Begin your Central Park Adventure! From hidden castle to storybook playgrounds, discover the heart of the city with surprises at every turn!
THE ULTIMATE PARENT’S GUIDE
Visit the Central Park: The Family Adventure
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Central Park
- WOW! The park has over 21,500 trees, and each one has its own unique ID number, like a tree social security card!
- HOLY COW! There are 36 bridges and arches in Central Park, and no two are exactly alike – they’re like fingerprints made of stone!
- SUPER COOL! The park’s lampposts have a secret code: the first two numbers tell you the nearest street, helping you find your way if you get lost!
- AMAZING! Central Park’s rocks are older than dinosaurs – some are more than 450 million years old!
- NO WAY! The park is home to 230 different types of birds throughout the year – that’s like having a flying rainbow visit the city!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Central Park
Belvedere Castle Get Ready for the Belvedere Castle : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This fairy-tale castle sits on one of the highest points in Central Park, offering magical views and a chance to feel like a real prince or princess!
INTERESTING FACT! The castle isn’t just pretty – it’s also a working weather station that helps predict if it’s going to rain or shine in New York City.
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Royal Weather Watchers” – Use the castle’s viewing points to spot different types of clouds and predict the weather just like the real meteorologists do.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could build your own castle in Central Park, what would you put inside it?
DISCUSS: The word “Belvedere” means “beautiful view” in Italian, and from here you can see all the way to Turtle Pond and the Great Lawn!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The castle was built in 1869 using the same type of stone that’s found underneath Central Park. Imagine the workers carefully placing each stone like giant building blocks! The castle has special instruments on top that measure wind speed, rainfall, and temperature. Just like a wizard’s tower, it helps scientists understand the weather patterns over New York City.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think they built the castle on top of such a high rock?
DISCUSS: The castle sits on Vista Rock, which is 130 feet high – that’s as tall as a 13-story building!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The high location helps weather watchers see storms coming from far away. In the old days, this was super important because there weren’t any computers or weather satellites. The castle’s height also made it perfect for sending signals to ships in the harbor, helping them navigate safely through foggy weather.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the weather measuring tools on top of the castle.
HINT: Look for silver spinning cups that measure wind speed!
OBJECTIVE: Count how many different types of birds you can spot from the castle’s viewing points.
HINT: Look near Turtle Pond below – you might see herons or ducks!
Bethesda Fountain and Terrace Get Ready for the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This stunning fountain features the “Angel of the Waters” statue and is surrounded by a beautiful terrace that feels like stepping into a secret garden.
INTERESTING FACT! The fountain celebrates the arrival of clean water to New York City in 1842 through the Croton Aqueduct system – before that, people had to rely on wells and springs!
COOL ACTIVITY! Create ripple patterns by gently tossing a penny into the fountain (don’t forget to make a wish!) and watch how the water moves in circles.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: What do you think the angel is doing up there on top of the fountain?
DISCUSS: The angel is blessing the water with her left hand while holding a lily, which represents purity, in her right hand.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The angel was created by a woman sculptor named Emma Stebbins – she was the first woman to receive a public art commission in New York City! The angel’s wings are made of bronze and would span wider than most cars if spread out. The water flowing from the fountain represents health and purity, just like how clean water keeps us healthy today.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How many different sounds can you hear around the fountain?
DISCUSS: The falling water creates a natural music that changes depending on the wind and weather!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The terrace’s arches create amazing echoes, which is why musicians love to perform here. The sound of water falling has been shown to help people feel calm and peaceful. In the past, people would gather here to escape the hot summer days because the fountain spray would cool the air around it.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Look for the four smaller statues under the angel – they represent Peace, Temperance, Purity, and Health.
HINT: They’re all different poses, and each holds something special in their hands!
OBJECTIVE: Count how many arches are in the terrace below the fountain.
HINT: Walk through the terrace and look up – there are more than you might think!
Central Park Zoo Get Ready for the Central Park Zoo : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Meet amazing animals from around the world, including playful sea lions, red pandas, and snow leopards!
INTERESTING FACT! The zoo’s clock features dancing animal statues that move in a circle every hour, just like a giant music box.
COOL ACTIVITY! Join the sea lion feeding time and watch these clever animals perform amazing tricks for their lunch.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could have any job at the zoo, which would you choose and why?
DISCUSS: Zookeepers start their day before sunrise to prepare special meals for each animal – just like having breakfast ready when you wake up!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Different animals need different types of food – the sea lions eat fish, the red pandas munch on bamboo, and the snow monkeys love fruits and vegetables. Some animals even get special frozen treats in summer, like “popsicles” made from fruit juice! The zookeepers also hide food in special toys to make eating fun and challenging for the animals.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think the penguins stay warm in winter and cool in summer?
DISCUSS: Penguins have a special layer of fat and waterproof feathers that work like a warm winter coat!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The penguin exhibit is kept at just the right temperature year-round, like having an air conditioner and heater that’s always perfect. Their pool is kept cold, just like the ocean where they would live in the wild. The penguins have special glands above their eyes that help filter salt water out of their bodies when they swim.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Watch the sea lions and count how many different tricks they can do.
HINT: Look for them spinning, jumping, and catching fish!
OBJECTIVE: Find the dancing animal clock and wait for it to strike the hour.
HINT: Stand in front of the main zoo building and look up!
Conservatory Water (Model Boat Pond) Get Ready for the Conservatory Water (Model Boat Pond) : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Watch beautiful model boats glide across the pond, just like in the book “Stuart Little,” and visit the famous Alice in Wonderland statue!
INTERESTING FACT! Some of the model boats that sail here are remote-controlled replicas of famous ships that once sailed the oceans.
COOL ACTIVITY! On weekends, you can rent a model boat and learn how to sail it across the pond (available spring through fall).
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think the boats know which way to go on the water?
DISCUSS: The boats use tiny rudders under the water that work just like the tail of a fish to steer!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Model boats have been sailing on this pond since 1873, making it one of the oldest model boat ponds in America. Just like real ships, these model boats use the wind to move across the water. Some boats have little electric motors, while others rely completely on the wind in their sails. The pond is designed in an oval shape to create perfect sailing conditions for the tiny vessels.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think Alice in Wonderland and her friends were chosen to be statues here?
DISCUSS: The Alice statue was designed specifically for children to climb and play on – that’s why it’s so smooth and sturdy!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The statue was created in 1959 by sculptor José de Creeft, who wanted to make something children could touch and explore. Alice sits on a giant mushroom, surrounded by the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, and other characters from the story. The bronze has been polished to a golden shine in some spots from millions of tiny hands touching it over the years.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find all the characters from Alice in Wonderland on the statue.
HINT: Look high and low – some are hiding behind the mushroom!
OBJECTIVE: Watch the model boats and try to identify different types (sailboats, tugboats, speedboats).
HINT: Notice how some boats have sails while others don’t.
Heckscher Playground Get Ready for the Heckscher Playground : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This is Central Park’s oldest and largest playground, featuring water sprays in summer, climbing structures, and even a kid-sized castle!
INTERESTING FACT! The playground sits on the site of an old reservoir that used to supply water to New York City in the 1800s.
COOL ACTIVITY! Follow the maze-like paths through the playground’s different zones, discovering new play areas at every turn.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design your own playground equipment, what would you create?
DISCUSS: The playground’s equipment is designed to help kids develop different skills – climbing builds strength, slides teach about gravity, and swings help learn about momentum!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The playground was designed to mimic natural landscapes with its hills, valleys, and tunnels. The water features aren’t just for fun – they teach children about how water flows and moves. In winter, these same hills become perfect sledding spots! The playground’s design encourages both active play and imaginative adventures.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How many different ways can you move through the playground?
DISCUSS: There are over 14 different types of climbing structures in this playground, each offering a unique challenge!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The playground includes equipment for different age groups, so younger and older siblings can play safely in their own areas. The surface under the equipment is made from special safety material that helps cushion falls. The layout is designed like a mini city with different “neighborhoods” of play equipment connected by paths.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the highest climbing structure and count the steps to reach the top.
HINT: Look for the structure that looks like a castle tower!
OBJECTIVE: Discover all the different water features (in summer).
HINT: Listen for the sound of splashing water and follow it!
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Central Park
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Central Park:
American Museum of Natural History: Stand next to giant dinosaur skeletons and explore space in the amazing Hayden Planetarium – it’s right across from Central Park West! View the Parent’s Guide!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Discover ancient treasures and try the fun family programs at this massive museum right on the edge of Central Park – perfect for young artists! View the Parent’s Guide!
FAO Schwarz: Visit this magical toy store just a few blocks away from the park’s southeast corner – it’s like stepping into Santa’s workshop!
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- My First Trip to Central Park by Karen Schaufeld – A perfect picture book introduction for young children
- Hide and Seek Central Park by Stevie Lewis – A fun seek-and-find book that will prepare kids for their park exploration
- The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden – A classic story that includes scenes in Central Park
- Download the Central Park Conservancy’s Discovery Walks for Families app – It offers kid-friendly walking routes and fun facts
- Watch “Stuart Little” before visiting the model boat pond – Kids will love seeing the real location from the movie
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Central Park
- Central Park is America’s first major landscaped public park, designed to be a peaceful escape from the bustling city life of Manhattan.
- WOW! The park’s designers moved more gunpowder to clear the area than was used in the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War!
- HOLY COW! There are 21 playgrounds in Central Park, but none of them were part of the original park design – the first one wasn’t added until 1926!
- SUPER COOL! The park contains approximately 9,500 benches, and if placed end to end, they would stretch for about 7 miles!
- UNBELIEVABLE! Central Park is home to a real cave system called the Ramble Cave, which was sealed in the 1930s due to safety concerns!
- MIND-BLOWING! The park’s lampposts have a secret code – the numbers on them can help you figure out your location in the park!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Central Park
Belvedere Castle Get Ready for the Belvedere Castle : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This miniature castle sits atop Vista Rock, offering the highest and most spectacular views of Central Park and Manhattan’s skyline. It’s also a working weather station!
INTERESTING FACT! The castle’s name “Belvedere” means “beautiful view” in Italian, and it was originally built in 1869 without any windows – it was just an open-air structure!
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a weather report like a real meteorologist! Use the castle’s location to observe cloud patterns, wind direction, and make predictions about the weather.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think they chose to build a castle in this specific location?
DISCUSS: The castle sits on Vista Rock, the second-highest natural elevation in Central Park, making it perfect for weather monitoring and stargazing.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The castle’s location was strategically chosen not just for its height but also because it provides a clear view of the surrounding areas. In the 1800s, this was crucial for weather observation. The castle contains scientific equipment that’s still used today to measure wind speed, rainfall, and temperature. The National Weather Service has been collecting data here since 1919!
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design your own castle in Central Park, what features would you include and why?
DISCUSS: The original castle design included multiple architectural styles, combining Gothic and Romanesque elements to create a unique “fantasy” castle.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The castle’s design reflects the Victorian era’s love of combining different architectural styles. The stone structure features turrets, towers, and detailed carvings that were all hand-crafted. The castle has served many purposes over the years, including as a gift shop, nature observatory, and even briefly as a police station!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the original weather monitoring equipment still in use today.
HINT: Look for metal instruments on the tower’s exterior.
OBJECTIVE: Locate all three balconies and compare their views.
HINT: Each balcony offers a different perspective of the park – try to spot at least five landmarks from each one.
The Bethesda Terrace and Fountain Get Ready for the The Bethesda Terrace and Fountain : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This is considered the heart of Central Park, featuring a stunning two-level terrace and the iconic Angel of the Waters fountain, with intricate carvings that tell stories of New York’s history.
INTERESTING FACT! The fountain celebrates the opening of the Croton Aqueduct, which brought fresh water to New York City in 1842, ending years of cholera epidemics.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a sketch of the angel statue and try to identify all the symbols carved into the fountain’s base, each representing different aspects of purity, health, temperance, and peace.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think water was so important to New York City that they built such an elaborate fountain to celebrate it?
DISCUSS: Before the Croton Aqueduct system, New Yorkers had to rely on contaminated wells and collect rainwater to survive. The fountain celebrates the first time New York City had clean, running water!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The story of New York’s water system is like a real-life superhero tale. In the early 1800s, the city faced deadly cholera outbreaks that killed thousands. The Croton Aqueduct system was an engineering marvel that carried water 41 miles from the Croton River to New York City using just gravity! The system included tunnels through mountains, bridges over valleys, and was considered the greatest engineering achievement of its time. The fountain’s angel holds a lily in her left hand, symbolizing the purity of the water, while her feet touch water lilies, representing the new water system flowing into the city.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Look at the carvings on the terrace walls – can you spot any patterns or stories they might be telling?
DISCUSS: The terrace features 16,000 elaborate carved tiles on its ceiling, all designed by hand, with no two exactly alike!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Bethesda Terrace is like a giant picture book carved in stone. The carvings include representations of the four seasons and times of day, showing how nature and time are connected. The designers included native American plants and animals in the carvings, celebrating New York’s natural heritage. The arcade’s ceiling tiles were created in England using a special technique that combined colored clay with clear glass, creating a unique glaze that still sparkles today. During restoration in the 1980s, workers had to carefully clean each tile by hand using Q-tips!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find all four seasonal panels carved into the terrace and identify which season each represents.
HINT: Look for different types of plants and activities in each carving.
OBJECTIVE: Locate the five symbols around the fountain’s base that represent virtues.
HINT: Start with the lily in the angel’s hand and work your way around the base.
OBJECTIVE:
HINT: The arches create a perfect frame for photos of the fountain.
The Loeb Boathouse Get Ready for the The Loeb Boathouse : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This iconic lakeside spot offers a unique perspective of Central Park from the water, where you can rent rowboats and watch turtles sunbathing on rocks while model sailboats glide by.
INTERESTING FACT! The original boathouse from 1873 was a simple wooden structure that actually floated on the lake! Today’s building was funded by philanthropist Carl M. Loeb in 1954.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a “wildlife bingo card” before renting a boat, listing different birds, turtles, and fish you might spot during your rowing adventure.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think the lake stays so clean and full of life in the middle of New York City?
DISCUSS: The Lake is completely human-made and was created by damming up a natural watercourse called Montayne’s Rivulet. It’s designed to be self-sustaining, with its own ecosystem!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Lake is like a giant bathtub that’s carefully maintained through clever engineering. It has a complex filtration system that keeps the water clean and oxygenated for aquatic life. The Lake is home to five species of turtles, including red-eared sliders and snapping turtles, plus various fish species like largemouth bass and carp. During winter, the Lake becomes a natural refrigerator – the water near the bottom stays around 39°F (4°C), allowing fish to survive even when the surface freezes. The Lake’s depth varies from 2 to 40 feet, creating different zones for various aquatic species to thrive.
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design a boat specifically for exploring this lake, what features would you include and why?
DISCUSS: The current rowboats are designed based on Victorian-era models, and each boat weighs about 115 pounds and can carry up to four people!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The art of boat design is all about balance and efficiency. The boats used today are made from fiberglass instead of wood, making them more durable and easier to maintain than their historical counterparts. The shape of the boats, with their pointed bow (front) and wider stern (back), helps them cut through water with minimal resistance. This design hasn’t changed much in over 150 years because it’s so effective! The oars work as levers, and the longer they are, the more power they provide with each stroke – that’s why the boats’ oars are precisely sized for maximum efficiency with minimum effort.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Spot and identify three different species of water birds.
HINT: Look for mallard ducks, wood ducks, and great blue herons near the shoreline.
OBJECTIVE: Find the “turtle peninsula” where turtles often sunbathe.
HINT: Look for clusters of rocks near the eastern shore of the lake.
OBJECTIVE:
HINT: It’s shaped like a classic rowboat!
The Central Park Zoo Get Ready for the The Central Park Zoo : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This compact but amazing zoo features snow leopards, red pandas, and Antarctic penguins in the heart of Manhattan! It’s a perfect example of how modern zoos create natural habitats in urban spaces.
INTERESTING FACT! The zoo’s famous sea lion pool has been in the same location since 1873, making it one of the oldest continuously operating animal exhibits in North America!
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a “Zoo Detective Journal” – observe and record animal behaviors for 5 minutes at each exhibit, noting feeding times, social interactions, and unique movements.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think the zoo keeps tropical animals comfortable during New York’s cold winters and hot summers?
DISCUSS: The zoo uses sophisticated climate control systems that can create a 60-degree temperature difference between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing polar bears and tropical monkeys to live just feet apart!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The zoo is like a collection of miniature worlds, each perfectly designed for its inhabitants. The snow leopard exhibit maintains cool temperatures using special cooling rocks and shade structures. The penguin house recreates the Antarctic environment with special lighting that mimics seasonal changes, affecting when the penguins molt and breed. The red panda habitat includes a complex air conditioning system that keeps temperatures below 75°F (24°C), as these animals can’t tolerate much heat. The zoo even has backup generators to ensure these systems never fail, protecting the animals 24/7.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think some animals here are more active than others, and how does their behavior in the zoo compare to the wild?
DISCUSS: The zoo’s sea lions consume about 32,000 pounds of fish per year, and their feeding demonstrations are carefully timed to match their natural hunting patterns!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Animal behavior in zoos is fascinating because it shows us how adaptable these creatures are. The snow leopards are most active during dawn and dusk, just like in their natural habitat. The red pandas have special feeding schedules that match their bamboo-eating patterns in the wild. Zookeepers use “enrichment activities” – special toys, puzzles, and changing habitat features – to keep the animals mentally stimulated. These activities mimic challenges they’d face in nature, like hunting or foraging for food. The zoo’s design includes hidden passages that allow animals to retreat from view when they need privacy, just as they would in their natural habitats.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find and time how long the snow leopard paces a specific route in its habitat.
HINT: Look for worn paths near the viewing windows – these are part of the leopard’s regular patrol route.
OBJECTIVE: Locate all three types of enrichment toys in the red panda exhibit.
HINT: Look for climbing structures, food puzzles, and scent-marking spots.
OBJECTIVE:
HINT: Watch for swimming patterns, vocalizations, and interactions with trainers.
The Mall and Literary Walk Get Ready for the The Mall and Literary Walk : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This is the only straight line in Central Park – a magnificent quarter-mile promenade lined with towering American elm trees and statues of famous writers, creating a stunning cathedral-like canopy.
INTERESTING FACT! The Mall contains one of the largest collections of American elm trees in North America, many of which are original plantings from the 1870s that survived the devastating Dutch elm disease!
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a “Tree Timeline” by measuring the circumference of different elm trees (every inch equals roughly one year of growth) and calculate their approximate ages.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think these particular trees were chosen for this special walkway, and how have they survived for so long when most American elms in the country died?
DISCUSS: These elms create a natural Gothic cathedral effect, with branches that arch perfectly over the walkway at 70 feet high, and their canopy was specifically designed to protect wealthy Victorian-era park visitors from the sun while they paraded in their Sunday best!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The story of these elms is like an epic survival tale. In the 1930s, Dutch elm disease wiped out about 75% of North America’s elm trees. Central Park’s elms survived thanks to dedicated arborists who developed special injection treatments and monitoring systems. Each tree has its own “medical record” tracking its health history. The trees communicate underground through an interconnected root system and fungal network, sharing nutrients and warning each other about threats. During summer, each elm can release up to 100 gallons of water per day into the air through transpiration, creating a natural cooling system for park visitors.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Looking at the statues along Literary Walk, why do you think these particular writers were chosen to be remembered here?
DISCUSS: The writers honored here were selected not just for their literary achievements but also because they represented different cultural perspectives during a time when New York was becoming a global city.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Literary Walk is like a time capsule of cultural heroes. Shakespeare’s statue was placed here because his plays were incredibly popular in 19th-century New York, performed in theaters across the city. Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, represents the large Scottish immigrant population that helped build New York. Sir Walter Scott’s novels helped popularize historical fiction and influenced how Americans thought about their own history. Each statue was carefully positioned to face the walkway at a specific angle, creating a sense of movement and interaction with passersby. The placement of these statues also tells us about what New Yorkers in the 1870s valued in literature and culture.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the oldest elm tree on the Mall by measuring trunk circumferences.
HINT: Look for the widest trunk – it’s likely near the center of the Mall.
OBJECTIVE: Locate all four literary figures and identify what they’re holding in their hands.
HINT: Each statue includes symbols of the writer’s most famous works or characteristics.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Central Park
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Central Park:
American Museum of Natural History: Right across from Central Park West, this world-famous museum houses incredible dinosaur fossils, space exhibits, and the spectacular Hayden Planetarium. View the Parent’s Guide!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Located on the park’s eastern edge, “The Met” offers incredible art collections and a rooftop garden with spectacular views of the park and city. View the Parent’s Guide!
Columbus Circle: Just southwest of the park, this iconic roundabout features the Time Warner Center with great shopping, dining, and amazing views of the park’s entrance.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- “My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George – While not set in Central Park, this novel will get kids excited about nature observation and survival skills they can practice in the park.
- “The Central Park Book” by Louise Gikow – A kid-friendly guide to the park’s history, landmarks, and secrets.
- “Mannahatta: A Natural History of New York City” by Eric W. Sanderson – Perfect for older kids interested in learning how Manhattan looked before Central Park existed.
- “The Man Who Made Parks: The Story of Parkbuilder Frederick Law Olmsted” by Frieda Wishinsky – A great introduction to the park’s designer and his vision.
- Download the Official Central Park App – It includes interactive maps, audio guides, and scavenger hunts perfect for tech-savvy tweens.
- Visit the Central Park Conservancy’s website and print their free kid-friendly walking tour guides and nature observation sheets.
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Central Park
- Central Park is America’s first major landscaped public park, designed to be a democratic space where all social classes could interact.
- HOLY COW! The park’s designers used more gunpowder to clear the area than was used in the Battle of Gettysburg, removing around 3 million cubic yards of soil and rock!
- SUPER COOL! There are 21 playgrounds in Central Park, but none of them were included in the original design – the first playground wasn’t added until 1926!
- MIND-BLOWING! The park’s lampposts have a hidden code system – the numbers on their bases can help you determine your location within the park!
- INCREDIBLE! Central Park’s rocks are older than dinosaurs – the Manhattan schist that forms the park’s rock outcroppings is over 450 million years old!
- WOW! Despite looking completely natural, every lake, stream, and pond in Central Park is artificially constructed and controlled by computers!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Central Park
Belvedere Castle Get Ready for the Belvedere Castle : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This Victorian folly provides the highest and most spectacular views of Central Park, serving as both a weather station and a fairytale-like castle in the middle of Manhattan.
INTERESTING FACT! The castle’s name “Belvedere” means “beautiful view” in Italian, and it was originally built without windows or doors – it was purely decorative until 1919!
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a time-lapse video from the castle’s terrace, capturing the changing light and shadows across the park. Use your phone’s time-lapse feature to document the movement of clouds, people, and nature below.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: “How do you think the architects managed to create such a convincing medieval-looking castle in the late 1800s?”
DISCUSS: The castle was built using Manhattan schist, the same bedrock that allows New York’s skyscrapers to soar so high, quarried from the park itself!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The castle’s design draws from multiple European architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Norman. The architects used techniques like weathering the stone artificially and incorporating authentic medieval design elements to create an aged appearance. This practice of creating artificial ruins or medieval-style buildings was popular during the Victorian era as part of the Romantic movement.
ASK YOUR KIDS: “What role do you think this castle plays in modern New York City’s environmental monitoring?”
DISCUSS: The National Weather Service still uses Belvedere Castle as one of its weather monitoring stations, measuring rainfall and temperature since 1919.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The castle’s position at one of the highest points in Central Park makes it ideal for weather monitoring. The data collected here has helped track climate patterns in New York City for over a century, contributing to our understanding of urban heat islands and climate change impacts on cities.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate the original wind vane and anemometer installation points on the tower.
HINT: Look for metal mounting brackets near the top of the tower.
OBJECTIVE: Find three different types of stone used in the castle’s construction.
HINT: Compare the darker basement stones with the lighter upper levels and decorative elements.
The Ramble Get Ready for the The Ramble : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This 36-acre “wild garden” is a masterpiece of landscape architecture designed to feel like an untamed forest, making it a premier bird-watching location with over 230 species spotted here.
INTERESTING FACT! Every twist and turn in The Ramble was intentionally designed to make visitors lose their sense of being in a city – it’s actually nicknamed “Manhattan’s Woods.”
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a digital nature journal using your phone to photograph and identify different bird species, plants, and fungi using apps like iNaturalist or Merlin Bird ID.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: “How do you think landscape architects created this seemingly wild forest in the middle of a planned park?”
DISCUSS: The Ramble’s designer, Frederick Law Olmsted, actually imported specific species of plants and even moved massive rocks to create what he called “an experience of the Adirondacks in the middle of Manhattan.”
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Ramble exemplifies the concept of “artificial naturalism” – where every “natural” element is carefully planned. The paths were designed to curve and intersect randomly, creating a sense of discovery. The vegetation was planted in layers (canopy, understory, shrub layer, and ground cover) to mimic natural forest succession. Even the streams and pools were engineered to appear as if they’d been carved by centuries of water flow.
ASK YOUR KIDS: “Why do you think this particular spot attracts so many different bird species?”
DISCUSS: The Ramble sits along the Atlantic Flyway, one of North America’s major bird migration routes, and its dense vegetation provides crucial rest stops for tired travelers.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Ramble functions as an essential urban wildlife habitat. Its location between the coast and inland areas, combined with its diverse plant life, provides food and shelter for migrating birds. The park’s position creates a phenomenon called “fall-out,” where tired birds literally fall out of the sky into this green oasis during migration. The various water features, berry-producing plants, and insects support both resident and migrating species.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate and photograph three different types of native New York woodland plants.
HINT: Look for trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, and Solomon’s seal in spring and summer.
OBJECTIVE: Find the hidden cave near the water’s edge.
HINT: Follow the path near the Lake’s northern shore, looking for large rock outcroppings.
Bethesda Fountain Get Ready for the Bethesda Fountain : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This iconic fountain, crowned by the Angel of the Waters statue, is considered the heart of Central Park and one of the finest examples of public art in New York.
INTERESTING FACT! The angel holds a lily in her left hand, symbolizing the purity of the Croton water system, which had recently brought fresh water to New York when the fountain was built.
COOL ACTIVITY! Practice architectural sketching or photography techniques, focusing on capturing the interplay of light and water throughout different times of day.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: “What do you think the symbolism behind the four small angels beneath the main angel represents?”
DISCUSS: Each smaller angel represents a different blessing: Temperance, Purity, Health, and Peace, making this fountain not just beautiful but a complex allegory of New York’s progress.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The fountain tells the story of the 1842 Croton Aqueduct system that brought clean water to New York City for the first time. Before this system, New York faced devastating cholera epidemics and fires due to lack of clean, accessible water. The angel references the biblical Pool of Bethesda, known for its healing powers. The fountain’s designer, Emma Stebbins, was the first woman to receive a public art commission in New York City.
ASK YOUR KIDS: “How does the architectural design of the terrace and fountain create a specific emotional experience?”
DISCUSS: The fountain is positioned at the end of a long promenade and beneath a terrace, creating what designers call a “reveal sequence” that builds anticipation as you approach.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The entire area employs principles of human-scale architecture and emotional design. The steps leading down to the fountain create a natural amphitheater effect, encouraging social interaction. The sound of falling water masks city noise, while the terraced design provides different viewing angles and social spaces. The architecture demonstrates how public spaces can be designed to influence human behavior and emotional responses.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find all eight bronze panels on the fountain base and decode their symbolic meanings.
HINT: Look for recurring themes of water and healing in the relief sculptures.
OBJECTIVE: Locate the specific architectural features that make this space an acoustic marvel.
HINT: Stand at different points around the terrace and fountain to experience how sound travels.
Strawberry Fields Get Ready for the Strawberry Fields : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This 2.5-acre memorial to John Lennon serves as an international garden of peace, featuring the iconic “Imagine” mosaic and landscaping with plants from around the world.
INTERESTING FACT! The mosaic’s design was created by artists from Naples, Italy, using a traditional Roman style called “opus tesselatum,” and the pattern is based on a Portuguese design from Lisbon’s Pombal Square.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a peace-themed photo essay or short documentary, interviewing visitors about what peace means to them while capturing the memorial’s atmosphere.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: “Why do you think this specific location was chosen for John Lennon’s memorial?”
DISCUSS: This spot directly faces the Dakota Building where Lennon lived and was tragically killed, and was one of his favorite places in Central Park.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The memorial’s location holds deep significance beyond its proximity to the Dakota. It sits at a crossroads in the park, symbolizing the intersection of different cultures and ideas. The garden includes 161 species of plants representing countries worldwide, symbolizing global unity. Yoko Ono still maintains involvement with the space, ensuring it remains a living memorial that evolves with contemporary peace movements.
ASK YOUR KIDS: “How does the design of this space encourage reflection and peace?”
DISCUSS: The space was intentionally designed as a “quiet zone,” with specific plantings and landscape features that create natural sound barriers from the busy city.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The memorial employs principles of contemplative landscape design. The circular patterns, including the iconic mosaic, represent unity and continuity. The surrounding American elms create a natural canopy that changes with seasons, symbolizing life’s cycles. The careful selection of plants ensures year-round blooming, making it a perpetual garden of life and renewal.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Identify plants from three different continents in the garden.
HINT: Look for plant identification markers and notice the varying leaf patterns and growth habits.
OBJECTIVE: Find all the places where the word “Imagine” appears in different languages.
HINT: Check the surrounding benches and pathway markers.
The Mall Get Ready for the The Mall : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This grand promenade, lined with one of the largest collections of American Elm trees in North America, is the park’s most important architectural feature and a stunning example of 19th-century urban planning.
INTERESTING FACT! The Mall’s elm trees were arranged to create a cathedral-like ceiling effect, with branches that would meet overhead – a design technique called “Gothic Vault Planting.”
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a time-lapse video walking the length of The Mall, capturing the changing perspectives and light patterns through the elm canopy.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: “How does the design of The Mall reflect social hierarchies and democratic ideals of the 1800s?”
DISCUSS: Unlike European promenades designed for carriages of the wealthy, The Mall was intentionally pedestrian-only, making it one of the first major public spaces designed for people of all social classes to mix freely.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Mall represents a revolutionary approach to public space design. Its width was calculated to allow multiple social classes to walk together without forcing interaction, yet close enough to break down social barriers. The benches were specifically placed to encourage people-watching and social interaction. This design influenced future public spaces worldwide and helped establish the concept of parks as democratic spaces.
ASK YOUR KIDS: “What role do the American Elm trees play in both the aesthetic and environmental aspects of The Mall?”
DISCUSS: These elms are survivors of Dutch Elm Disease that devastated most American elms in the 20th century, preserved through intensive care and innovative treatment methods.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Mall’s elms create a unique microclimate that can be up to 10 degrees cooler than surrounding areas. Their canopy demonstrates the concept of ecosystem services in urban environments, providing shade, reducing air pollution, managing stormwater, and supporting wildlife. The trees’ survival represents a triumph of urban forestry and conservation efforts.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate and photograph evidence of how the park maintains these historic elm trees.
HINT: Look for subtle signs of pruning, cabling, and other tree care techniques.
OBJECTIVE: Find and document the different types of street furniture and their historical significance.
HINT: Pay attention to the benches, lampposts, and other decorative elements that have been preserved since the 19th century.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Central Park
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Central Park:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Located right on Central Park’s eastern edge, “The Met” houses over 5,000 years of human creativity and offers stunning rooftop views of the park. Perfect for art and history enthusiasts! View the Parent’s Guide!
American Museum of Natural History: Just across from the park’s west side, this world-renowned museum features incredible dinosaur fossils, space exhibits, and the famous blue whale. Great for science lovers! View the Parent’s Guide!
The Guggenheim Museum: A short walk from the park’s northeast corner, this architectural marvel houses contemporary art in a unique spiral building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Ideal for modern art and architecture buffs!
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- “Central Park: An American Masterpiece” by Sara Cedar Miller
- “Seeing Central Park: The Official Guide to the World’s Greatest Urban Park” by Sara Cedar Miller
- “The Park and the People: A History of Central Park” by Roy Rosenzweig and Elizabeth Blackmar
- Central Park Conservancy’s YouTube Channel
LOCATION SUMMARY
Imagine stepping into an 843-acre wonderland right in the heart of bustling New York City, where hidden castles peek through towering trees and friendly turtles swim in sparkling lakes! Central Park is like a magical giant puzzle piece of nature dropped right in the middle of skyscrapers, filled with secret paths, playgrounds that seem to pop out of storybooks, and rocks bigger than elephants. Did you know there’s even a real castle where you can climb to the top and feel like royalty while looking out over this amazing urban forest?
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