FAQ

• Where is Central Park located?
• When was the Park opened?
• How big is Central Park?
• Approximately how many visitors does the Park receive each year?
• When is the Park open?
• Where can I purchase food and drinks?
• What are the best attractions for families with children?
• What are the most relaxing areas of the Park?
• Is Central Park dangerous?
• Are pets allowed in the Park?
• Is alcohol allowed in the Park?
• Is smoking allowed in the Park?

Where is Central Park located?

Central Park runs north to south from 110th street to 59th street and east to west from 5th Avenue to Central Park West. Here's a map showing exactly where Central Park is.  Back to top

When was the Park opened?

The Park was initially opened in 1857. It was later improved and expanded according to Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux’s Greensward Plan, after which it was reopened in 1873. Back to top

How big is Central Park?

The Park consists of 843 acres. It is 2.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide. Back to top

Approximately how many visitors does the Park receive each year?

Central Park receives around 35 million visitors annually. Back to top

When is the Park open?

Central Park remains open to visitors all year. It is closed only five hours each day: in the early morning from 1am-6am. Back to top

Where can I purchase food and drinks?

In addition to an abundant number of food carts offering snacks and drinks, Central Park boasts a variety of different types of cuisine at its many restaurants. Some of the more popular restaurants include The Loeb Boathouse Restaurant, Sheep Meadow Café, Leaping Frog Café, Ferrara Italian Café, and many others. Back to top

What are the best attractions for families with children?

Children will particularly enjoy attractions such as the Central Park Zoo, the Water Exhibit at Belvedere Castle, the Central Park Carousel, and boat rides around the Lake, available from the Loeb Boathouse. For younger children, Central Park hosts summertime storytelling at the foot of the Hans Christian Anderson statue. A total of 21 children’s parks can also be found at various locations throughout the Park. Back to top

What are the most relaxing areas of the Park?

Designated quiet zones in Central Park include Strawberry Fields, Sheep Meadow, East Green, Turtle Pond, Shakespeare Garden, and Conservatory Garden. Back to top

Is Central Park dangerous?

Taking proper safety measures, such as not visiting the Park alone or after dark, is always a good idea. That being said, crime in Central Park has significantly decreased in recent years, and officers from both the NYPD and the New York City Parks Enforcement Patrol regularly patrol the Park. Those planning a trip to Central Park should use caution, yet not let negative perceptions deter them from visiting and enjoying the Park. Back to top

Are pets allowed in the Park?

Dogs are most certainly allowed, and welcome, in Central Park. They must be leashed in most areas of the Park (where signs are posted) between the hours of 9am and 9pm. Dogs are not allowed in playgrounds, display fountains, bodies of water reserved for wildlife, battlefields, the Elm Islands at the Mall, Sheep Meadow, East Green, or Strawberry Fields. Back to top

Is alcohol allowed in the Park?

No, alcohol is not allowed in Central Park or any other New York public park. Back to top

Is smoking allowed in the Park?

No, smoking is prohibited throughout Central Park. Back to top

— Jesse M. Wheeler