Where can I eat around Central Park?
There are many options for food and drink around Central Park. There are also a few places to eat within the park.
There are dozens of eateries within a block or two of Central Park, from small delis and burger joints to high-end five-star restaurants. Here are 10 restaurants that are worth the walk from Central Park
Can I go skiing in Central Park?
You can go skiing in any of the large meadows in Central Park. Most areas are closed during the winter months, but will open if the park receives more than 6 inches of snow. There is no place to rent skis, but you are able to use your own equipment.
Visit the Cross Country Skiing page for more information.
Where can I go ice skating in Central Park? Can I rent skates?
You can go skating at the Wollman Rink located on the east side, very close to the Central Park Zoo. It offers ice hockey, a skating school, party facilities, skate rentals, and lockers. For more information, call (212) 439-6900 or 311.
Enter the Park at 59th and 6th Avenue or 59th and 5th Avenue.
Lasker Rink is located in the north part of the park. Located just south of park entrance at 110th Street & Lenox Avenue. It offers ice hockey, a skating school, party facilities, skate rentals, and lockers. For more information call (917) 492-3856 or 311.
Both Rinks usually open from late October until late March (depending upon the weather)
When conditions permit and the ice is consistently at least six inches thick, Conservatory Water also opens for free ice skating — just bring your own skates!
Read more about Ice Skating in Central Park.
How can I rent a boat or go on a gondola ride?
Row boat rentals and private gondola rides are available from Loeb Boathouse, located on the East Side between 74th and 75th Streets. For complete details on schedule and fees check out: the Loeb Boathouse.
Weather permitting - from April through November, a fleet of 100 rowboats are available for rent from 10am - 6:00pm.
Boats are $15 per hour (cash only), $3.00 for each additional 15 minutes with a $20 cash deposit. Each boat holds up to 4 people. The Loeb Boathouse will provide life jackets. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Weather permitting, classic Venetian gondola tours are available on the lake with host Andres Garcia. The Gondola holds up to 6 people and can be reserved at $30 per half hour. You can make reservations at this number (212) 517-2233.
Where is the Shakespeare Garden?
The Garden is located near the Delacorte Theatre, the site of the annual "Shakespeare in the Park" series held in the summer.
Visit the Shakespeare Garden page for more information.
Where is Strawberry Fields?
Located near Central Park West between 71st and 74th Streets, Strawberry Fields is a 2.5 acre area of Central Park that pays tribute to the late Beatle, John Lennon; singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist.
Visit the Strawberry Fields page for more information.
What are the ideal places for running in the Park?
There are a variety of loops and locations that are ideal for running in the park. For the best schedule and a running map, visit the Running page.
For information on all New York Road Runner sanctioned events, please contact them directly at: nyrr.org
The NYRR Run Center is located at 320 West 57th Street.
Is there a zoo in the park and where I can feed animals?
Yes, the zoo is located on the East Side of the park, between 63rd and 66th Streets. For complete schedule of feeding times and details on admission fees, visit the Central Park Zoo page.