The New York Botanical Garden - 6:00 PM Pick
The New York Botanical Garden - 6:00 PM Pick
Old Stone House & Washington Park - 6:00 PM Pick
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
Art on the Block NYC - 11:30 AM
Teardrop Park - 3:00 PM
The Metropolitan Museum of Art - various times
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
The Metropolitan Museum of Art - various times
The New York Botanical Garden - various times
Children's Museum of Manhattan - various times
Sloomoo Institute - 10:00 AM
Greenside Up Garden Center - various times
The New York Botanical Garden - various times
Queens County Farm Museum - various times
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The Rainbow Is an East Village Play Space as Cool as its Neighborhood
New York City families are always on the lookout for spaces that feel just as vibrant and creative as the kids who use them—and The Rainbow play space delivers. Situated in the East Village, this space was created for babies, toddlers, and children up to age 7 and their grown-ups.
Filled with iconic imagery from the local neighborhood, it's a beautifully curated new space. There are bold colors, cozy corners, and community-first vibes. Whether you’re seeking a calming nook for tummy time or a place where your preschooler can paint, dance, and build, The Rainbow reimagines what an indoor play can look like in NYC.
With daily open play, classes, and events that celebrate local families, this is one of those rare city finds that feels like an extension of home—only it's stocked with way more toys, and there's no cleanup required. It's surely destined for a place on our list of the top indoor playgrounds in NYC.
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Open play different activities set up on tables every day to offer kids new and engaging activities upon each visit.
Play, Learn, Connect: What Makes The Rainbow Shine
At The Rainbow, open play is truly open—all day, every day. That means you can drop in whenever the mood strikes, and your child can dive into a world of imaginative setups, sensory play, and thoughtfully selected toys. The pretend play areas are the highlights. The double-high space highlights three iconic buildings from the neighborhood that every preschooler will know: Ray’s Candy Store, the library, and Sunny and Annie’s Deli. The stage, with gold curtains and a rack of costumes, is also a hit.
RELATED: Best Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Manhattan
Classes for babies and kids include art, sports, music, STEM, sensory fun, and more.
Eventually, The Rainbow plans to host a rotating lineup of classes designed with early childhood development in mind. The goal is for families to come for the class and stay for the play; families are encouraged to linger and connect after sessions.
This is more than a drop-in play space. Parents and caregivers are part of the equation here. Join a craft night, take a wellness class, like prenatal yoga, or learn lifesaving skills in a certified CPR class. There’s even a “Baby Owner’s Manual” workshop for new and expectant parents.
The Rainbow is also a vibrant venue for birthdays and baby showers, with all the charm (and none of the cleanup) you’d want from a perfect celebration space.
This new play space is a welcome addition to the neighborhood, offering creative inspiration for your little one's imagination and a place to meet other like-minded, rockstar parents.
The Rainbow: Know Before You Go
- Located in the heart of the East Village, entry to The Rainbow is available via single-entry passes or memberships.
- Membership options are available on the website.
- Drop-in passes cost $28, but you can get a discount for buying in bulk.
- Membership fees cover one child and two adults; drop-in passes are good for one adult and one child, with additional guests paying $15 per visit.
Photos by the author
READ NEXT: Best Play Cafes in NYC for Kids
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