When it gets too hot to picnic or run a loop around the park, you can still enjoy fresh air while being safe.
Below are some suggestions on where to cool off in Central Park, or even where to find shelter during a summer downpour.
Gottesman Pool
1. The pool is located in the northern end of Central Park at the Davis Center. Hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with a break for cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Visit our Gottesman Pool page for more details.
Row a Boat or Venetian Gondola around The Lake
2. Rent a boat at the Central Park Boathouse and row your way to the heart of the Central Park Lake, the second-largest body of water in Central Park that spans over 22-acres. The Boathouse has a fleet of 100 boats, each of which seats up to four people. Renting is ideal as a date activity, a wedding proposal, and also great for a picnic with friends. Too hot to row? Rent the Venetian Gondola and have someone do the rowing for you.
Central Park Zoo
3. Head to the Central Park Zoo. A walk around the Zoo’s five plus acres will take you through a variety of habitats, all carefully designed to recreate the natural environment of the animals that it houses. The zoo offers classes for kids of all ages - interactive classes that include live animal encounters and offer unique experience for guests at the various zoo exhibits. Classes are held on weekdays and weekends, as well as school holidays.
Belvedere Castle
4. Named for the Italian meaning "beautiful view," Central Park's Belvedere Castle offers park goers exactly what its name implies. With its two balconies, it supplies wonderful panoramic views that include some of Central Park's most beautiful and famous landmarks: the Delacorte Theater, the Great Lawn, the Turtle Pond and the Ramble. Head inside and climb up the steps as it shelters you from the heat and gives you the most amazing views.
Carousel
5. About 250,000 people take a ride on the Central Park Carousel every year. One can always catch a breeze while riding on a horse or one of the carriages. Location: Mid-Park at 64th Street. $3 per ride (cash only). Open 10:00am - 6:00pm. If you work up an appetite, the Ballplayers' House is next to the carousel and the Heckscher Ballfields. This café serves sandwiches, burgers and other snacks. You can sit outside and watch a ballgame on a Sunday morning or listen to the sweet sounds of kids as they enjoy the carousel. The Ballplayers' House is located mid-park at 65th St.
Bethesda Terrace
6. Another great place to escape the heat is the Bethesda Terrace area, which includes the fountain as well as a covered passageway. A breeze can usually be found here along with musicians and other entertainers. It also offers great views of the fountain as well as an opportunity to take unique stylized photos.
The Mall
7. The stairs under the Bethesda Terrace will lead you to the Mall, and at the southern end, the Literary Walk. In summer, the path is shaded by giant Elms that offer a natural umbrella from the rays of the sun and light summer showers. One can usually find a host of musicians, artists and entertainers. It was designed to be an open air hall of reception.
Chess and Checkers House
8. This structure was built in 1952 and offers outside as well as inside tables that attract players of all ages. During the summer months, the Chess and Checkers House offers classes to kids of all levels. Built up on a hill, it also offers great views of Central Park and Central Park South. If you have a few minutes it’s a great place to take a break from the sun and watch a match or two.
The Dairy
9. The Dairy was built in 1870 at the southern end on the park - originally called the children's section - to provide milk and snacks for children in the cool and relaxing atmosphere near the Pond. Today it is both an information center and a gift shop. It’s a great choice to beat the heat or a summer shower.
The Loch
10. Another great place to cool off is the area that surrounds The Loch, which is located in the North Woods. The North Woods is a favorite spot of birdwatchers and hikers alike. Due to the thickness of the trees, there is always plenty of shade, and sure to be a breeze on a hot summer day. The Central Park Loch extends from 102nd to 106th Street.