Midland Beach: A Family Guide (Staten Island, NY)
Midland Beach is a family-friendly stretch of Staten Island shoreline along the FDR Boardwalk, where a sea-turtle splash fountain, a playground, and picnic areas make it more than just sand and water.
Overview
The beach runs beside the flat, wide FDR Boardwalk, with a colorful sea-turtle spray fountain that draws kids on hot days, a playground, and shaded picnic spots for a full afternoon. Families can move easily between the sand, the splash fountain, and the boardwalk, letting little ones cool off and burn energy without ever straying far.
Why Kids Love It (and What They Learn)
Sensory Exploration: Warm sand, cool ocean water, and the spray of the sea-turtle fountain give children a rich mix of textures, temperatures, and sensations to discover.
Gross Motor Skills: Running on the beach, splashing in the fountain, climbing at the playground, and strolling the flat boardwalk give children endless room for active, whole-body play.
Happy Day Play’s Tips and Tricks
For splash-fountain days, come with towels, a change of clothes, and water shoes, and pack sun protection since the boardwalk and beach are wide open with little shade.
Claim a picnic spot earlier on hot summer weekends when the fountain is busiest, and use the flat boardwalk to keep the stroller close to the action.
Bring your own food and water, since seasonal concessions are not guaranteed, and always follow posted swimming and safety signs before anyone goes in the ocean.
Know Before You Go
General Admission: Free (NYC public beach on FDR Boardwalk)
Add-Ons: Not listed (free public access)
Stroller Friendly: Yes
Nursing Rooms: No
Family Restrooms: Not listed (boardwalk comfort stations)
Food: Seasonal concessions not confirmed
Sensory Inclusion: No designated sensory program
Getting There and Parking
Take the S51 bus, which serves the Midland Avenue and Father Capodanno Boulevard area along the boardwalk.
There are multiple large parking lots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Midland Beach good for toddlers? Yes. The splash fountain, playground, and flat boardwalk make it especially fun and easy for toddlers.
How much does it cost? It is completely free.
Is it indoor or outdoor? It is entirely outdoors along the beach and boardwalk.
Is it stroller friendly? Yes, the wide, flat FDR Boardwalk is very stroller-friendly.
How long should we plan to stay? Two to four hours, especially on a warm splash-fountain day.
Contact Info
nycgovparks.org | 311 | Midland Ave & Father Capodanno Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306
