If you're driving to Cayuga playground for the first time, you might think you're lost—I did, until this gate appeared at the end of a long street. I knew we were in for a special time. Cayuga is an incredible mix of greenspaces and playspaces that is a must-visit no matter where you live in the city.
Beyond the gates a path leads to the large newly renovated playground and rec. center. On our first visit we had a playdate scheduled, so the girls immediately took of and made use of every part of the main play area and the tiny sand pit for over an hour. Mia told me the sand pit and the music wall were her favorites!
She didn't mention the slide but in the moment she (and every other kid there) loved it. There was a constant line to go down (and try to climb back up) among kids of all ages.
Cayuga is a playground for all ages but the entire space in the park welcomes picnickers, walkers, readers, hikers, and explorers. Next to the playground is a thick cove of trees of trees and bushes with well-worn footpaths zigzagging through it; we took a break from the playground to wind through it for a few minutes before heading up to check out the huge grassy field at the rear of the park.
The setting is perfectly enhanced by the incredible sculptures of former park gardener Demetrio Braceros. They are peppered all over the park, and there are enough of them we had an extensive game of "Find the Statue" going for quite a while.