Is the granite slide at Billy Johnson Playground safe for toddlers?

The slide is steep and fast. Toddlers should go with a parent for the first few runs. Kids 5 and up typically handle it independently with confidence.

What is the wax paper trick at Billy Johnson Playground?

Rubbing wax paper on the granite slide surface before each run makes it faster, it reduces friction on the natural stone. It's an unofficial tradition; bring a sheet or two from home.

Where is Billy Johnson Playground?

East side of Central Park near 67th Street and 5th Avenue, close to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Nearest subway is the 68th Street/Hunter College stop on the 6 train.

Is Billy Johnson Playground free?

Completely free, like all Central Park playgrounds. No admission, no reservations required.

Billy Johnson Playground

Name: Billy Johnson Playground
Address: E 67th St, New York City, NY, 10022, US
Telephone: +1 212-310-6600
Rating: 4.6

Rating

4.6(717)

Price

Free

Duration

1-2 hours

Best Ages

2-12

About

There is one thing that makes Billy Johnson Playground utterly, unforgettably unique among New York City's 1,000+ playgrounds: the 45-foot granite slide carved directly into the Central Park bedrock.

This is not your average playground slide. This is a real, natural-stone incline that sends children (and more than a few adventurous parents) rocketing down a smooth granite surface with exhilarating speed. Bring a piece of wax paper, rubbing it on the surface before each run is an unofficial tradition that makes the already-fast slide even faster.

The first time your child goes down, their expression will be priceless. And then they'll run back up and do it again. And again. Billy Johnson Playground is the rare attraction where the main draw is simple, natural, and unimprovable.

Beyond the granite slide, the playground features traditional equipment, climbing structures, swings, and play areas suitable for toddlers through older elementary kids. But let's be honest: the slide is the main event.

The playground sits on the east side of Central Park near 67th Street, close to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This makes it an excellent combo destination: playground in the morning when kids have peak energy, then the Met's American Wing or child-friendly Egyptian exhibits in the afternoon.

It's the kind of playground that creates lifelong memories.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Not Available

Setting

Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings for smaller crowds; the granite slide is best enjoyed when slightly damp from morning dew (faster slides!)

Wait Times

No wait for entry; the granite slide may have informal queues of excited kids

Nearby Food

Central Park vendors near the 5th Avenue entrance. The Metropolitan Museum of Art cafeteria and restaurant. Multiple restaurants on Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue nearby.

Why Kids Love It

The 45-foot granite slide carved into a rocky hillside is one of the more thrilling playground features in NYC. Kids line up eagerly for repeated runs down the natural stone slide. It's fast, not a 'kids' slide' at all.

Pro Tips from Parents

Bring wax paper, rubbing it on the granite slide before sitting makes it significantly faster and is an unofficial tradition
The slide is steep and fast; toddlers should go with a parent on the first few runs
Located near the Metropolitan Museum of Art, easy to combine with a museum visit
Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, the granite slide often leaves light marks on clothing