Andrew's Grove (Shady Playground)

Andrew's Grove — known locally as "Shady Playground" or "Squirrel Playground" — is a 2.5-acre neighborhood park tucked between 49th Avenue, 5th Street, and Vernon Boulevard in the Hunters Point section of Long Island City. The park's high surrounding walls and mature tree canopy create a cool, enclosed "secret garden" atmosphere that's genuinely rare among NYC playgrounds.

The park features two distinct gated play areas serving younger and older children, with climbing structures, swings (including baby swings), a sandbox, game tables, and benches. The star attraction for toddlers is the squirrel-themed splash pad, where small squirrel statues double as sprinkler fountains — a crowd-pleaser on hot summer days. A drinking fountain is also on-site.

Note that there are no onsite bathrooms, so families with young children should plan ahead. The park is steps from the Vernon Blvd–Jackson Av 7 train stop and sits next to the popular restaurant Casa Enrique.