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Safari Playground

Review Highlights

“ If you have children, or just feel like acting one, don't miss this little playground at West 91st in Central Park . ” in 5 reviews

“ Views of the water are on point and the running track that is nearby makes this an awesome little playground for families. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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Central Park

New York, NY 10024

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Overall rating

Safari Playground Central Park is one of my very favorite playgrounds. My biggest complaint is there's no restroom! It's at Central Park West and 91st Street. This is a really unique playground where children can climb over, under, and around sculptures of hippopotamuses in the pretend river that's the playground floor. Children can climb into a canoe sculpture, cool off in summer in the water spray feature, and climb mounds. It's a way to enjoy a Safari without ever leaving New York City. Safari Playground is on the top of a hill with views down toward the Reservoir. It's the only playground in Central Park that doesn't include traditional playground equipment like slides, swings, or a sandbox. I love it!!

See all photos from Marianne W. for Safari Playground

No bathroom here so don't you even think about peeing in the fake water the hippos are in! So different than most city playgrounds as there are no jungle gyms, sandbox, or swings. What you have here are plenty of hippos, rowboats, rope bridges and hills to play pretend safari on. The kids have a lot of fun and use their imaginations in this type of environment. Saw many parents having a good time with their kids here on a nice day.

A pretty fun playground located on Central Park West and W 91st. We went on a Saturday afternoon, and it was very busy. It was a nice enough day that kids enjoyed playing in the water. That was the main reason we went -- my son loves the sprinklers in any playground. I want to give this place 5 stars, but like many of the playgrounds in Manhattan, they sit next to wooded areas of the park. I happened to look back at our stroller at one point and there was a rat sniffing the stroller wheel. All the other parents sitting on the benches right next to our stroller either didn't care or didn't see it. I, frankly, don't like to see rats run around a playground where there are a bunch of kids.

Cozy playground on the west side of Central Park. We found it more for the little kiddos as the slides weren't too high. It is a whimsical hippo-filled playground with little boats. We really enjoyed it. Safe and visible from almost anywhere. The nearest bathrooms are by the tennis courts in Central Park. It was a 5 min walk to there. But these bathrooms were not kid friendly. No diaper changing table but we managed.

Extra points for this newly revamped playground for not having the sand and sprinkler combo! A nice sized playground with little canoes, hippos and some climbing apparatus with slides. No sand which is a relief! Decently busy most days but a great playground with a nice view of the reservoir.

If you have children, or just feel like acting one, don't miss this little playground at West 91st in Central Park. Highlights include: Submerged hippopotamus statutes in the blue "water" for you to clamber on, fend off, or just laugh at. A canoe, for all of your imaginary rafting needs. A hollow hippo, for the small or very skinny (and very brave) adults to crawl through.

It's a park in Central Park on the west side. Views of the water are on point and the running track that is nearby makes this an awesome little playground for families. It's apparently a "western" themed park, I don't see it, other than the color I guess, but it was fun. Water fun of course, lots of swing and imagination play space . Swings for everyone from your normal infant and flat swing to tire swings and swings for those with disabilities this park is all inclusive. It's good for children of all ages which is a plus when you have kids that aren't in the same age group. If you're here with a teen they could just lounge on the nearby rocks ignoring your existence as you watch the younger set lol. This place is a win, and very well kept.

There is a certain force that pulls you into this area of the park if you are ever around it. I just happened to pass by it yesterday for the first time. I was without children or even a dog, but found myself trying desperately to get in through the locked gate. Once in, I realized I had place myself in the middle of a story--one of a famliy of hippopotami in the middle of a pool of blue water that I was walking on. Very engaging as you explore the several stories that are taking place. There is a certain emotional warmth that is generated within this space if you take notice of the stories rather than the material from which the hippopotami are made. It takes some imagination, but there is great cinematography/composition that makes the transition a smooth one from make believe to a questionable reality, especially on an unusually foggy and mild winter's day with a humidly factor of 93%. The late American sculptor, Robert Cassilly should be commended for what he has done with this space that adds to Central Park's lore. Tip: If you head further west cross town you will find Cassilly's original Hippo playground (1993) in Riverside Park. Safari Playground was created four years later.

HAPPYNESS! Love the hippopotamus smiling at you! A fantastic journey in your true feelings.. Enjoy this cozy corner in the middle of central park.. relax.. and you will not regret!

Sadly, this playground has been demolished, and a new one is being built in its place :(

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Safari Playground

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Activities and Facilities > Playgrounds > Safari Playground

Safari Playground

Get directions, photos, and more information about Central Park

This playground has ramps or transfer stations or accessible play elements (see "Accessible Play Elements" below.)

Has Restrooms: No

Accessible Play Elements

Accessible Swings (Ages 5-12): No

Accessible Amenities

Accessible Drinking Fountains: Yes

Inclusive Play Elements

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Safari Playground

Set atop a hill close to 91st Street off Central Park West, the Safari Playground feels secluded and offers a great space for preschool kids to run around. It features hippopotamus sculptures and tree houses, plus play canoes and water spray features.

West side at 91st Street

Suitable Ages

Playground features.

• Water feature
• Hippo play sculptures
• Climbing mounds with step climbers and slides
• Play canoes

Restroom Availability

No restrooms

Accessibility

• Accessible surface

Playgrounds

There are 21 playgrounds located throughout Central Park, each with its own unique theme, design, and play features. Browse the list and find a space for kids of all ages and abilities!

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VinKari Safari

Children's indoor playground and party place, the playground that parents love too, our hours change seasonally., october through april: open 7 days a week from 9 am to 3 pm, last admittance is 1 hour prior to close; if no children are here playing at 2 pm on nice weather days, we’re outta here too, the only indoor playground and party venue designed for babies, crawlers, toddlers, and pre-k/k-kiddos (6/7 months old to 6/7 years old).

No Reservations Necessary for Walk-In Open Play

$30 per child (2 free adults) admission is good for all day, no time restriction, with re-entry allowed, and yes, we allow outside snacks & coffee, bring it in, no shoes, no strollers and no food allowed in the playground; yes, adults too , absolutely no birthday celebrations allowed in the snack room during public hours., you must observe your child while they are inside the inflatable (from the outside); absolutely no adults, eyewear, tiara’s, fairy wings, hard surface costumes, toys, et cetera are to go inside the inflatable device.  allowing adults or any of these items into the inflatable is unsafe and can result in serious injury to a child., the following holiday & vacation dates we are traveling or out enjoying nature with family and friends, sorry; be back soon, easter sunday: closed, mother’s day: closed, memorial weekend: closed, father’s day: closed, july: closed around the 4th, thanksgiving day: closed, christmas eve and christmas day: closed, while we are closed, consider reading this book my mom wrote… https://www.amazon.com/tree-that-had-no-face/dp/1723876542.

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34 thoughts on “ the playground that parents love too ”.

It’s clean, and there is plenty for my daughter to do cant ask for anything more

My daughter could stay here for hours ..the hardest part is always trying to get her to leave ..abundance of toys to play with and great staffs

Our son had a fantastic 2nd birthday at VinKari!! Everything was taken care of, all we had to do was play and eat ( actually he didn’t want to eat he was having so much fun). We can’t wait to come back!! This place is awesome.

We had our son’s 2nd birthday party yesterday. This is the awesome place for all age kids my elder daughter 7year old & her friends had as much fun as my 2year old. The place very clean and too many options for kids to play. The stuff is super friendly. Special thanks to Dough for all the arrangement for theme birthday party. I totally love the return gift with birthday party package it’s not one of those silly useless toys. This place simply awesome place for kids. Looking forward to come here more and more.

My daughter’s Birthday was amazing!! Best place bye far in New England!! Well kept and owners really care about the kids. Not your typical franchise place! They thought completely outside the box and implemented it in this indoor play park for kids! Both my fiancé & I can’t wait to bring our daughter again!

Held daughter’s 3rd and 4th birthday parties here, kids had a blast and parents are always impressed with the layout and awesome staff! Highly recommend.

I have been to VinKari Safari many times any my children always enjoy themselves. We had my little ones first birthday party there today and it was great! Perfect for 1 year olds and 3/4 year olds. No stress, easy party! I love how much there is to do and how clean it is.

I cannot rave enough about the excellent service we got at Vinkari Safari!! We hosted our son’s first birthday here, and everything from the staff to the décor was just excellent and hassle free. Thank you all for your amazing work!!

Thank you so much to the staff for making my son’s first birthday party a memorable one! Everything flowed smoothly and the allotted time slot was perfect. I have recommended you to all of my friends and family! See you soon!

Thank you for helping make my daughter’s birthday party amazing! We love coming to Vinkari to play and having her birthday party there was even more special! The staff is very welcoming and go above and beyond to help make it the experience special and help with everything to make it go smoothly. Thanks again!

Great place for kids! Had my daughter’s birthday there and the kids had a blast. The place is super clean and the staff very friendly. I highly recommend this place.

Thank you so much VinKari staff for making my daughter’s first birthday party memorable and fun. We had alot of fun we will surely be back for more birthdays. Beautiful place for little kids.

Great place!! Had my son’s birthday there over the weekend, we all enjoyed so much! Guests were very pleased as the kids had so much room and so many toys to play with. Also very nice and helpful staff. Thanks again Doug!

Thank you Doug and Family for another awesome 5th birthday party experience for our son! All of of the decorations and details were amazing and we all had a fun and super special day today. We love Vinkari Safari!

Had our sons 2nd birthday party this past weekend. We had such a great day. Doug and his family were so awesome. Had lots of questions which were answered immediately. The decor was great, pizza great, parting gifts great. All the kids and their families had so mich fun. Facility is clean, and full of great rides, toys, and games!!! They made my child’s day special, and totally about him. Have already booked my daughter’s first birthday party for April!! Thank you Doug and family at vinkari!!!

First time there. It was very clean and the staff was very friendly. Definitely will be going back

I wanted to say thank you for the great service you guys provided to us for my daughter’s birthday party. We had so much fun and everyone who came to the party loved this place. Thank you 🙂

My kids love this place! We had my daughter’s 2nd birthday party here, and Doug and family made the whole experience wonderful and so easy! All the kids had a great time 🙂 the structures and ramps are always a big hit!

We had my sons 1st birthday party here! He’s now three and continue to go here and play. We love this indoor playground! Highly recommend it, the staff/owners are just wonderful people!

We had our sons birthday here and are so happy we did. Doug and staff were unbelievable and went above and beyond to make the day perfect for us! If your considering VinKari Safari for your child’s birthday, I highly recommend that you do it! The kids had a blast and we literally didn’t have to worry about a thing because of their amazing customer service. Thank You, Thank You Doug and staff!! Cant wait to come back and play again soon !

We had my son’s first and third birthday parties here. Both parties were a huge hit. The staff is amazing. The place keeps the kids entertained for hours and my son always wants to go back. It’s a huge hit every single time and he never gets bored of the place. We love everything about VinKari and highly recommend it.

We celebrated my daughter’s 1st birthday party at VinKari Safari in November. Everyone on staff was super friendly and knowledgeable (from initial questions to booking to the day of the party) and made the event hassle-free. Kids ranging from 1 to 7 attended and they all had a great time – they didn’t want to leave! Would definitely recommend a birthday party here! Thank you!

We had our son’s 1st Birthday at here and it was wonderful! Vinkari Safari is a wonderful place to bring your kids. Doug and his staff did an amazing job setting up and helping out with the party! All our guests had fun and I highly recommend bringing your kids here, very clean and lots of fun things to do. Thank you Doug and all his staff for an amazing 1st birthday for our son!

We cannot wait for reopening. We had our 2 year old sons birthday party there 1 week before the shutdown. He STILL talks about it, and all his friends and family do too. It’s our favorite place to bring him by far. Going back to Vinkari is what we are looking forward to most. Can’t wait!

We have brought our granddaughter here several times since Safari reopened. Plenty of COVID precautions in place. We feel perfectly safe.

Very safe to bring your child. My son loves it there and has had so much fun playing and interacting with other kids. The staff is wonderful and has a great covid protocol in place. Come back and enjoy the fun!

We had an AMAZING time today for our 5 year old’s birthday!! Everyone at the party was raving about how big, clean and fun this indoor playground is!!! We can’t wait to come back and play!!!

VinKari Safari provided an unforgettable experience for my son’s 3rd birthday party. The facility is amazing with so much for the kids to play and explore. The staff is kind and attentive, offering an incredible value for what’s essentially an all-inclusive party package. The facility is well maintained, safe, and clean. Our friends and family couldn’t stop raving about the great time they had. We highly recommend VinKari for your next party or to visit with your kids for some weekend fun! Thank you!

We had our daughter’s fifth birthday party here recently, and were blown away by Doug’s planning and execution – his energy was palpable. My kids and their friends had an awesome time. I can’t say enough good things about this place.

We had my son’s birthday party here today . The owner and his father welcome us in such a friendly way . They were so helpful on planning and decorated the room beautifully. We love this place , always clean and the service is amazing . Kids had a blast. We highly recommend this place . Wonderful place and family own ❤️

I look for activities for my granddaughter (almost 3) for rainy or cold days. So glad I looked up something for today and found this place. It was truly impressive. I’ve been to indoor playtimes a couple of times, but the hands-on-fun wasn’t half of what this place offered. It will now be my go-to. Even though it’s about 9 miles away; it is totally worth the extra travel time. Can spend a couple of hours or an entire day if you bring in your lunch.

My kids and I love Vinkari Safari. It is the SUPER clean and so many fun things to play with. The owners are also very kind. 5 stars! Very grateful to have a play space like this in our area.

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Why My Kids Love Regatta Playground At South Mountain Recreation Complex In NJ

With three little ones as active as they come, we are always on the hunt for a good playground to burn off energy and get in quality fresh-air playtime. So my kids were thrilled when we found the  Regatta Playground , part of the South Mountain Recreation Complex, in West Orange. Picture a giant pirate ship-shaped jungle gym with all the nautical bells and whistles—steering wheels, telescopes, ropes, and ‘sails’ to climb—surrounded by swings, see-saws, playground games, and more. Not only is the entire play area adorable but it’s also designed with different ages and abilities in mind. Plus, the location is ideal—this playground is near another mom-favorite, the Turtle Back Zoo . Read on for more on why this playground is my kiddos’ fave and what to know before you go. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)

The Regatta Playground At South Mountain Recreation Complex

What’s at the regatta playground at south mountain recreation complex.

My kids audibly gasped when we drove up to this place—it’s impressive to see the ships’ huge masts and to anticipate all the fun that could happen there. There are two boats, one larger and higher and one smaller and more tailored to little ones. There are also several sets of swings (baby, middle, and big-kid sized) as well as some adorable additions like balance beams, a giant see-saw designed to look like a dragonfly, and these neat faux rocks for a little “mountain climbing” action, as my boys called it. I also love that the area has that cushioned foam-like surface as the flooring, so there are no worries about hard pavement, rubber chips, mulch, or dirt, which can be real playground challenges. The entire playground is perfect for pretend play, especially a pirate adventure, with lookout areas on the deck, below the boat tunnels, and plenty of escape routes courtesy of slides, poles, and rings. The whole place is thoughtfully designed, even down to the ample seating in the play area when Mama needs a break.

Regatta Playground is also super scenic. It sits within the complex’s waterfront section at South Mountain Recreation Complex , right along the Orange Reservoir. There’s a 1.7-mile walking path around the reservoir, which my kids loved checking out, and access points to trails in the South Mountain Reservation. If you’re up for more than playtime, you can rent paddle boats on the water and bring lunch to the large picnic area.

The playground has a large ship and a smaller ship for littles to explore. Photo Credit: NJ MOM

Make it a day trip to Regatta Playground

Because the Regatta Playground is within Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex, you have a lot of other family fun right at your fingertips, including Turtle Back Zoo ,  Tree Top Adventure Course , and MiniGolf Safari. South Mountain Reservation is nearby for hikes, including another of our faves, the South Mountain Fairy Trail . And if you need a nosh after hitting one of the best playgrounds in the state (and you will), McLoone’s Boathouse is also right within the Complex, and of course, there’s always the option to brown-bag it, with tons of room along the water to sit and enjoy.

Climbing is a favorite activity at the Regatta playground. Photo Credit: NJ MOM

What to know before you go 

Besides ample parking and a traffic light to cross from the lot to the playground safely, the entire play area is gated. Plus, there is just one entrance, which is nice if you’re like me and have kids who sometimes run in opposite directions. There are bathrooms right next door at the picnic area.

To give you an idea of age levels, we saw families with babies up to tweens enjoying the many cool things to check out. The playground has several sections and unique ride-on and climbing features so that it will occupy kids a bit longer than your run-of-the-mill neighborhood jungle gym (and tire them out more). Overall, this playground was a winner for my family, and we can’t wait to go back.

To learn more about the Regatta Playground, visit its website , Facebook , and Instagram .

Regatta Playground Cherry Lane West Orange, NJ 07052

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