Chess & Checkers House

Soon after the Park was opened in the 1860s, it was criticized by local newspapers for its lack of facilities for children and their caregivers. The commissioners responded by creating a children's district in the southern part of the park. The features included the Dairy, the playground (now Heckscher Playground and Ballfield), a children's cottage (demolished), and the Kinderberg — or "children's mountain" — where the Park's largest rustic shelter once stood.

In 1952, private funds built the Chess & Checkers House to replace the Kinderberg, and today it is one of five Park visitor centers run by the Central Park Conservancy. Players are welcome to borrow pieces from the Conservancy staff, or bring their own. Dominos and backgammon are also available.

In 1986, the Conservancy built the rustic pergola surrounding the house to provide shade for players.