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Hidden Gem in NYC: Home for Retired Playground Animals in Flushing Meadows Park
Longtime readers know we're always on the hunt for New York City's best playgrounds, but even our favorites get a revamp from time to time. When it's time for a refresh, some of NYC's beloved playground animals are put out to pasture—literally in the Home for Retired Playground Animals, an enchanting destination in the middle of the sprawling Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
A lovely spot to visit in any season—or a diversion from the action at the nearby Billie Jean King National Tennis Center—here's where to find this hidden gem for families in NYC. You can bookmark our NYC Kids' Guide to Parks and Playgrounds for all our favorite outdoor places to play.
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Why the Home for Retired Playground is Perfect for Families
I'm going to burst your bubble a little—or your kids' bubble, at least—there's one rule at the Home for Retired Playground Animals: look, but don't touch! The animals who make their home here have been well-loved for decades, so they're off limits to climbing. Indeed, this spot, nestled in a shady grove just northeast of the Unisphere is more a spot for quiet contemplation and relaxing than wild romping.
It's the perfect place to snap a selfie with the animals who call it home, including an aardvark, a double-humped camel, two dolphins, a frog, and an elephant. Some lovely benches make it a great spot for a respit and a snack or bring a blanket and spread out for a picnic in the animals' midst. It's less a destination of its own than a fun addition to a daycation in Flushing Meadows Park.
RELATED: See our Reel on the Home for Retired Playground Animals
Cheeky dolphins swim along the path at the enchanting Home for Retired Playground Animals.
How to Find the Home for Retired Playground Animals
The Home for Retired Playground Animals is located on a patch of grass between the Billie Jean King Tennis Center and the famed Rocket Thrower statue. It's just southeast of the intersection of the Avenue of the Americas and United Nations Avenue North. The animals are easily recognizable, and there's ample signage along the winding pathway that takes you past each retired character.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
Flushing Meadows Corona Park doesn't lack for family-friendly entertainment. Here are a few of our favorite nearby destinations:
- The New York Hall of Science is a sprawling, kid-centric, STEM-filled wonderland with hands-on exhibits inside and out.
- Explore the 18-acre Queens Zoo, which is home to a variety of animals hailing from North and South America.
- See if you can spot your home on the Panorama of NYC at the Queens Museum.
- Cool down in the sprawling Fountain of the Fairs.
- Finish your day with a leisurely walk over to Flushing's main drag to enjoy delicious Asian eats.
READ NEXT: 24 Secret Spots NYC Kids Love
All photos by author
Places featured in this article:
Home for Retired Playground Animals
