Central Park is one of the best places in Manhattan to people watch and explore. There are several great places to take kids:
Central Park Zoo
It's not big like The Bronx Zoo, but Central Park Zoo is a great desination for a short zoo trip. There are penguins, polar bears, monkeys, sea lions and more. There's even a petting zoo.
Fifth Avenue and 64th Street
Call 212-439-6500 for hours & information.
Website
Belvedere Castle
Belvedere Castle overlooks The Great Lawn and is an absolutely breathtaking destination. It houses the Henry Luce Nature Observatory where children can use telescopes and microscopes and learn about nature. After you visit the castle, walk down to the Great Lawn and head around the path to the top of the oval (opposite the castle). You'll see one of the best views of the midtown skyline.
Mid-park at 79th Street by The Great Lawn
Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Website
Conservatory Water (aka The Boat Pond)
Conservatory Water is the picturesque pond where members of the Model Yacht Club guide the beautiful model yachts along the water. Visitors can rent a model boat and sail it around the pond. Head just north of the pond to see the Alice in Wonderland sculpture.
Mid-part at 72nd Street near Fifth Avenue
Website
Wollman Rink
From November through March, families can go ice skating at Wollman Rink. This skating rink boasts an amazing view of the midtown skyline and is less crowded and larger than Rockefeller Center's skating rink.
East side of park near 62nd and 63rd Streets (just north of The Plaza)
Website
Loeb Boathouse
Spend a memorable afternoon with your kids renting a rowboat and rowing around the Lake enjoying amazing views of Central Park West. Or, you can take a gondola ride.
East side of park between 74th and 75th Streets
Website
The Carousel
With almost 250,000 riders each year, this popular carousel feels like a step back in time. The beautiful hand-painted and hand-carved horses are not to be missed.
Midpark at 64th Street
April through November, Daily 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
November through April, Weekends 10:00 am - 4:30 pm, Weather Permitting
Website
Eating in Central Park
There are many snack bars in Central Park. A few notable locations are the snack bars at the Zoo, Conservatory Garden, behind the Boathouse Cafe and Wollman Rink.
If you're celebrating a special occasion or would like to relax in a nice restaurant, Tavern on the Green located at 67th and Central Park West (Website and The Loeb Boathouse is located near 72nd Street in the east side of the Park (Website).
You can also head out of the park to nearby kid-friendly restaurants. Patsy's Pizza has wonderful brick-oven pizza and located at 61 West 74th Street (just off of Columbus).
