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 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 our Cross Country Skiing page for more details.
Where can I go ice skating in Central Park? Can I rent skates?
You can ice skate at 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.
Gottesman Rink (formerly Lasker Rink) offers ice skating in the northern part of the park at the Davis Center.
Both Rinks usually open from late October until mid-March.
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!
Visit our Ice Skating page for more details.
How can I rent a boat or go on a gondola ride?
Row boat rentals and private gondola rides are available from Central Park Boathouse, located on the East Side between 74th and 75th Streets.
Weather permitting - from April through November.
Visit our Boating page for more details.
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 our Shakespeare Garden page for more details.
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 our Strawberry Fields page for more details.
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 our 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 our Central Park Zoo page.