Do you have a map or brochure of Central Park?
You can access an online map of Central Park through the Map It Tool.
A physical map can be obtained at one of the visitor centers located throughout Central Park.
Unfortunately, brochures are not sent out. Once you are in New York City, there are also many visitor centers, hotels and stores with guides and pamphlets on NYC and Central Park.
The Central Park Access Map provides an emphasis on wheelchair accessible information.
How can I research particular animals in the Central Park Zoo?
Please visit the Central Park Zoo page for information about the zoo and some of the animals that live there.
Can I have a picnic in Central Park?
Yes! Just make sure to apply for a permit if your group is 20 people or more. You can apply for one here through the NYC Parks Department.
Be sure to check out our ready-made Grab & Go picnics and Picnic Experience options.
There are many great locations to have a picnic in Central Park, but we think these 7 picnic spots are really worth checking out.
How do I get to Central Park?
Read more on how to get to Central Park on the Get Directions page.
Are there any job opportunities?
If you are interested in working for Central Park, you will need to contact the Central Park Conservancy. Their website can be found at centralparknyc.org.
Are there police in Central Park?
Central Park is patrolled by both the New York City Parks Enforcement Patrol and the New York Police Department. The Central Park Police Precinct can be found on 86th St and Traverse Road. You can contact them at 212.570.4820.
Read more on the Central Park Police page.
Is there a lost and found office?
Central Park does not have a lost and found department, but you can check the Central Park Police Precinct. Phone: 212.570.4820.
What hotels are near Central Park?
Head on to the Where to Stay page for information about hotels located in the heart of New York City. Whether you're planning a family vacation or business trip, there is a hotel for every taste and budget.
Does Central Park have a blog?
Yes, check out our blog for stories and fun facts about Central Park.
Are there any customer service phone numbers?
You can get answers to all park-related questions by dialing 311.
Check out our Park Contact Numbers page for important Central Park-related phone numbers.
When did Central Park open?
The Park was initially opened in 1857. It was later improved and expanded according to Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux’s Greensward Plan, after which it was reopened in 1873. You can read more about the history here.
How big is Central Park?
The Park consists of 843 acres. It is 2.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide.
Where is Central Park located?
Central Park runs north to south from 110th street to 59th street and east to west from 5th Avenue to Central Park West.
Here is a map showing exactly where Central Park is.
How many people visit Central Park annually?
Central Park receives around 42 million visitors annually.
When is Central Park open?
Central Park is open to visitors 365 days a year. Central Park is open daily from 6AM to 1AM.
Where can I buy souvenirs in Central Park?
You can buy souvenirs at the Dairy Visitor Center & Gift Shop in Central Park. It once was intended as a source of fresh milk for children, but it is now used as an information center and gift shop.
Belvedere Castle also offers maps and souvenirs of the park, as well as a kiosk during the warmer months at Columbus Circle.
Charles A Dana Discovery Center has a limited selection of gifts as well.
Read more about the visitor centers located throughout Central Park.
Where can I purchase food and drinks in Central Park?
Central Park has dining options ranging from food carts with snacks and drinks to sit-down restaurants and cafes. Some of the more popular spots include The Loeb Boathouse Restaurant, Tavern On The Green, Le Pain Quotidien, Leaping Frog Café, and Ballpark Café, to name a few. Please refer to Restaurants in Central Park page for more details.
You can also check out our ready-made Grab & Go picnics!
What restaurants can I find near Central Park?
We've created a Top 10 Restaurants Near the Park page, make sure to check it out.
Are there attractions for families?
Children will particularly enjoy attractions such as the Central Park Zoo, the Central Park Carousel, and boat rides around the Lake, available from the Loeb Boathouse. For younger children, Central Park hosts summertime storytelling at the foot of the Hans Christian Andersen statue.
A total of 21 children’s playgrounds can also be found at various locations throughout the Park.
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre offers a variety of puppet shows throughout the year.
Read more about Children's Activities here.
What are the most relaxing areas in Central Park?
Designated quiet zones in Central Park include Strawberry Fields, Sheep Meadow, East Green, Turtle Pond, Shakespeare Garden, and Conservatory Garden.
Are dogs allowed in Central Park?
Dogs are allowed, and welcome, in Central Park. They must be leashed in most areas of the Park (where signs are posted) between the hours of 9am and 9pm. Read full details at Dogs in Central Park.
Is alcohol allowed in the Park?
No, alcohol cannot be consumed in Central Park or any other New York public park.
Is smoking allowed in the Park?
No, smoking is prohibited throughout Central Park. This includes electronic cigarettes. Smoking is allowed on sidewalks outside parks.
Where are bathrooms located in Central Park?
Public restrooms are located throughout Central Park at various attractions, landmarks and playgrounds. Please note that some are seasonal and not open during the winter. Some are wheelchair accessible. More information can be found on the Restrooms page.
Is Central Park dangerous?
Taking proper safety measures, such as not visiting the park alone or after dark, is always a good idea. That being said, crime in Central Park has significantly decreased in recent years, and officers from both the NYPD and the New York City Parks Enforcement Patrol regularly patrol the park. Those planning a trip to Central Park should use caution, yet not let negative perceptions deter them from visiting and enjoying the park.
Read more on our Safety Tips page.
Where can I rent a locker in Central Park?
Unfortunately, there are no lockers available to rent in Central Park, unless you are at Wollman or Lasker Rink. There is a fee, and they suggest you bring your own lock. If you are looking for a place to store your stuff while you run, check the New York Road Runners RUNCENTER on 57th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, it serves as a meeting place for the running community and offers lockers for runners.
Is there assistance for the handicapped/elderly?
Almost all entrances into Central Park are handicap accessible. Areas such as the Central Park Zoo, Tavern On The Green, The Loeb Boathouse and other main attractions are also accessible. Click here for a link to the Central Park Access Map from the Conservancy.
Is there wildlife in the Central Park?
Yes! There are many species of birds including hawks and eagles, and there are also squirrels, coyotes, skunks, opossums, raccoons and more.
Please respect the wildlife in Central Park. Never feed or approach a wild, stray, or injured animal.
If you see an injured animal, the best thing to do is leave the animal where it is, give it some distance, and call 311. The more information you can provide 311, the better. Please remember that young animals often look as if they have been abandoned, when in fact their parents are nearby.
Do not feed any of the wildlife. Do not feed bread to the ducks.
Where do the ducks in Central Park go during the winter?
If you are a fan of J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield obsesses over a particular question: Where do the ducks in Central Park go in the winter?
The answer is that most stay put in Central Park, while some will migrate south during the winter months. It is not unusual to see them huddled together around the various bodies of water in the park.