Madison Square Park is an urban square and park in New York City that costs nothing to enter. For families the anchor is the Police Officer Moira Ann Smith Playground, an award-winning playground with a kid-friendly water fountain and universally accessible swings. There are no steps or stairs within the park or between the sidewalk and the park, so a pushchair rolls straight from the street onto the pathways and lawns. The lawns are where to spread out between playground sessions, but they close in wet conditions, on parade days and for maintenance. The trade-off is that there are no bathrooms inside the park itself; the nearest restroom is a city-owned one on Madison Avenue just outside, so plan breaks around that walk. Families who come back often can join the park’s Mad. Friends membership, which includes Saturday morning stroller tours, family photo sessions and picnic blankets.
Family FAQ
How much does Madison Square and Madison Square Park cost?
Free public park with no admission charge.
What are the opening hours of Madison Square and Madison Square Park?
6 AM to 11 PM from November 1 to May 31, and 6 AM to midnight from June 1 to October 31.
Can you bring a stroller to Madison Square and Madison Square Park?
Ramp access for strollers on all pathways and lawns, with no steps or stairs in the park.
Where are the toilets at Madison Square and Madison Square Park?
No bathrooms in the park; use the city restroom on Madison Avenue between 23rd and 24th Street.
