Looking for a safe and friendly playground in a beautiful setting? When my son was younger I spent many hours at the playground in Carl Schultz Park, located on Manhattan's upper east side. The playground is fenced in and offers equipment suitable for babies and older children in seperate sections. In the summer the many trees surrounding the playground offer shade, and a section is turned into a wading area with sprinklers. Located right by the East River, there is a promenade that extends for many blocks for a leisury stroll along the riverside.

For more information on New York City playgrounds see  http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/facilities/af_playgrounds.html#sites