Outdoor Activities in Central Park

The park's key features consist of the Ramble and Lake, Hallett Nature Sanctuary, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and Sheep Meadow. It also offers amusement spots like Wollman Rink, Central Park Carousel, and the Central Park Zoo. Additionally, there are formal areas such as the Central Park Mall and Bethesda Terrace, along with the Delacorte ...

ice-skating

Situated on the east side near the Central Park Zoo, Wollman Rink provides public skating sessions, a skating school, ice hockey, party amenities, skate rentals, and lockers.

The rink has recently been upgraded to include a clubhouse, gift shop, restored trellis, public Wi-Fi, a new kitchen, and more.

Wollman Rink usually operates for ice skating from late October to late March, depending on the weather.

Horse and Carriage Rides

In New York City, horses symbolize a bygone era when horseback riding and horse-drawn carriages were the main modes of transportation, influencing the iconic history of Manhattan before the advent of cars and public transit.

A horse-drawn carriage ride lets you explore Central Park as it was meant to be experienced. Discover iconic attractions on our Central Park Carriage Ride, or see even more on our extended Park & City Ride, which includes many famous landmarks along 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Plaza. During the holiday season, enjoy the 5th Avenue holiday light show and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree!

Concerts and Performances in Central Park

SummerStage Festival

GMA Summer Concert Series

New York Philharmonic Concerts

Global Citizen Lineup

The Met Opera Summer Recital Series

Harlem Meer Performance Festival

Naumburg Orchestral Concerts

Great Jazz on the Great Hill

• SummerStage Festival:
  SummerStage is back for another incredible season of performances! See this year's amazing lineup and get some helpful know-before-you-go tips. Many performances are free, while others are benefits which require a ticket to help fund the SummerStage programming.
• GMA Summer Concert Series:
  This year’s long-awaited performance schedule is finally here! 2024 will mark the 16th year that ABC's Good Morning America will host its Friday Summer Concert Series at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park.
  Catch all of the performances live on Fridays from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM during the "Good Morning America" show. Doors open at 6:00 AM. Ticket are FREE and must be requested.
• New York Philharmonic Concerts:
  For over five decades, the world-renowned orchestra has graced the Great Lawn with free performances that showcase the best of classical music. The event is a highlight of the summer season in New York City and is widely enjoyed by all.
  With its beautiful setting, exceptional music, and vibrant atmosphere, the New York Philharmonic Concert in Central Park is an unforgettable experience which brings joy and cultural enrichment to thousands of people every year.
• Global Citizen Lineup:
  Global Citizen Festival is an annual music festival that brings together Global Citizens, artists, activists, world leaders, philanthropists, corporate leaders, and more to take action to end extreme poverty.
  While admission to the show is free, it comes with a meaningful twist. Attendees are required to complete a task as part of Global Citizen's global advocacy initiative, aimed at generating awareness about pressing issues such as hunger, poverty, climate change, and gender disparities faced by women worldwide.
• The Met Opera Summer Recital Series:
  The Metropolitan Opera, in collaboration with City Parks Foundation, launched its Summer Recital Series in 2009 to bring free concerts to the parks in every borough of New York, in hopes to inspire a new generation of opera lovers.
• Harlem Meer Performance Festival:
  One of the best kept secrets in Manhattan is the Harlem Meer Performance Festival. These intimate shows from the absolute top of local talent feature international and cultural experiences that span the globe, right in our own backyard!
• Naumburg Orchestral Concerts:
  Truly a magical NYC experience! Whether you are an avid classical music fan, or just getting your feet wet, prepare to be swept away by world-class musicians and a summer evening in the park.
  All concerts are FREE. Tickets are not required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. All concerts will be broadcast live and streamed on WQXR for those unable to attend.
• Great Jazz on the Great Hill:
  This is a free annual event in Central Park.
  The Great Hill is located at Central Park West between 106th and 104th Streets.
  Enter at 106th Street and Central Park West and follow the path one block south into the park.

Central Park Film Festival

Every year, the Central Park Conservancy organizes a series of evening movie screenings called the Central Park Film Festival.

This event is FREE, but all films may be canceled due to weather conditions.

Children's Activities

• Tisch Children's Zoo:
  The Tisch Children's Zoo is located inside the Central Park Zoo at the intersection of 64th Street and 5th Avenue. Admission to the Children's Zoo is included with the Central Park Zoo ticket.
  Open throughout the year, the Tisch Children's Zoo was renovated in 1997, thanks to a generous donation from businessman Laurence A. Tisch. It provides a safe and enjoyable environment for toddlers to interact with and learn about animals.
  The zoo includes a small petting area where children can meet and feed goats, sheep, cows, pigs, and other furry animals. Food for the animals can be purchased from dispensers, allowing kids to feed them directly.
• The Henry Luce Nature Observatory:
  The Henry Luce Nature Observatory within Belvedere Castle is an excellent educational destination that informs visitors about the natural environment and wildlife in Central Park. By navigating the narrow, winding staircases of Belvedere Castle, visitors can explore everything this small Observatory provides, including microscopes, telescopes, and Discovery Kits equipped with binoculars, maps, and paper for recording observations in the Park.
  The second floor, adorned with papier mâché models of the Park's birds, is an ideal spot for bird watching. The Observatory also provides current weather forecasts upon request.
  This attraction is free of charge and open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
• Carousel:
  Approximately 250,000 people ride the Central Park Carousel annually. This iconic attraction has been popular since its original debut in 1871.
  Initially, the Carousel faced opposition from park commissioners who were against commercial ventures within the park. However, due to its significant success, they eventually recognized the potential revenue it could generate. Since then, the site has hosted four different models of the Carousel, each providing enjoyment to Central Park visitors.
• Hans Christian Andersen:
  The Hans Christian Andersen statue was installed in 1956 to honor the author's 150th birthday.
  This substantial bronze sculpture shows Andersen sitting on a granite bench, reading from his book "The Ugly Duckling."
  Similar to the nearby and equally popular Alice in Wonderland statue, the Hans Christian Andersen statue is designed to be climbed on and is one of several favorite attractions for children at Conservatory Water.
  Created by Georg John Lober, this statue pays homage to the Danish poet, novelist, and children's author and was funded through a generous donation from the Danish American Women's Association.
• Lasker Pool:
  Lasker Pool operates as a swimming facility in the summer and transforms into Lasker Rink for ice skating in the winter. It offers a picturesque view of the lovely Harlem Meer and remains a popular spot for active visitors throughout the year.
  The Lasker venue can host up to 1,824 people and is available for private parties and events.
• Marionette Theater:
  Housed in the Swedish Cottage, the Marionette Theater for children presents performances of beloved tales like Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and Gulliver's Travels, alongside a variety of new shows.
  Since becoming a permanent feature of the Swedish Cottage in the 1970s, the Theater has been refurbished by the Central Park Conservancy. Currently managed by the City Parks Foundation, the Marionette Theater remains one of the park's most delightful attractions for children.
• Model Sailboats:
  Since 1875, park visitors have been racing miniature sailboats and yachts at Conservatory Water. You don’t need your own boat to appreciate the excitement of the races, and people of all ages are encouraged to attend.
  Located just off 5th Avenue at 74th Street, Conservatory Water hosts these events.
  All boats are powered by the wind (powered boats are not permitted) and are controlled remotely through sail trim and rudder direction. You can admire various masterpieces crafted by model boat enthusiasts, with intricately carved wooden boats being particularly striking.