# Things to do with kids in Central Park, Manhattan (23)

> 23 places and programs for kids in and around Central Park, Manhattan (9 free): zoos, sports, nature. Includes Arsenal Gallery and Central Park Zoo.

URL: https://littlegotham.com/neighborhood/manhattan-central-park/

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## Things to do with kids in Central Park, Manhattan

23 places and programs for kids in and around Central Park, Manhattan (9 free): zoos, sports, nature. Includes Arsenal Gallery and Central Park Zoo.

[Filter & map these](https://littlegotham.com/explore/?boro=Manhattan&nb=Central+Park) 9 free 5 indoor 

### By category

Galleries 1 Nature 4 Playgrounds 2 Sports 6 Swimming 1 Theater 2 Zoos 7 

### Nearby neighborhoods

[Upper East Side](https://littlegotham.com/neighborhood/manhattan-upper-east-side/) · [Lenox Hill](https://littlegotham.com/neighborhood/manhattan-lenox-hill/) · [Carnegie Hill](https://littlegotham.com/neighborhood/manhattan-carnegie-hill/) · [Lincoln Square](https://littlegotham.com/neighborhood/manhattan-lincoln-square/) · [Upper West Side](https://littlegotham.com/neighborhood/manhattan-upper-west-side/) · [Columbus Circle](https://littlegotham.com/neighborhood/manhattan-columbus-circle/) · [Yorkville](https://littlegotham.com/neighborhood/manhattan-yorkville/) 

[Arsenal Gallery](https://littlegotham.com/activity/arsenal-gallery/): Central Park Free NYC Parks 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. All ages Mon–Fri Indoor

[Central Park Zoo](https://littlegotham.com/activity/central-park-zoo/): Central Park Kids $16.95 Wildlife Conservation Society 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. Ages 0–12 Daily Outdoor

[Zoo Peeps at Central Park Zoo](https://littlegotham.com/activity/zoo-peeps-at-central-park-zoo/): Central Park $40 Wildlife Conservation Society 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. Ages 2–3 Sat, Sun Outdoor

[Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre](https://littlegotham.com/activity/swedish-cottage-marionette-theatre/): Central Park Kids $15 City Parks Foundation 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. Ages 3–7 Indoor

[Central Park](https://littlegotham.com/activity/central-park/): Central Park Free NYC Parks & Central Park Conservancy 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. All ages Outdoor

[Central Park Carousel](https://littlegotham.com/activity/central-park-carousel/): Central Park Price on site Central Park Conservancy A 1908 carousel with 57 hand-carved horses and two chariots that spin to band-organ music in the south end of Central Park. Ages 1–12 Outdoor

[Hallett Nature Sanctuary](https://littlegotham.com/activity/hallett-nature-sanctuary/): Central Park Free Central Park Conservancy 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. Ages 3–17 Outdoor

[Heckscher Playground](https://littlegotham.com/activity/heckscher-playground/): Central Park Free Central Park Conservancy Central Park s oldest and largest playground, with swings, slides, a maze-like climber and a big water feature, all with skyline views. Ages 1–12 Outdoor

[Central Park Boathouse Rowboat Rentals](https://littlegotham.com/activity/central-park-boathouse-rowboat-rentals/): Central Park Price on site Central Park Boathouse 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. Ages 3–17 Daily Outdoor

[Central Park Zoo Polar Circle](https://littlegotham.com/activity/central-park-zoo-polar-circle/): Central Park $16.95 Wildlife Conservation Society 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. Ages 0–12 Indoor

[Central Park Zoo Sea Lion Pool](https://littlegotham.com/activity/central-park-zoo-sea-lion-pool/): Central Park $16.95 Wildlife Conservation Society 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. Ages 0–12 Outdoor

[Central Park Zoo Tropic Zone: The Rainforest](https://littlegotham.com/activity/central-park-zoo-tropic-zone-the-rainforest/): Central Park $16.95 Wildlife Conservation Society 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. Ages 0–12 Indoor

[Belvedere Castle](https://littlegotham.com/activity/belvedere-castle/): Central Park Free Central Park Conservancy 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. All ages Daily Indoor

[CityPickle at Wollman Rink](https://littlegotham.com/activity/citypickle-at-wollman-rink/): Central Park Temporarily closed CityPickle 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. All ages Daily Outdoor

[Tisch Children s Zoo (Central Park Zoo)](https://littlegotham.com/activity/tisch-children-s-zoo-central-park-zoo/): Central Park Kids $16.95 Wildlife Conservation Society 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. Ages 0–8 Daily Outdoor

[Central Park Tennis Center](https://littlegotham.com/activity/central-park-tennis-center/): Central Park Price on site Break Point Tennis Agency (NYC Parks concession) 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. Ages 4–16 Outdoor

[CityParks PuppetMobile](https://littlegotham.com/activity/cityparks-puppetmobile/): Central Park Free City Parks Foundation 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. Ages 2–10 Outdoor

[Wollman Rink](https://littlegotham.com/activity/wollman-rink/): Central Park Price on site Wollman Rink NYC 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. Ages 3–17 Outdoor

[Wollman Rink Skate School & Hockey](https://littlegotham.com/activity/wollman-rink-skate-school-hockey/): Central Park Price on site Wollman Rink NYC 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. Ages 4–17 Outdoor

[Central Park Ballfields](https://littlegotham.com/activity/central-park-ballfields/): Central Park Free Central Park Conservancy / NYC Parks 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. Ages 4–17 Outdoor

[Central Park Zoo School Break Camps](https://littlegotham.com/activity/central-park-zoo-school-break-camps/): Central Park Price on site Wildlife Conservation Society Day camps at the Central Park Zoo during school vacations with animal visits, keeper talks and hands-on wildlife activities for school-age kids. Ages 5–12

[Gottesman Pool at Harlem Meer (Central Park)](https://littlegotham.com/activity/gottesman-pool-at-harlem-meer-central-park/): Central Park Closed for the season NYC Parks 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. All ages Outdoor

[The Ramble in Central Park](https://littlegotham.com/activity/the-ramble-in-central-park/): Central Park Free Central Park Conservancy 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. Ages 4–17 Outdoor

### Quick answers

How many places and programs for kids are there in Central Park, Manhattan?

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.

Are there free things to do for kids in Central Park, Manhattan?

Yes. 9 of 23 are free to attend, including Arsenal Gallery, Central Park, Hallett Nature Sanctuary.

What can kids do indoors in Central Park, Manhattan on a rainy day?

5 listings are indoors, such as Arsenal Gallery, Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Central Park Zoo Polar Circle.

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