23 places and programs for kids in and around Central Park, Manhattan (9 free): zoos, sports, nature. Includes Arsenal Gallery and Central Park Zoo.
A small free gallery on the third floor of the Arsenal, NYC Parks' headquarters inside Central Park near the zoo. Rotating shows often explore nature, parks and the city, making it an easy art stop during a Central Park outing.
A small zoo in the southeast corner of Central Park featuring sea lions, snow leopards, penguins and a tropical rainforest building. Admission also covers the Tisch Children's Zoo and a 4-D theater film.
An active caregiver-and-toddler program at the Central Park Zoo where 2- and 3-year-olds move around the zoo, see animals up close and take part in themed activities. Offered as drop-in Sundays or a three-week Saturday series.
A historic wooden cottage in Central Park where handmade marionettes perform short, updated takes on classic fairy tales. Shows run about 40–45 minutes, just right for preschool and early-elementary attention spans.
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.
A 1908 carousel with 57 hand-carved horses and two chariots that spin to band-organ music in the south end of Central Park.
A four-acre woodland on a rocky hill above the Pond in Central Park's southeast corner, with rustic trails, overlooks and native plantings. Kids can hunt for birds and small wildlife in a quiet, forest-like pocket steps from Midtown.
Central Park's oldest and largest playground, with swings, slides, a maze-like climber and a big water feature, all with skyline views.
Families can rent a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse and take turns rowing across the Lake, passing Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace. It is a fun first taste of rowing for kids with a parent aboard.
The cold-climate exhibit at the Central Park Zoo where kids watch penguins swim and waddle through a big viewing window, with daily penguin feedings.
The centerpiece pool of the Central Park Zoo's Central Garden, where sea lions circle and dive while kids watch through glass; daily feedings draw a crowd.
A warm indoor rainforest at the Central Park Zoo with free-flying birds, monkeys, reptiles and frogs among lush plants, a good stop on chilly days.
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.
Outdoor pickleball courts at Central Park's Wollman Rink with paddle rentals, clinics and open play. Kids can join a half-day or full-day pickleball summer camp, and the courts host birthday parties.
The children's section of the Central Park Zoo, where kids can get close to goats, sheep, and other gentle animals and explore climbable play features. It is included with regular Central Park Zoo admission.
Central Park's public tennis center has 26 clay courts and 4 hard courts, with a pro shop and locker rooms. Kids can take Tiny Tots classes, junior development groups, private lessons and summer camp during the outdoor season.
A traveling puppet stage that parks in playgrounds, recreation centers and schools across all five boroughs to give free marionette shows. The 2026 show, Pinocchio and Gepetto's Big Apple Adventure, recasts Geppetto as a New York kid inventor, with original songs.
The classic Central Park outdoor rink near 63rd Street with public skating, skate rentals, and group and private lessons including figure skating and hockey programs. A seasonal favorite for families from late October into spring.
Wollman Rink's skate school offers weekly group lessons and private lessons in Central Park, with figure skating and hockey programs for developing skaters. Kids learn fundamentals like gliding, stopping and turning on the outdoor ice.
Central Park has 26 ballfields for baseball and softball, including the Heckscher Ballfields and the Great Lawn, plus fall soccer and flag football on the North Meadow. Many Manhattan youth leagues play here, and families can use open fields for pickup games.
Day camps at the Central Park Zoo during school vacations with animal visits, keeper talks and hands-on wildlife activities for school-age kids.
Central Park in Central Park North has a big Olympic-size outdoor pool. Kids can splash and swim for free during the summer season, and NYC Parks often runs free Learn to Swim sessions at outdoor pools. Bring a padlock and swimwear.
A 36-acre woodland in the middle of Central Park with winding paths, rustic bridges, a stream and rock outcrops. It is one of the city's best places to see migrating birds, so it's great for young birders with binoculars.
LittleGotham lists 23 places and programs for kids in Central Park, Manhattan. The largest groups are 7 zoos and aquarium spots, 6 sports programs, 4 parks and nature spots.
Yes. 9 of 23 are free to attend, including Arsenal Gallery, Central Park, Hallett Nature Sanctuary.
5 listings are indoors, such as Arsenal Gallery, Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Central Park Zoo Polar Circle.