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NYC's 5 Best Spots For Summer Playdates

The summer season is the perfect time to gather up the kids for a little fun in the sun. After all, every child enjoys a day of play instead school or being cooped up in the house. Finding a safe and cool place to frolic in NYC doesn't have to be a struggle. If you have been thinking of scheduling play dates with your child and their friends, here are five places to keep in mind.
Central_Park_Playground
Central Park's Heckscher playground in New York City (photo credit: www.centralparknyc.org)

Central Park
Between 59th to 110th Streets and Central Park West to 5th Avenue
New York, NY
www.centralpark.com

Central Park is undoubtedly one of New York City's epicenters for outdoor activities. Spanning more than 800 acres, the park is a wonderful resource for parents looking for child-focused — and friendly — social outings. Enjoy 21 children's parks, the Central Park Zoo (with a children's zoo) and the Central Park Carousel. Host a group of kids and fly kites with a tasty picnic lunch in between play time. During the summer months, the park even hosts storytelling at the Hans Christian Anderson statue for younger children.

Related:  NYC's 5 Best Playgrounds for Kids

Brooklyn Children's Museum
(credit: brooklynkids.org)

Brooklyn Children's Museum
145 Brooklyn Avenue (at St. Marks Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY11213
(718) 735-4400
www.brooklynkids.org

Price: $7.50 per person/free admission for museum members and children younger than 1 year old

This summer, venture out to Brooklyn and experience an unforgettable day at the museum. Dedicated to little ones, the Brooklyn Children's Museum features endless opportunities for educational activities and play that range from science to art and beyond. Providing something to do for all ages, this is the perfect indoor resource for parents. Other notable activities include the BCAP Summer Camp, interactive and hands-on exhibits and birthday rental space.

Related: Play with the Kids by Building a Playground in New York

Dylan's Candy Bar
(credit: Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Rockport)

Dylan's Candy Bar
1011 Third Ave.
New York, NY10021
(646) 735-0078
www.dylanscandybar.com

Delight your child in a day of play, candy, crafts and more candy. Founded by Dylan Lauren, daughter of fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Dylan's CandyBar is Manhattan's go-to resource for practically any and every candy imaginable. Spend a few hours during the day touring the flavorful store or rent the party room for private gatherings like summer birthdays.

Apple Seeds Play
(credit: appleseedsplay.com)

Apple Seeds
10 W. 25th St.
New York, NY10010
(212) 792-7590
www.appleseedsplay.com

Click here for pricing

Apple Seeds is an all-in-one play facility for small children, typically newborns to 5 year olds. Equipped with a 2,500-square-foot indoor playground, Apple Seeds is an awesome site for your child and his or her friends to gather, climb and crawl. Its summer membership includes unlimited access to the primary indoor playground, access special events and complimentary guest passes for first-time visitors. Try Apple Seed's two-week session summer camp as well. In its sixth year, children ages 3 to 4 years old may partake in crafts, cooking and other fun activities.

FAO Schwarz Toy Company
(credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

FAO Schwarz
767 5th Ave.
New York, NY10153
(212) 644-9400
www.fao.com

One of the biggest and most memorable toy stores you will ever see, FAO Schwarz is filled with countless toys and children's products perfect for growing minds. The store also offers fun events such as breakfast with a toy solider. Another great location for birthday parties, FAO Schwarz is an all-round fun experience for visiting summer guests and their children.

Tanvier Lee is a New York based lifestyle decorator, stylist and freelance writer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com

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