure, and enjoy some swing time.

Pier 1
Brooklyn Bridge Park (near ferry and water taxi docks)
Onlinebrooklynbridgepark.org

Related: Ample Hills & More: Brooklyn's Best Playgrounds

For Upper East Side Shade: Catbird Playground

Located on the south end of Yorkville's lovely Carl Schurz Park (also home to the mayoral residence, Gracie Mansion) Catbird Playground takes its name from a James Thurber short story. You'll find climbing structures, swings, monkey bars, rings, a sandbox and spray showers—all under the cover of shade mature trees. The park, home to two dog runs, is also known for being very dog-friendly. 

East End Avenue and 84th Street 
Online: nycgovparks.org

Shade Gowanus-style: St. Mary's Playground

Mimi O'Connor

It's so limiting to think of shade coming just from trees. In the city—and in the proud industrial Brooklyn neighborhood of Gowanus—the shade comes from train tracks overhead. It sounds counter-intuitive, but this playground, located beneath the F/G train overpass, is a pleasant place to spend some time. It features ADA-accessible playground equipment for kids of all ages, lots of room to roam, a safety surface underfoot, and gentle spray showers that are activated at the touch of a button. 

422 Smith St. (between Nelson and Huntington)
Carroll Gardens/Gowanus
Online: nycgovparks.org

For an Upper West Side Institution: Hippo Playground

If hippos don't know how to keep cool, who does? Much beloved by the community (and taken extra special care of, thanks to The Playground Project), Hippo Playground takes its name from the impossible-to-miss Bob Cassily hippopotamus statues found "frolicking" in the park. A particularly good spot for young ones, the playground includes swings, a wood play structure, a jungle gym, a slide, a soft play surface, a sand pit, and a spray fountain. Bonus: picnic tables and restrooms, plus a cool Joan of Arc statue at 93rd Street! Lots of seasonal events take place here so follow their FB page for all the details. 

Riverside Park at 91st Street
Online: nycgovparks.org

Related: Top of The Heap: Our Favorite Manhattan Playgrounds

For a New Playground Under Old Shade: Black Rock Playground

NYC Parks Department

The Bronx's Black Rock Playground in Soundview reopened after a $1.9 million renovation. Designed with input from local students at the nearby P.S. 119, the new playground, surrounded by tall, leafy trees, includes fresh colorful play equipment, swings, a water play area, and drinking fountains. Plus, new plantings, seating, and an improved drainage system.

Watson Ave., Blackrock Ave. between Virginia Ave. and Pugsley Ave.
Online: nycgovparks.org

For Shade Near a Big Pool in Astoria: Charybdis Playground

Taking its name from Greek mythology (Charybdis was the daughter of Poseidon, and responsible for some rough waters near Sicily) this playground is found on the western edge of Astoria Park. (Which is also home to one of our favorite free public pools in the city.) In addition to shade, this park offers lovely views of the East River, and the Triborough and Hells Gate Bridges, as well as photo-worthy sunsets. Bonus: It underwent major renovations a few years ago and the splash pad area is epic! 

Shore Boulevard and 19th Street at 23rd Road
Online: nycgovparks.org

For a Murray Hill Favorite: St. Vartan Park

This east side park provides relief on hot days thanks to mature trees, sprinklers, and restrooms. You'll find fun climbing structures, swings, various ball courts, gardens, and lots of open space to play. 

35th Street and Second Avenue
Online: nycgovparks.org

For Shade in an Arboretum: Pinetum Playground

While there's not a whole lot of playground equipment here, this spot is where you'll find the largest collection of pine trees in Central Park, known as the Arthur Ross Pinetum. The main attraction is the swings—strap swings and bucket swings, so both the kids and you can have some fun—but there's also a chin-up bar if someone's looking to work out. Find this playground just north of the Great Lawn and south of the reservoir. 

Mid-Park, west side at 85th Street
Online: centralparknyc.org

For an LIC Spot Dubbed "Shady Playground": Andrews Playground

You know there's some relief from the sun when locals call it "Shady Playground." This two-and-a-half-acre Long Island City spot has climbing structures, swings, sprinklers, game tables, benches and more. 

Fifth Street, 49th Avenue and Vernon Boulevard
Online: nycgovparks.org

Related: 5 Playgrounds Perfectly Sized for Toddlers

For Shade with a Side of Creative Inspiration: Imagination Playground

Mimi O'Connor

This playground has minimal equipment, but that’s exactly what makes it so cool. As the name implies, the playground is designed to encourage kids to use their imaginations from the moment they are greeted by the giant, bronze dragon-shaped sprinkler. Peek inside one of the animal-shaped cutouts, or use the circular stage to put on a show. If all of that imagining leaves them tuckered out,  the “Peter and Willie” sculpture, which was inspired by characters in Ezra Jack Keats’ beloved children’s books, is a great place to relax. PS: This is also close to one of our favorite splash pads, LeFrak Center at Lakeside.

Prospect Park
Ocean Avenue and Parkside Avenue
Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Onlineprospectpark.org

 

 

Few things make parents happier than finding free entertainment, especially when it involves water play on a hot summer day. Gather your pennies — so, um, we guess it’s not totally free — because we rounded up water fountains worthy of your wishes. Some you can actually play in! From the world-famous and massive to the tiny and refreshing, these fountains in Chicago will put a smile on your face and a click in your camera.

Crown Fountain

You'll find it hard to find a spot to throw your wishful pennies, but Crown Fountain at Millennium Park should top your bucket list of must-see Chicago fountains. Completed by Spanish Artist Jaume Plensa in 2004, this fountain is unique because of its use of modern mixed media (light, LED display and water). Pack a swim diaper and change of clothes because the fountain's two 50-foot glass-brick towers joined by a 232-foot long granite pool invite visitors to ditch their shoes and take a respite from the summer sun. The faces appearing on the towers were taken from a cross-section of 1,000 Chicago residents and are modern interpretations of traditional gargoyles in fountains from which water, a symbol of life, flows from an open mouth. The fountain is open daily mid-spring to mid-fall.

201 E. Randolph St., Millennium Park; Online: cityofchicago.org

Eli Bates Fountain

You might know it as the “Storks at Play” fountain. Officially, the fountain is named for its donor after he bequeathed money making its 1881 installation possible. Tiny visitors will enjoy the whimsical bronze birds spewing water from their beaks and will be in awe of the half-boy, half-fish creatures holding large fish that appear to come alive, splashing in the water. Tall bronze reeds and cattails protrude from the center of this stunning fountain that serves as the centerpiece for the formal garden just south of the Lincoln Park Conservatory.

East of N. Stockton Dr. & South of Lincoln Park Conservatory, Lincoln Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Buckingham Fountain

A list isn't complete without mentioning this Grant Park gem, arguably the most well-known fountain around. Open to the public in 1927, architect Edward H. Bennett designed it to be a focal point for Grant Park without obstructing views of Lake Michigan, in which it was designed to symbolize. The enormity of the lake is embodied by the 15,000 gallons of water re-circulated every minute and the water displays that shoot as high as 150 feet from the ground—something that’s guaranteed to impress the kids! The four states that border Lake Michigan are represented in the four sets of Art Deco-style sea horses in the massive lower basin. The fountain runs from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily from May to mid-Oct. and a 20-minute water show begins every hour on the hour.

Columbus Drive  & Congress Parkway, Grant Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Triton Fountain

Make this a must-see on your next trip to The Art Institute. You'll have to pay general admission to enter the museum to see it — however, children under 14 enter free and Illinois residents get free admission every Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m. A calming sight, it was designed by famed Swedish sculptor Carl Milles and was dedicated in 1931. It's the centerpiece of the 11,000-square-foot McKinklock Memorial Park, located off the museum cafe and flanked by beautiful Dutch Elm trees. The park is open for dining in the summer and offers plenty of space to stretch little legs.

Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Loop; Online: artic.edu

Fountain of Time

Simply known as "Time", artist Lorado Taft's creation is thought of as the most monumental piece of art in Chicago's Public Art Program and was the first to be completed using concrete. It was created in 1920 as a monument to the first 100 years of peace between the U.S. and Great Britain. Across a reflecting pool, Father Time looks over 100 figures representing birth, the struggle for existence, love, family life, religion, poetry and war. If you want to leave the deep, philosophical discussion aside, just take in its beauty, toss some pennies and snap a few pics. The sheer mass and intricacy of the 110-foot-long sculpture will make this visit to Washington Park a treat.

Cottage Grove Ave. & 59th St., Hyde Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Children's Fountain

This bubbling beauty is photo opp gold. It was dedicated in 1982 by Chicago’s first female mayor, Jayne Byrne. Moved from its original location on Upper Wacker Dr., you'll now find it just south of the Chicago History Museum. Turn a trip there into a game of I Spy. Can you spot the frolicking children, musical instruments and arching cranes? Adults will simply appreciate its artfulness. It stands four tiers tall and has a scallop-shaped granite basin as the base. Shapely stairs lead to the fountain where you’ll find a plaque dedicating the fountain to all Chicago children who take from our past to better our future.

North of W. North Ave. & East of N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Trio of Sculptural Drinking Fountains

We’ve shown you where to toss your wish-carrying pennies and dip your toes, but how about where to wet your whistle? Lincoln Park Zoo has a trio of sculptural drinking fountains that put the old-school drinking fountains to shame. Just west of the Kovler Lion House, you’ll find “Lion Fountain” which depicts a lion pride — an adult male, adult female and three small cubs mounted on a bronze podium where they appear to be sharing a drink with their human friends. North of the Regenstein African Journey near Conservatory Gate is the home to “Elephant Fountain".  A bronze mama and baby elephant wait patiently for visitors to supply them with a cool drink. Lastly “For the Young at Heart” at the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo features a rabbit, dear, raccoon and nut-carrying squirrel frolicking near its three spouts. 

Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; Online: lpzoo.org

Rose Petal Fountain

Three acres at the Chicago Botanic Garden are dedicated to more than 150 varieties of roses, almost 5,000 roses altogether! The shades of these blooms get lighter as visitors near the focal point of the rose garden, the Rose Petal Fountain, a cast-concrete bubbler in the shape of a Tudor rose. Streams of water in varying shapes and heights shoot from its center. Neighboring the fountain, kids can rest their legs and find shade amongst the fragrant climbing roses on the Cedar Arbor.

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe; Online: chicagobotanic.org

— Maria Chambers

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Mickey’s Toontown is about to get a makeover. Disney shared the exciting news this week that the beloved area of the park will close in March 2022 to undergo a major upgrade.

The reimagined Mickey’s Toontown is set to reopen in early 2023 and will be the home of new attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Not only that, but Imagineers plan on creating new play experiences and lots of open place spaces for fun and relaxation.

Toontown will be packed with new sights, sounds, and sensations where kids can enjoy active and tactile play where they can play, slide, spin, splash and touch.

Families will also get to enjoy CenTOONial Park with two interactive play experiences, including a fountain with water tables and dreaming tree with sculpted tree roots ready for play.

Plenty of more news awaits leading up to the reopening so stay tuned!

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Disney

 

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Our house is in shambles.

Walls have been knocked down, studs revealed, old wiring uncovered. The mysterious pipe in the pantry, well, turns out that is a gas line. “We wondered about that,” I laugh with my contractors as we pivot to deal with the house’s secrets now laid bare.

We are renovating and adding on, squeezing our family of five (plus two pets) into an even smaller footprint for a time. A little over a year ago, we lounged in 2500 square feet; now, we are getting along just fine in about 1000. Though I’ll admit, I am quite grateful for in-person learning and my husband’s special dispensation to work in the office. Still, I marvel at the ability of humans to adapt. Perhaps we don’t need all that we think we need?

Our refrigerator is within reach of the person seated at the end of the dining table. “Pass the butter” has taken on a whole new meaning. Our main walkway involves squeezing between people hunched over their plastic bowls and spoons and the piano that is wedged under the window. Our cat thinks the new construction is his personal playground. Our dog has made friends with all of the specialty subcontractors, from the electricians to the framing crew.

All this discomfort, inconvenience, and mess makes me oddly excited. You see, I know what is coming in a few months. A more spacious, comfortable, well-planned home for our family, where we can welcome friends and neighbors. I find it shockingly easy to smile and laugh at the chaos and noise because I know what lies ahead.

Our children are surrounded by inconvenience. Their possessions are in storage. Two are sharing a room. No one, including myself, really knows where anything is right now. Plastic tarps are hanging everywhere, so we “zipper” through from one space to the next. We are crowded, cramped, crazy. Our life is under construction, and at times, it is difficult. Nothing is easy. But my husband and I continually remind them of the end goal—a new, shining, spacious home.

We are giving them hope. Reconstruction and demolition and rebuilding and renovation are hard work. None of those are comfortable to live through. I know…that’s what I’m living through now. This past year has been full of destruction and chaos, and it is impossible to see some shining goal at the end of all of this. But our home renovation has given my husband and me the opportunity to show our children that something good and lovely can come out of chaos.

There has been much talk of our children being “resilient” after this year. Perhaps. If we mean that they will be able to understand that life is hard. It is full of suffering and pain and the unpredictable. If we mean that we are not in control like we tend to think we are. If we mean that our choices still matter, that beauty can emerge from ashes, that there is hope.

Scientist by training, lover of books and writing and learning by nature. Wife to a talented husband, mom of three children. Proud to call the Rocket City home (Huntsville, Alabama). Pursuing my love of creative writing by writing about everything from school buses to the latest in pandemic schooling.

Fixer Upper is coming back! The popular home renovation show has found a new home on stars Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Network. The original series aired its final episode on HGTV in 2018. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A new season of #FixerUpper is coming to Magnolia Network in 2021!

A post shared by Magnolia Network (@magnolianetwork) on

The premiere of the reboot will coincide with the kickoff of the Magnolia Network in 2021. 

“The day we wrapped our final episode of Fixer Upper, we really believed it was a chapter closed. A bittersweet ending to a season of our lives that we couldn’t have been more grateful for. In that moment, the future was a little uncertain, but Jo and I were sure of a few things. We knew we needed a break and a moment to catch our breath.” Chip wrote on the couple’s blog.

Since the show ended the couple has tackled a few renovation projects, including a few that will be revealed on the network once it launches. They have also been busy raising their five kids, Drake, Ella, Duke, Emmie and Crew. 

“This past year, we have poured our hearts into content and programming for Magnolia Network. Searching for stories we believe the world needs to hear. Stories that bring us together, that let us see things in a whole new light. Stories that connect us to our roots, and to one another. And for Jo and me, it dawned on us that we wanted to be a part of this lineup with a new season of Fixer Upper,” he continued. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: todd kent on Unsplash

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Fans of Pixar’s Chef Remy can finally get a rat’s eye view of what it’s like to cook in a Parisian restaurant. Disney’s Epcot is getting a new Ratatouille ride.

This won’t be the first time the pint-sized Pixar character is featured in a Disney Parks attraction. Disneyland Paris already has it’s own Ratatouille ride. Recently featured in the Imagineering series on Disney+, the Ratatouille ride in Paris was built on a revolutionary new trackless ride system that gives riders the point of view of Remy as he runs through the busy kitchen narrowly escaping obstacles.

As Disney announced in a blog post, just like in Paris, the American version means “you’ll race across Gusteau’s kitchen floor aboard special trackless ride vehicles.” The addition of the ride is part of Disney’s huge revamp of Epcot and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be the newest attraction in the French Pavilion.

The new ride is set to open Disney’s Epcot in the summer of 2020, while the complete renovation of the park will continue over the next few years with more additions and attractions to come.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured image: Disney Parks

 

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Disney Parks attractions never seem to get old no matter how many times you visit them, but even the best rides need a little sprucing up now and then. Disneyland is refurbishing two of its most popular attractions in 2020.

It’s been 25 years since Disneyland unveiled the Indiana Jones Adventure and it’s time for an overhaul. The OC Register reports that Disney Parks has filed a permit with the city of Anaheim to refurbish the ride in 2020. The theme park will replace a plank bridge and its steel structure in a portion of the ride, as well as refurbishing rock work according to the permit.

photo: Courtesy of Disney Parks

There’s no information yet on when the renovation will take place or how long the ride might be shut down during that time. With the 25th anniversary set for March 2020, however, there’s a good chance the park will want to complete the refurbishment before.

Disneyland will also be giving Snow White’s Scary Adventures a major overhaul next year. According to the city permit, Disney Parks are set to remove and replace show sets, props and scenes, install new structural beams, refurbish rock work and make electrical upgrades on ride. The attraction, which is one of the few that has been open since day one in 1955, might also get some modern upgrades. The permit also reveals that Disney will be adding projector platforms.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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Sesame Place is coming to the West Coast! SeaWorld Entertainment recently announced the upcoming renovation to its Aquatica San Diego property.

Until now, Elmo enthusiasts and Big Bird besties have only had one option to explore Sesame Street-themed adventures IRL—the Philadelphia park. Now kiddos, and their adults of course, can enjoy the same Sesame Place fun across the country in the franchise’s second park.

Steve Youngwood, President, Media & Education and Chief Operating Office, Sesame Workshop, said in a press release, “As we celebrate Sesame Street’s 50th Anniversary, we are excited to share the news of a major opportunity for kids and families to connect with and learn from the brand and its beloved characters.” Youngwood continued, “The opening of Sesame Place San Diego will give guests a unique and powerful way to experience Sesame Street, enable us to connect with even more families, and further our educational mission.”

Along with family-friendly rides, water slides, live character shows, parades and interactive experiences, San Diego’s new Sesame Place will also open as a Certified Autism Center. Like the Philadelphia park, San Diego’s park will also have plenty of pre-visit resources (such as a sensory guide), designated quiet spaces and the staff will participate in autism sensitivity and awareness training.

Of the CAC designation, Marc Swanson, Interim Chief Executive Officer, SeaWorld Entertainment, said, “We are proud to be opening this new park as a Certified Autism Center and are committed in our efforts to offer families inclusive activities for children with autism and other special abilities.” Swanson also added, “Providing fun and memorable experiences through exceptional service is a part of that.”

Sesame Place San Diego is set to open in 2021, but as of now, there’s no specific debut date.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Sesame Place San Diego via Instagram

 

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The classic board game Clue is celebrating its 70th anniversary, which means it’s time for a little renovation in the iconic mystery house.

Hasbro has teamed up with Houzz.com in honor of this major milestone to give one of the famous mansion’s rooms a makeover. The new room will replace The Hall on the game board and fans will have a chance to decide what the replacement will be from real room designs. The choices include the following selections:

Bathroom

Drawing Room

Guest Room

Modern Update of The Hall

 

From Aug. 26 to Sep. 9 fans can visit houzz.com/clue to vote for the room they’d most like to see added to the new version of the Clue game. The winning selection will be revealed on Oct. 21 and the new version of the game will be available to purchase in December.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Amazon

 

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Now that baby makes three, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are settling into their newly renovated home.

The couple started making interior changes on Frogmore Cottage (a five-bedroom abode on Windsor Castle’s grounds) before Archie’s birth, and now that he’s here, it looks like the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have completed the exterior too. So what kinds of changes did the new parents make to their family’s home?

 

According to Buckingham Palace, the renovations came in at a $3 million price tag—thanks to British taxpayers via the Queen’s Annual Sovereign Grant (which helps to maintain and conserve royal palaces). A source close to the royal family told PEOPLE, “The heating systems were outdated and inefficient and were not to the environmental standards that we would expect today.” The source also added that the older electrical system, gas lines and water mains also required replacement.

Even though taxpayers footed the majority of the permanent reno bill (after all, it is a historic building), Prince Harry and Markle paid for fixtures, fittings and furnishings themselves. Reports have also surfaced noting that the couple also paid for some of the pricier projects, such as a kitchen upgrade and flooring.

Even though the couple hasn’t released specifics, rumors of a mother-and-baby yoga room with a floating floor are reportedly false.

Of the renovations and restorations, Sir Michael Stevens, Keeper of the Privy Purse, told reporters, “The property had not been the subject of work for some years and had already been earmarked for renovation in line with our responsibility to maintain the condition of the occupied Royal Palaces Estate.” Stevens went on to add, “The Sovereign Grant covered the work undertaken to turn the building into the official residence and home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their new family. The building was returned to a single residence and outdated infrastructure was replaced to guarantee the long-term future of the property.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Princess Eugenie via Instagram 

 

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