Audubon Playground

Every neighborhood needs a spot where kids can burn off energy without their parents worrying. Audubon Playground sits between 170th and 172nd Streets, a compact green refuge at 550 W 170th St — an address easy to remember because it’s tucked behind the schoolyards. They keep things simple but effective: fresh air without the long trek to Central Park; an expanse of swing sets and climbing bars; quiet corners where families unwrap sandwiches for picnics; a perfect match for a quick break from the Upper Manhattan sidewalks. Try them at 212-653-0720 if you can’t spot the kite in the air. Finding your way is painless—grab the map and follow the subway breeze up 170th; the fence with the blue slide is the landmark to look for. It’s only another block from the 1 train when the doors open.