Arguably one of the most famous parks in the world, Central Park is a manmade wonder. Not only is it the first public park built in America, but it is also one of the most frequently visited, with over 25 million guests per year.
Set in the middle of bustling Manhattan, its grounds serve as a safe haven, not only for athletes, daydreamers, musicians, and strollers, but also for teems of migratory birds each year. One can spend an entire peaceful day roaming its grounds, gazing upon nearly 50 fountains, monuments, and sculptures or admiring its 36 bridges and arches.
With recreational facilities abounding, the more energetic won’t have a problem finding a spot to skate, pedal, row, dribble, or climb to his or her heart’s delight. Although Central Park has 21 official playgrounds, we like to think of it as one gigantic jungle gym in its peak season.
150 years’ worth of visitors have enjoyed and recommended Central Park; don’t you think it’s time for your turn?
Events
New York City Parks have been filmed by some of the best directors of all time and starred some of the best actors...
Featured Monument
Belvedere Castle
Look! A castle on the horizon! What princes or princesses or meteorologists have stayed here?
Facilities
Baseball Fields
Basketball Courts
Bathrooms
Bicycling and Greenways
Dog-friendly Areas
Eateries
Fishing
Fitness Equipment
Great Trees
Handball Courts
Historic Houses
Horseback Riding Trails
Ice Skating Rinks
Nature Centers
Outdoor Pools
Paddleboat Rentals
Playgrounds
Recreation Centers
Soccer Fields
Spray Showers
Tennis Courts
Volleyball Courts
Wi-Fi Hot Spots
Zoos and Aquariums
Directions to Central Park
News
- STARK VIEW OF THE NATURAL WORLD ON DISPLAY IN MIXED MEDIA EXHIBIT “NATURE IN BLACK AND WHITE”
- POWER OF PROTESTS IN NEW YORK CITY’S PARKS ON DISPLAY IN ARSENAL GALLERY’S ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH EXHIBIT
- GETTIN’ “WREATHY” WITH IT! NYC PARKS’ ANNUAL WREATH INTERPRETATIONS EXHIBIT ON VIEW THROUGH THE NEW YEAR
Capital Projects
Highlights
Videos
- Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater in Central Park
- Shakespeare Garden
- Lasker Pool & Rink
- Broadway Show League
- Conservatory Water
- Aids Walk NY
- Central Park Skate Patrol
- Rustic Playground
- Empire Speed Skate
- Shakespeare in the Park
- Winter Jam
- It's My Park: Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads by Ai Weiwei
- Balto by Frederick G. R. Roth (East Drive at 67th Street)
Contacts
Central Park Information: (212) 310-6600
Central Park Information (for the Hearing Impaired): (800) 281-5722
Belvedere Castle, The Henry Luce Nature Observatory: (212) 772-0210
The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center: (212) 860-1370
The Dairy Visitor Center and Gift Shop: (212) 794-6564
North Meadow Recreation Center: (212) 348-4867
Loeb Boathouse (Bike rentals, boat rentals & gondolas): (212) 517-2233
Carousel: (212) 879-0244
Fishing at Harlem Meer (Catch & Release): (212) 860-1370
Harlem Meer Performance Festival: (212) 860-1370
Horseback Riding - Claremont Stables: (212) 724-5100
Metropolitan Opera (Performances on the Great Lawn): (212) 362-6000
New York Philharmonic (Performances on the Great Lawn): (212) 875-5709
Shakespeare in the Park - The Public Theater at the Delacorte Theater: (212) 539-8655
Ice Skating - Lasker Rink: (917) 492-3856
Skating - Wollman Rink (Ice Skating & In-Line Skating): (212) 439-6900
Central Park SummerStage: (212) 360-2777
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater: (212) 988-9093
Tennis: (212) 280-0205
Weddings, Ceremonies and Photography at the Conservatory Garden: (212) 360-2766
Wildlife Center & Tisch Children's Zoo: (212) 439-6500