Groups of people playing lawn bowling on the Central Park greens with trees in the background
Play lawn bowling or croquet on dedicated greens just north of Sheep Meadow.
Central Park has two fenced-in, 15,000-square-foot fields reserved exclusively for lawn bowling and croquet, located at mid-park near West 69th Street, just north of Sheep Meadow.
The greens have been part of the park since 1926 and are maintained for use from May through mid-October each season. A clubhouse sits alongside the greens and offers storage and restroom facilities for lawn bowling permit holders.
Permits and Play
Hours: Lawn sports are available throughout the week, from 8:00 AM until dusk, although occasionally the fields may be reserved for tournaments, which get priority over individual players.
Permits: A permit is required to use the greens. Annual fee is $30. The permit office is in the Arsenal building at Fifth Avenue and 64th Street, Room 1. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (April, May, and June only). Verify current fees and hours on the NYC Parks website before visiting.
Equipment: Please bring your own lawn bowling or croquet equipment when you visit.
About Lawn Bowling and Croquet
Lawn bowling and croquet are precision sports played on grass, and Central Park has dedicated greens for both.
In lawn bowling, players roll weighted balls toward a small target ball, trying to land closer to it than their opponent. In croquet, players use mallets to drive balls through a sequence of hoops in a set order.
Both are easy to learn, open to any fitness level, and well suited to an afternoon in the park.
Free Lawn Bowling Clinics
If you've never played before, the easiest way to try it is to just show up. The New York Lawn Bowling Club runs free clinics on the greens every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from May through Columbus Day. No experience or equipment needed, just wear flat-soled shoes to protect the turf, and a club member will walk you through the basics.
Visit the Free Lawn Bowling Clinics event page for current dates, times, and any closures.
The Clubs
The New York Lawn Bowling Club, founded in Central Park in 1926, manages the greens and runs the free clinics. Membership includes full use of the greens and equipment, a Central Park permit, and access to club events throughout the season. Visit their site for current membership rates and how to join.
The New York Croquet Club is based at the Central Park greens and is currently accepting new members. A founding club of the United States Croquet Association, the NYCC is where American 6-Wicket Rules were invented. Members play predominantly American 6-Wicket, Golf Croquet, and Association Rules. Their season runs from May through Columbus Day.
Getting There
Enter Central Park at West 69th Street and walk east for about two minutes. The greens are just north of Sheep Meadow. The nearest subway is the B/C at 72nd Street and Central Park West, less than a five-minute walk to the West 69th Street entrance. The 1/2/3 at Broadway and 72nd Street is about a 10-minute walk.
Lawn Bowling and Croquet FAQ
How do I try lawn bowling in Central Park without joining a club?
The New York Lawn Bowling Club runs free clinics every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from May through Columbus Day. No equipment or experience required, just wear flat-soled shoes.
Do I need a permit to use the lawn bowling and croquet greens?
Yes. A permit from the NYC Parks Department is required for independent use of the greens. You can get one at the permit office in the Arsenal building at Fifth Avenue and 64th Street. Visit the NYC Parks website for current fees and hours.
Where exactly are the lawn bowling and croquet greens in Central Park?
The greens are at mid-park near West 69th Street, just north of Sheep Meadow. Enter the park at West 69th Street and walk east for about two minutes.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Independent permit holders need to bring their own equipment. If you're attending a free clinic or are a New York Lawn Bowling Club member, equipment is provided.
When are the greens open?
The season runs from May through mid-October. Hours are 8:00 AM until dusk, weather permitting. The greens may occasionally be reserved for tournaments, which take priority over individual play.
Can beginners join the New York Lawn Bowling Club?
Yes. The club welcomes new members and provides equipment and instruction for new players. Visit nybowls.org for current membership rates and how to sign up.