Umpire Rock

One of my son’s favorite things to do in the park is rock climb. The park has several great rock outcroppings in the low 60s that are easily accessible from the Columbus Circle entrance, including this irresistible one right next to Heckscher Playground. Some of these areas are known to NYC’s bouldering community, but kids love them, too. Heckscher Playground is one of the city’s finest, which means this is an outing that can last the whole day. In the summer, bring a bathing suit and water shoes so your kids can cool off with the playground’s spraying, splashing water features.