With over 800 acres, it’s impossible to explore all of Central Park in one visit. Central Park is a backyard for NYC residents and top destination for visitors. So pick an area and explore by foot or rent a bike and the southern portion of the park offers the most to see and do. If you want to learn more about Central Park, arrange a tour. Find playscapes, lawn for picnicking, museums in or next to the park along with food carts and even a zoo. Here are the top things to do in New York City’s Central Park.
20 Top Things to Do in NYC Central Park
Alice in Wonderland Statue
Hans Christian Andersen Statue
American Museum of Natural History
Hayden Planetarium
Belvedere Castle
Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
Bow Bridge
The Central Park Carousel
Central Park Walking Tour
Central Park Zoo
Chess and Checker House
Conservatory Water
DiMenna Children’s History Museum
Guggenheim Museum
The Dairy
The Imagine Mosaic in Strawberry Fields
Literary Walk
Loeb’s Boathouse
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Stop at a Central Park Playground
History of Central Park
As the first landscaped public park in the U.S., the merchants and landowners wanted to develop an area like the ones of Paris and London. In 1853, money was designated for its development, and land in the center of Manhattan was acquired. With irregular terrain, the land was less desirable for development; however, farmers used it for their animals and crops.
In 1857, the park’s commission selected Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux. Many of the iconic details of the Central Park were part of their Greenward Plan. Thousands of workers reshaped the landscape, and the park officially opened in 1859.
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Alice in Wonderland Statue and Hans Christian Andersen Statue
Located near Conservatory Water on the east side of the park, kids can actually climb this bronze statue featuring Alice, the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit. The Hans Christian Andersen Statue is steps away.
Located near E 74th St. Best for dawn to dusk.
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American Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium
Founded in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History is a sprawling museum that could take all day. The highlights include the Hall of Dinosaurs, “Lucy,” the early human, and the giant blue whale. Then, explore the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda along with the Hall of North American Mammals.
Carve out a little time for the Hayden Planetarium to learn more about the world beyond our atmosphere. It’s located on-site and requires an additional timed ticket for a show.
The Natural History Museum offers a Museum Food Court on the lower level featuring family favorites.
Located at Central Park West at 79th St. and Open from Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. To 5:30 p.m. Adult admission is $30, students are $24 and kids (3 to 12) are $18, with discounts for NY residents. Reservations recommended. The planetarium is an additional ticket. Or you can use a GoCity Pass.
Belvedere Castle
As the highest point in Central Park, the views are the draw. Originally designed by Central Park’s architect, Frederick Law Olmstead, who wanted a whimsical castle.
Located mid-park at 79th St. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free to enter.
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Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
If limited on time, then head to Bethesda Terrace first. One of the original elements in Central Park, it was built in 1859.
The grand fountain is one of the top NYC viewpoints. This area will always have food carts for drinks and quick snacks.
Located at 72nd Transverse Drive (one of the roads that bisects the park).
Bow Bridge
As one of the most romantic spots in NYC, Bow Bridge is a favorite with couples. Built in 1859, it’s a cast iron bridge crossing the lake.
It is a pedestrian bridge and includes an interlocking circle banister. Bow Bridge also includes planted urns.
Located mid-park at 74th Street Transverse, west of Bethesda Terrace. Best from dawn to dusk.
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Central Park Carousel
A must for families, the 1908 Carousel is covered and features 57 horses. There is two chariots for those who’d prefer to sit. The music is performed by a mechanical organ.
Located in the southeast corner of Central Park at 65th St. Open daily from April through October from 10 a.m. to dusk. Admission is $4 per person.
Central Park Walking Tour
A whole day or more can be dedicated to exploring Central Park. For an in-depth look at the park, reserve a Central Park Conservatory Offical Tour.
It offers specialized tours in different areas of the park. Most tours are about 90 minutes long.
Adult tour prices are $20, students (13+) are $17 and kids 12 and younger are free. Reservations are recommended.
Central Park Zoo
This 6.5-acre zoo can be explored in two hours, perfect for younger kids and babies. The Central Park Zoo highlights include the sea lions, penguins, snow monkeys and grizzly bears.
Then, head to the adjacent facility, Tisch Children’s Zoo for more exploring with the littles. The Central Park Zoo is part of the Children’s District.
Located at 64th St. and 5th Ave. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (5:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays) from the first week of April through November and open until 4:30 p.m. for the rest of the year. Adult admission is $22.95 and kids (3 to 12) are $16.95.
Chess and Checker House
It is an official Central Park visitor center in the children’s district. However, you will still find people playing board games on the 24 tables ringing the building.
After a recent restoration, the Kinderburg, or rustic trellis, is back. It provides shade and was removed years ago after the original structure rotted.
Located at mid-park on Center Dr, at 64th St. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to dusk. Free to enjoy.
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Conservatory Water
Close to the Alice in Wonderland statue, the Conservatory Water exudes charm, dedicated to the young at heart. In the summer, you can rent a wind-powered sailboat at Kerbs Boathouse.
On Saturdays, this area features miniature boat races. Or just enjoy the scenery.
Located on the east side in-between 72nd and 75th streets. Free to enjoy. Rental boat prices start at $15 for 30 minutes.
DiMenna Children’s History Museum
Located on the lower level of the New York Historical Society Museum, this space is geared to kids ages 8 to 13,. In the DiMenna Children’s History Museum, visitors will learn about 350 years of history on New York City along with the U.S. at large.
Located at 170 Central Park West. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ( 8 p.m. on Friday). Adult admission is $24, students are $14 and kids (5 to 13) are $6 with those 4 and younger entering for free. Timed entry reservation recommended.
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Guggenheim Museum
Head to the top of the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece and meander down through the collection. Focusing on modern and contemporary art, it can be explored quickly.
Located at 1071 Fifth Ave. at 89th Street. Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Adult admission is $30, students are $19, and those 12 and younger enter for free.
The Dairy
With Swedish storybook architectural elements, the Dairy harkens back to the time with the park had grazing animals. In the late 1800s, it was used by children and served milk and refreshments.
Now, it is a visitor center for Central Park.It is also the largest gift shop in Central Park.
Located just south of the 65th Street Traverser as it bisects the park. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free to enter.
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The Imagine Mosaic in Strawberry Fields
Stroll this quiet zone and official peace park to honor the work of John Lennon. Along with his work with The Beatles, John Lennon advocated for peace.
Located along Central Park West between 71st and 74th Streets. It is in the shadow of his former home, The Dakota.
Literary Walk
A formal promenade in the park, the Literary Walk is a wide and straight sidewalk, lined with benches and American Elms. On the lower section of the walk, visitors will find statues of literary figures, like William Shakespeare.
In addition, find the Women’s Rights Pioneer Statue. It’s lovely during all seasons.
Located from the 66th Street Traverse to the 74th Street Traverse. Best for dawn to dusk.
Loeb’s Boathouse
Loeb’s Boathouse is a restaurant, cafe and bar, along with rental rowboats, just north of Bethesda Terrace. One of the most photographed spots in Central Park.
Hungry? Head to Loeb Boathouse Café, next to the fancier Loeb Boathouse Restaurant, for drinks or an ice cream cone. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Spring to Fall and open until 4:30 p.m. during the winter.
From April through November, boats can be rented by the hour, weather permitting. Rentals are $25 an hour from Monday to Thursday and $30 from Friday to Sunday.
Located at Park Dr. N at 72nd St. Cafe hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Loeb’s Boathouse restaurant is open from Monday to Saturday for lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and for dinner from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner is from 3 to 8 p.m. Reservations required
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met is a sprawling museum that will test the will of a toddler, so head for the highlights. The Temple of Dendur is on the first floor.
Or head to the European Paintings on the second floor. There, visitors will see Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse and Andy Warhol.
Cafes are located in several locations for a break. Family guides are available, and special tours are on select days.
Located at 1000 5th Avenue. Open Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p..m. and Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m. Adult admission is $30. students are $17 and kids 12 and younger are free. Reservations are recommended.
Playgrounds of Central Park
Kids live in NYC too. So sample some of the amazing playgrounds in Central Park that are sprinkled throughout the park.
Heckscher Playground
A favorite among locals and visitors alike. Find water play, climbing structures and swings in areas based on age. Located midpark in-between 61st and 63rd streets.
Ancient Playground
This playground is better for museum-goers. Take a few minutes so the kids can run and climb before or after exploring The Met. Located next The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Billy Johnson Playground
The draw at this playground is the granite slides. Go faster with a piece of cardboard. Find two slides, the original and faster one and a new shorter slide that accommodates kids of differing abilities. Located at 67th Street and 5th Avenue.
Adventure Playground
A playground close to the American Museum of Natural Science with lots of climbing structures. A great spot to run out some energy before or after a museum visit. Located on the west side of the park at 67th Street.
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Where to Eat Around Central Park
After doing the top things to do in New York City’s Central Park, you’ll need a snack or a full sit-down meal. The park is littered with carts, mostly found along major walking paths and major destinations inside the park.
Picnicking in Central Park
With a little planning, grab some food and picnic in Central Park.
The Great Lawn in mid-park at 79th to 85th streets
Sheep Meadow on the west side at 66th to 69th streets
Authur Ross Pinery offers picnic tables at 84th to 86th streets.
East Meadow at 97th to 100th streets
The Loeb Boathouse and Café
If your group is wandering through Central Park and hungry and needs a break, head to The Loeb Boathouse, the restaurant with the rental boats. It offers a sit-down, white tablecloth restaurant and a casual eatery with patio seating out back, along with a seasonal outdoor bar area.
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner with a Sunday Brunch. Its menus focus on seasonal flavors with an upscale vibe and offer tables overlooking the pond or indoors. Reservations are a must.
The Café serves breakfast items, burgers, soups and salads, along with my favorite soft-serve ice cream. I also found lots of outdoor seating with wandering pigeons.
Located at East 72nd and Park Drive North.
Tavern on the Green
For an iconic table overlooking the park, make a reservation at Tavern on the Green. It features an upscale menu with seasonal offerings, and there a children’s menu with pasta and sliders.
Located at 67th and Central Park West. Lunch and dinner during the week, with brunch and dinner on the weekends. Reservations are a must.
Le Pain Quotidien
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, grab a quick bite, like bakery items, sandwiches and salads, along with drinks at Le Pain Quotidien.
Located at E. 72nd Street at 5th Ave. and 2 W. 69th Street Traverse
Shake Shack
It’s a place to grab a burger, a shake and an order of fries. It even sells wine and beer in the can for parents who need a break. The burgers are fresh and made to order, but I found lines at all hours. So check out its app.
The closest location to Central Park is 366 Columbus Circle.
Serendipity 3
If deserts are your thing, then a trip to Serendipity 3 needs to be on your itinerary. Its frozen hot chocolate is what brings the families through the door. Order one for the table and share it. It’s sweet but decent. The entrees are good with a kid-friendly menu with traditional American fare.
Located at 225 E. 60th St. (outside of the park) Reservations recommended.
Sarabeth’s
A mainstay for brunch, Sarabeth’s offers a popular menu with savory and sweet items along with salads, burgers and more, including cocktails. The dinner must is more upscale with options like steak frites. Outdoor dining is available overlooking the park.
Located at 40 Central Park South. Reservation accepted.
Pret-a-Manger
A popular grab-and-go option for coffee drinks, breakfast items, salads and sandwiches and more. You can grab something before heading into the park and have a picnic.
Located at 100 Central Park South.
The American Museum of Natural History
Find a Food Court on the lower level featuring family favorites. During our visit, we enjoyed salads, though pizza, burgers, sandwiches and a selection of desserts are available.
Located at Central Park West at 79th St.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
With several restaurants, The Eatery on the ground floor offers the best option for kids. We enjoyed grab-and-go salads and soup during our visit.
Located at 1000 Fifth Avenue.
Magnolia Bakery
Known for its cupcakes and banana pudding–the banana pudding is a must for fans. However, I love the individual cheesecakes, too. Magnolia Bakery is girly-cute.
The closest locations to Central Park are 1794 Broadway at 58th St. and 200 Columbus Ave.
Hotdog Cart
Find one, especially Central Park. Grab a hotdog, a drink and even a pretzel and ice cream.
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