by NYC Parks & Central Park Conservancy
Photo: Jim.henderson · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
Manhattan's 840-acre backyard, with lakes, woodlands, lawns, the Central Park Zoo, a carousel and more than 20 playgrounds. Families can bird-watch in the Ramble, borrow Discovery Kits at visitor centers and explore quiet corners like the Hallett Nature Sanctuary.
Open daily 6 AM–1 AM
Free
Pick a date to add it to your plans.
All ages.
Free
Open daily 6 AM–1 AM
Fifth Avenue to Central Park West, 59th to 110th Streets, 10024, Manhattan.
No. Central Park is outdoors, so plan for weather, sunscreen and water.
Central Park's only formal garden, six acres of French, Italian and English-style plantings with fountains. Kids who love The Secret Garden can find the Burnett Fountain, which honors the book's author with sculptures of two children.
A Central Park visitor center on the north shore of the Harlem Meer where families borrow Discovery Kits for self-guided nature exploration and play free lawn games like ring toss. It also hosts free Conservancy programs, exhibits and holiday events.
A large island park between Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens with waterfront paths, restored wetlands, an urban farm, sports fields and Scylla Playground with sprinklers. Free environmental and arts programs run through the warm months.
A small stone castle perched on Vista Rock in the middle of Central Park that serves as a visitor center. Kids climb to the terraces for sweeping views over Turtle Pond and the Great Lawn and can look out for hawks and turtles below.
Hands-on outdoor science workshops in Riverside Park for kids ages 4 to 10, exploring topics like migrating birds, bugs and plants through activities and observation.
A six-mile stretch of Hudson River parkland from West 59th to 181st Street with 16 playgrounds, a bird sanctuary, waterfront bike paths and summer events. The Riverside Park Conservancy runs kids' nature workshops and story hours.