What to do in Central Park?

A trip to New York goes through Central Park. It is impossible to miss this large park in the heart of the city. It was created in 1857 and measures 341 hectares. You cannot imagine all the activities that you can do in the park!
I will give you some ideas in this article.

Central Park in any season

Spring:

If you go to New York between April and June, You will discover the park with its many flowers, it’s wonderful!
It is at this time when New Yorkers return to the park, with the first sunny days of the year. Many people start to exercise, walk, and organize picnics.

Summer:

Summer in NYC can be very hot. The park is a good option for enjoying the shade of the trees … or tanning in the sun 😀

Autumn:

From October, the park trees begin to wear fall colors. At the beginning of November you can see the changing colors in the picture below. It’s when all the photographers come out with their cameras 😉

Winter:

It’s a unique experience to enjoy snow in the park. The truth is, it looks beautiful.

The most interesting thing is that it becomes a real ski resort! If you do not believe me, look at these pictures of children with their 😀

So go skiing!

Central Park for athletes

Live the New York experience running on the track around the park! It is a 6.1 mile ie 9.8 km run.

It has uneven areas, in Strava, you may review the distances and the best times achieved.

If you do not want to run both of them, you can turn around at the Reservoir (called so since 1994 as a tribute to Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis Reservoir). You may have the impression of being in a Woody Allen movie or Marathon Man with Dustin Hoffman.

Central Park Bike Ride

You can go for a walk in the park or rent a bike.

As you approach the park, you will see that there are many sellers who are renting bikes.

Go for those who have the most attractive prices and those that are furthest from the park. If you book, ask for the address of the vendor, because the lowest prices are a 15-20 minute walk from the park and bike station.

I recommend that you rent your bike with CentralParkSighseeing (and get 50% off with the code “50OFF”, read more). The bikes are in a good shape, they lend you cycling helmet, a bike lock, and there is a handy basket mounted on the front of the bike.

You will also find tag-a-long, tandem bikes and bike carriers for baby and kids.

Ice skating in Central Park

From late October to April, New York installs multiple ice rinks. One is the Wollman Rink in Central Park. See more in this article NYCTT.

Central park paddling

There is nothing better than taking your partner for a ride in a boat. For just $ 15 per hour, you can spend a romantic moment at (the Boathouse Central Park). Open daily from 10am to 8pm from April to November.

Keep memories of Central Park

To keep some memories of your walk in the park, You could take photography classes with Citifari for example. Read more here NYCTT.

You can also hire a photographer who will bring their pictures. It is ideal to celebrate a special day or event. Not very economical, but for sure your other half will be happy 😉
Our photographer Johnny is so talented you will book your photo session right away!

Eating in Central Park

You can organize a picnic as if you were New Yorkers. You just need to go shopping or go for a pizza, a large towel, or blanket, and find a nice place … done!

Central Park for children

They will love to walk around the Central Park Zoo. The visit lasts about an hour or so, and yes, it’s the zoo from the movie Madagascar 😉

Watch a baseball game in Central Park

If you plan to visit the park on a Sunday, You will surely be able to see some official baseball games.

It is one of the most popular sports in the United States with many fans. Attending this sporting event will bring you even more understanding of the American culture.

Where to have a good view of Central Park?

An ideal point is Belvedere Castle (open from 10am to 5pm). It is in the middle of the park and free. You may enter and climb the different terraces of the building that will allow you to have a good overview of the park with its ponds, baseball fields …

You shall take very nice photos of the park!

Discover the fauna and flora of Central Park

There are many plants and more than 250.000 trees in the park, like American elms.

You will also see almost 270 species of birds and hawks.

Obviously you will take pictures of countless squirrels who walk in the park, also other small mammals (rabbits, marmots …).

The best photos spots in Central Park

The park is perfect for amateur photographers who can take great photos. There are many interesting places, but my 5 favorites are:
– Belvedere Castle, the lake, Turtle Pond, Green spaces, baseball fields.

– The Rock is a rock in the southeast of the park from where much of the park and New York can be seen in the next picture of Gaëtan Habrand.

– The Pond is a small lake in southeastern part of the park. It has a stone bridge, it looks beautiful and very romantic in any season.

– The Reservoir, you can run around or take very nice pictures.

– The Lake, for a perfect picture of the boats and buildings of the Upper West Side in the background. I love it!

At night it looks beautiful too.

The map of the main sites

Discover more of Central Park

There are many tours and guides in the park, such as those proposed in Citysights.

Central Park on a Sunday: my favorite moment

If you have to go one day to the park, make it on a Sunday.

This day there are many New Yorkers walking in the park, eating, playing baseball … it is very busy and quiet at the same time because they all gather there to rest for a while.

Take some time to go and sit, relax in between your visits of the city.