Are you looking for things to do in Central Park for kids?
New York City and can be loud, busy, and overwhelming to everyone, especially kids.
That’s why we love that the city had the forethought to dedicate more than 750 acres of land to create this beautiful public park.
Although the park had gone into disrepair after the Great Depression, efforts to clean up and maintain the park have been in full effect since the 1980s, and it is very evident today.
There are so many fun things in Central Park for kids; it is hard to list them all! But we are sharing some of our favorite things to do.
And the best part? Many of the activities listed below are FREE! Yes! There are actually many fun FREE and cheap things to do in New York.
Everything shared below is within the southern half of the park. You don’t have to venture much above 80th Street to see all of these fun attractions!
We love visiting this park after a day in New York City with kids. It removes everyone from the craziness and gives us a chance to unwind.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Central Park With Kids Tips
Before you visit this massive green space in the middle of New York City, keep the following in mind:
- You will be doing a lot of walking. If your child is not used to walking long distances and up and down hills, consider bringing a stroller or carrier for your child.
- Bring cash. It appears many of the paid activities geared towards kids only accept cash. Make sure you have enough!
- Know where the restrooms are located.
- Use a map! As fun as the paths are, they are also windy, and you can get turned around quite easily. There are large maps at popular attractions; however, having one readily available is a good idea.
- Try not to do it all! Pick an area or two of the park that you most want to visit.
Top Things in Central Park For Kids
1. Visit One of the Central Park Playgrounds
Closest entrance to the Heckscher Playground: 59th St. and 7th Ave.
Did you know that Central Park has 21 playgrounds? Many of them are perfect for visiting in the hot summer months thanks to the water sprays they include.
Heckscher Playground, the southern-most playground in the park, is also the largest and oldest.
This space has it all, including swings, slides, maze-like climbing structures, and a water-play area. These playgrounds are one reason New York is one of the best places to visit in June and other summer months!
We recommend visiting as many of the playgrounds as you can, as they are all unique in their own way!
2. The Central Park Zoo
Closest entrance to the Central Park Zoo: 64th St. and 5th Ave.
The Central Park Zoo is a true escape from the craziness of the city. It’s one of the best things to do in Central Park with kids.
The zoo is home to several different animal species, including snow leopards, red pandas, and even grizzly bears! Don’t forget to check out the Tisch Children’s Zoo too.
The Central Park Zoo is open daily, with hours differing depending on time of year.
3. Explore the Bridges and Arches
Closest entrance to Gapstow Bridge (pictured below): 61st St. and 5th Ave.
You can’t walk too far in Central Park without going through an archway or over a bridge. This park is full of them, and they are all beautiful and unique.
It’s fun for kids to see where each archway and bridge leads. Is it a secret garden? Another playground? There is only one way to find out!
4. Sail a Model Boat at Conservatory Water
Closest entrances to Conservatory Water: 72st St. and 5th Ave, or 76th St. and 5th Ave.
From March through November, weather permitting, kids of all ages can rent a sailboat at Conservatory Water.
Rentals are for 30 minutes and are first-come, first-served. No reservations are accepted.
If your child is more interested in watching the model sailboats than operating one on their own, they can watch the sailboat races that occur every Saturday morning, around 10 am, during the operating season.
The boathouse also has a café with patio seating that serves light refreshments and also has restrooms.
On the south side of Conservatory Water is a concession stand serving coffee and pastries. Bench seating is located nearby, making this area a perfect spot for a rest break and snacks.
5. Take a Picture With Alice in Wonderland
Closest entrance to Alice in Wonderland: 76 St. and 5th Ave.
Central Park is full of gorgeous fountains, monuments, and sculptures. One of the more famous sculptures is Alice in Wonderland. Kids love to climb on and under this beautiful sculpture, dedicated by George Delacorte to his late wife, Margarita.
6. Rent a Row Boat at Loeb Boathouse
Closest entranced to Loeb Boathouse: 72nd St. and 5th Ave., or 76th St. and 5th Ave.
If your kids would rather spend time on the water, then consider renting a boat from the Loeb Boathouse while in Central Park. They might recognize them from the movie Enchanted!
One hundred rowboats are available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis, weather permitting, from 10 am until sundown.
Please note that payment is cash-only. While on the rowboat, check out some of the famous sights in Central Park, including the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, and Bow Bridge.
7. Feed the Turtles at Turtle Pond
Closest entrance to Turtle Pond: Central Park West across from American Museum of Natural History
Turtle Pond has appropriately earned its moniker. You can get close to the waters to feed the turtles (they like kale!) or just watch them swim around.
They put on a good show by swimming around. They also pop their heads out of the water, as if to check for treats! You can also head over to a sunnier side of the pond to see dozens of them on the rocks.
8. Climb to the Top of Belvedere Castle
Closest entrance to Belvedere Castle: Central Park West across from American Museum of Natural History
One of the visitor’s centers in Central Park, Belvedere Castle also serves another purpose. It is the location of National Weather Service monitors and sensors, providing wind speed and temperature information.
One of the reasons the National Weather Service chose this structure is because it is the highest point in Central Park!
Initially built in 1869 to add “whimsy” to Central Park, Belvedere Castle was renovated after years of deterioration in 1983.
Two, narrow, spiral staircases take you up to the second and third levels of the castle. It is worth the climb to the top, as the views are incredible!
9. Wander Through Shakespeare Garden
Closest entrance to Shakespeare Garden: Central Park West across from American Museum of Natural History
Once you enter Shakespeare Garden, you feel as though you left New York City and were transported to the English countryside. The garden features flowers and plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays, including primrose, lark’s heel, and cowslip.
Various plaques with Shakespeare’s quotes, winding stone paths, and beautiful wooden benches, make this garden as magical as it is beautiful. Kids will love exploring the maze-like trails while parents take a rest!
10. Climb the Rocks at Hernshead
Closest entrance to Hernshead: 77th St and Central Park West.
While Central Park has no shortage of fun rock formations to climb, Hernshead gives one of the best views in the park!
Along the waters of The Lake, Hernshead showcases massive rocks that form the peninsula to create a natural playground that kids won’t want to climb down from.
Don’t forget to look for more turtles! They like to sun themselves on the rocks at Hernshead.
11. Do a Scavenger Hunt in Central Park With Kids
You can explore Central Park with kids while completing challenges and puzzles. This scavenger hunt covers about 2 miles. All you need is a smart phone!
The best part, you can take breaks when you need it, so the kids can play on the many playgrounds you’ll pass along the way.
Other Fun Things to Do in New York City With Kids
There are so many other fun things to do in New York City with kids! Some are even FREE (or inexpensive). One of our favorites is riding the Staten Island Ferry, And they are easy to add on to your Central Park activities.
Read It Now, Pin It For Later!
