Children's Activities

Many attractions in Central Park were created especially with kids in mind.

Below are some locations that are perfectly suited for families with young children:

Tisch Children's Zoo

Located within the main Central Park Zoo, the Tisch Children's Zoo features a petting zoo with animals like goats, sheep, pigs, and alpacas. Open year-round, it offers interactive fun and education for kids ages 3 and up, with feeding stations and daily performances at the nearby Acorn Theatre. Admission is included with Central Park Zoo tickets.

Belvedere Castle's Henry Luce Nature Observatory

Designed for kids, this exhibit teaches visitors about the flora and fauna of Central Park.

Playgrounds

There are 21 playgrounds located throughout Central Park, each with its own unique theme, design, and type of play structures and equipment. 

Central Park Carousel

Open April to October, this very popular children's attraction is a traditional merry-go-round, complete with the sound of organ music and vendor cart treats nearby.

Boat Rides on the Lake

Renting a rowboat from the Loeb Boathouse has been a fun family activity in Central Park since the 19th century and remains a great choice in the spring and summer months. Visitors can spot Mute Swans and ducks on the Lake, in addition to the occasional Heron or Egret.

Storytelling

Younger children might enjoy the storytelling that takes place each summer at the site of the Hans Christian Anderson Statue, located near 72nd Street and 5th Avenue.

Ice Skating

Wollman Rink and Gottesman Rink are two great options for ice skating, right in Central Park. Youth skating, lessons and hockey programs are offered, and there are also snacks available on site.

Swimming at Gottesman Pool

Offering free admission and swimming lessons, Gottesman Pool is the perfect summertime family attraction at Central Park.

Fishing at the Meer 

Catch and release fishing is offered at the Meer through the Dana Discovery Center. The Discovery Center lends visitors bamboo fishing poles, perfect for catching bass, catfish, bluegill sunfish, grass carp, rock perch, and golden shiners in the calm waters of the Meer. 

The Marionette Theatre

The Marionette Theatre is located at the Swedish Cottage. Hosting shows in the summertime and school season, productions include classic tales such as Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Jack and the Beanstalk among others.

Model Boat Sailing

Model boats, and even lessons in sailing them, are available at Conservatory Water.