2026 Hippo Playground Spring Fair

The annual Hippo Playground Spring Fair celebrates the season with a petting zoo, games, arts and crafts, face painting, and more!

Proceeds from the fair help fund the continued maintenance of the 15 playgrounds across Riverside Park and summer programming that serves thousands of families every day.

Please note that only children need to have wristbands or tickets. On the day of, wristbands and tickets will be available in front of the playground. Please check social media for additional wristband pickup dates and times.

Intersted in volunteering? Those available for longer shifts can fill out the form Fill out the volunteer form HERE. Only have a couple hours? Fill out the volunteer form HERE. Parents that sign-up to volunteer will get a free unlimited wristband for each 2-hour volunteer slot!

In the event of rain, the event will be postponed to Sunday, May 17. We will aim to make a rain call by noon the day before.

For more information or questions, email devorah@riversideparknyc.org.

Please note: This year, due to new NYC Parks rules and space restrictions, the bouncy houses and pony rides will not be returning elements of the event. However, we are extremely excited to introduce several new elements including:

• Two wonderful musical performances, from Flor Bromley and Esther Crow
• A hands-on “Meet our Fleet" photo station, where kids can learn about and interact with our park vehicles and dress up as Riverside Park junior staff members
• A "parent-built" cardboard maze for exploration (*please note, this activity is weather pending!)
• A magic show performed by Sammie & Tudie Imagination’s Playhouse
• Giant bubbles from Bubble Dad!

We're equally thrilled that the Fair will showcase some beloved returning elements from past years including:

• The ever-popular petting zoo, where kids can meet and learn about different animals
• An obstacle course, run by Super Soccer Stars
• Gaga Court, run by Kids of Summer
• Face painting, glitter tattoos, bead making, and many more arts & crafts
• Dino Dig, a search for dinosaur eggs in the Hippo sandbox, and a chance to win a prize
• A pottery painting station: paint your own flower pot, and receive a little bit of Riverside Park's homegrown compost to plant your own flower seeds
• Lots of fun games like our ball pit, fishing, cornhole, and more!