Here's Why Wantagh Park Playground is My Family's Go-To Destination

Wantagh Park's newest addition, the Marina Playground, has just dethroned Eisenhower Park as our favorite playground in Nassau County. Interactive elements, cool nautical-themed structures, and equipment for multiple ages make this a perfect park for families with younger and older kids. Read on for more info on how exciting this new addition is in terms of Long Island's playground lineup. 

For lots more on Long Island playgrounds, check out our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds on Long Island. 

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A Guide to Wantagh Park's Marina Playground

Having grown up in Wantagh, I can safely say that Wantagh Park's playground is a huge improvement over the old one. As a teenager, my friends and I would go there to linger, and it wasn't great. Now, it's my go-to playground on Long Island for my kids, who are 7 and 4. This is a fantastic playground for families with children in different age groups. The sight lines are wonderful, so while you watch your younger one in the toddler area, you can still easily spot your older one climbing the more difficult equipment across the playground. There are also opportunities for parents to sit on a bench in the shade, a nice reprieve since most of the equipment is in the sun. 

As for the playground itself, the nautical theme, layout, and interactivity are top-notch. The playground is organically separated into three main areas. There are toddler, younger kid, and bigger kid play areas, but don't be surprised if you see the older ones exploring the younger sections. This playground is perfect for a game of tag or hide-and-seek.

Toddler Playground

The toddler area is pretty large, with handicap-accessible features and crawler-friendly equipment. My 4-year-old daughter loved playing in the tiny house, which had knobs, levers, and other equipment to pull and interact with to make noises. The area is small and not at all overwhelming. There are multiple tunnels in the toddler playground and my daughter's favorite, animal sculptures. There is a puffer fish to crawl through, as well as a frog and bunny to climb on that are perfect for getting a cute Instagram photo. 

The main playground structure is a small ship with a manageable rock climbing bridge and two slides. Even on a sunny day, the slides were not hot to the touch. This play area is rounded out with baby swings and accessible swings. 

Younger Kid Playground

As great as the rest of the playground is, the younger kid playground, which is a ship, is the coolest part. To get on the ship, kids (and adults) must climb on the back of a giant whale, using barnacles as rock-climbing wedges. On the other side of the ship is a smaller hammerhead shark to climb, with starfish to help steady yourself. These guys have so much character, and were a big hit among all the kids playing that day. This structure has two slides: an open-air slide and a tube slide. You can also find a set of baby and regular swings. 

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Three levels and two slides make this treehouse perfect for a game of tag.

Big Kid Playground

You'll know this one when you see it. It's a three-level metal tree house with multiple ways to climb up. Use stepping stones, different types of ladders, or a faux log bridge to conquer it. The lowest level is appropriate for confident toddlers. My little one even made it up to the top level, though going down one of the two slides took some coaxing. Somehow, she got her six-month pregnant mom to climb (and fit) on the top level. There was no way down but to slide. I braced for the worst but I was surprised to find out I comfortably fit down the open-air slide.

The other structure here is much smaller, but also offers fun ways to climb it. It's another boat, similar to the ones in the other two sections. There are good hiding opportunities underneath, with tunnels and see-through windows. This section also has a set of regular swings. 

Other Attractions at Wantagh Park

Mini-Golf

The 18-hole miniature golf course is well-maintained. The course typically opens in mid-May. There is a fee to play, but Nassau County leisure pass holders get a discount. Call ahead if there is inclement weather to ensure the course is open. 

Sand Playground

The equipment here could use an upgrade, but my kids don't care because it all sits on sand. They spend more time playing with the sand than they do the actual equipment. This is the first playground you see when you enter, and there is a set of bathrooms here. 

Pool and Splash Park

This is another part of the park where having a leisure pass saves you a pretty penny. The complex here has an Olympic-sized pool, diving pool, kiddie pool, and most importantly, two slides and a splash park. Camps typically get exclusive access to the complex from 9am-12pm, so call ahead to check public hours before your visit. 

Fishing

The pier at Wantagh Park is beautiful. You'll find lots of families fishing on the weekends. Causeway Bait and Tackle is conveniently located just outside the park on Merrick Road.  

Walking and Fitness Trails

There is a one-mile trail and a two-mile trail. Park by the sandy playground to start your loop at the beginning of the park. Trails are nicely paved for walking, biking, or rollerblading. Along the fitness trail, there are 20 exercise stations. 

Sports

There are multiple tennis courts, a roller hockey rink, a basketball court, multiple softball fields, and a baseball field. 

Know Before You Go to Marina Playground at Wantagh Park 

• Park across from the tennis courts just south of the picnic pavilion for a convenient walk to Marina Playground.
• There are no bathrooms at Marina Playground. The nearest bathrooms in the park are located near the picnic pavilion on the east side of Wantagh Park.
• There is a parking fee of $10 for nonresidents on weekends. Nassau County residents enter for FREE. 
• Check out the county's official map of Wantagh Park and website for more info before you visit. 

Photos by the author