New York City’s Central Park is the most popular park in the United States with over 25 million visitors every year. Here is a selection of things to do when visiting Central Park!
Photo of Central Park from Rockefeller Center © Alfred Hutter
Sports
People play many different kinds of sports in Central Park. Tennis and volleyball courts are popular in the summer and fall, while cyclists and in-line skaters use Park Drive all year round. Other popular sports include basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, football, swimming, fishing, handball, ice skating, and more.
Photo of jogging – Central Park © Gruban
There are even good spots for bouldering in Central Park, like Rat Rock.
Photo of Rat Rock – Central Park © benssss
Sunbathing
Central Park is a great place to celebrate the coming of summer by catching some sun. Unroll your blanket at one of the popular areas or find a more secluded spot.
Photo of sunbathers in Central Park © Joe Shlabotnik
Carriage Rides
The first horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park were in 1935 and remain a popular pastime for couples. You can hire a carriage for about $35 per hour on the south side between 5th and 6th Avenues.
Photo of sunbathers in Central Park © Paul Songco
Entertainment
Summer is the season for concerts in Central Park, when the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera put on free shows for everyone. Other events to check out are Summerstage and Shakespeare in the Park. (See also our list of free things to do in New York City.)
Photo of opera in Central Park © Joe Shlabotnik
Zoo
See animals from around the world at the Central Park Zoo. Whether you are interested in rainforest sanctuaries or polar animals, this zoo has something for everyone.
Photo of Central Park Zoo © Stig Nygaard
Central Park Reservoir
This massive reservoir covers 106 acres of the park and is a popular place for joggers and birdwatchers. Try and visit in April when the Japanese cherry trees are in bloom.
Photo of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park © Ken Chow
Strawberry Fields
Pay your respects at this memorial to John Lennon on October 9th, his birthday, or December 8th, the day he was shot. Music sessions and vigils are often held throughout the year.
Tavern on the Green
Tavern on the Green in Central Park is one of the most popular restaurants in the United States with over 500,000 visitors every year!
Central Park Photos
Here are some more images of Central Park…enjoy!
Photo of Turtle Pond – Central Park © Daniel Schwen
Photo of Central Park lake at sunset © joiseyshowaa
Photo of Central Park lake © joiseyshowaa
Photo of Bethesda Arcade in Central Park © joiseyshowaa
I wrote a similar article on this subject but you nailed it here.
I would like a visitor’s guide sent to me…
Thank you
Hi Laura,
For a printed visitor’s guide, check with an official NYC tourism department, though I believe they now keep most of their information online:
EDIT: click this link to download a NYC visitor’s guide:
http://www.nycgo.com/?event=view.ovgForm