Central Park

Central Park spans 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan. Walk through dense woodlands to reach Belvedere Castle, rent a rowboat at the Lake, or spread a blanket on Sheep Meadow. Watch free Shakespeare performances at the Delacorte Theater on summer evenings, see snow leopards at the Central Park Zoo, or join the morning bird watchers spotting some of the 200 bird species that visit the park. Each year, 42 million people explore the park's winding paths, from the rocky outcrops of the Ramble to the centuries-old elm trees along the Mall.

Getting Around Central Park

The park runs from 59th Street to 110th Street and from Fifth Avenue to Eighth Avenue. Find your way using five visitor centers: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Belvedere Castle, Chess & Checkers House, the Dairy, and Columbus Circle. You can reach the park through multiple subway stations and bus routes that stop along its perimeter.

Nature and Lakes

Eight lakes and ponds spread across the park, created by damming natural water sources in the 1850s. Walk around Harlem Meer, an 11-acre lake in the northeastern corner, or explore the dense woodlands that line the water's edge. Relax on Sheep Meadow's grass, or follow the winding paths through the Ramble's 36 acres of rock outcrops and native plants.

Year-Round Activities

Skate at Wollman Rink in the south or Lasker Rink in the north during winter. When temperatures rise, rent a rowboat at the Lake, take a spin on the historic Central Park Carousel, or see Manhattan from a horse-carriage. Children can play in 21 playgrounds, including the three-acre Heckscher Playground. You'll find baseball fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts scattered throughout the grounds.

Events

Watch free performances at the Delacorte Theater during Shakespeare in the Park's summer season. Listen to concerts at the Mall, where American elm trees create a natural ceiling above the pathway. Walk along Fifth Avenue to reach the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or spend time at the Central Park Zoo watching sea lions, snow leopards, and penguins. Look for 50 fountains, monuments, and sculptures as you explore, including the popular Alice in Wonderland statue.

Wildlife and Ecology

The park sits on the Atlantic Flyway migration route, where you can spot over 200 species of birds throughout the year. Ten species of mammals live in the park, including squirrels and bats. The park's 18,000 trees help cool Manhattan's temperatures and create homes for urban wildlife.