Central Park with kids

STOP 1 OF 9

Heckscher Playground

Central Park · Free to visit

The biggest playground, with rocks to climb.

1 hour · Free

EThe editors · 2 Central Park lists — switch

Central Park with kids

Playgrounds, a zoo, a carousel, rowboats and a statue they’re allowed to climb.

9 placesA full dayRead the guide ↓

1. Heckscher PlaygroundThe biggest playground, with rocks to climb.Central ParkFree to visit1 hourFree
2. Central Park ZooSea lions, penguins and snow leopards in an easy loop.Central ParkPaid entry1.5–2 hoursPaid entry; kids’ rates
3. Central Park CarouselA 1950s carousel with hand-carved horses.Central ParkPaid entry20 minA few dollars a ride
4. Conservatory WaterModel sailboats on the pond.Central ParkFree to visit30 minFree; model boat rental is paid
5. Alice in Wonderland statueClimb on Alice and the Mad Hatter.Central ParkFree to visit15 minFree
6. Loeb Boathouse rowboatsRent a rowboat on the Lake in season.Central ParkPaid entry1 hourRowboat rental is paid by the hour
7. Belvedere CastleA real-looking castle with a view.Central ParkFree to visit20 minFree
8. Ancient PlaygroundPyramids and a sundial next to the Met.Central ParkFree to visit45 minFree
9. Charles A. Dana Discovery CenterBorrow a rod and fish at the Harlem Meer in season.Central ParkFree to visit30 minFree

The guide

How to do it: Central Park with kids

Central Park has 21 playgrounds, a small zoo, a carousel and rowboats, which is enough for a whole day with children. Most of it is in the southern half, close together.

Plan around one big thing (the zoo or the boats) and fill in with playgrounds.

The order to do it in: Heckscher Playground and the zoo in the morning, the carousel, lunch, then Conservatory Water and Alice. Boats on the Lake in the afternoon.
When to go: Spring to autumn for the boats and the carousel; the zoo is open all year.
Getting there: 5th Ave–59th St (N R W) for the south end; 72nd St (B C) or 68th St (6) for the middle.
What to bring: Snacks, a change of clothes for the summer sprinklers.
What it costs: Playgrounds free; the zoo, carousel and rowboats are paid.

Worth knowing

Rowboats, the carousel and the model boats are seasonal and weather dependent.
The Dairy visitor center has maps and toilets.

Started from the pins on Capture the Atlas’s Central Park map (the map). Places, notes and the guide checked and written by us; prices and opening times change, so check before you go.