General Information

Do you have a map of Central Park?

You can access an online map of Central Park through the Map It Tool. The Central Park Access Map has an emphasis on wheelchair accessible information. If you want a physical map, you can pick one up at the Central Park Dairy, located at 65th St.  You can also stop by one of the many Visitor Centers that offer maps: 

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?

Picnic tables are located by The Great Hill (West Side from 103rd to 107th Streets), the Ross Pinetum Playground (West Side at 85th Street), and at the entrance to the Park on 90th Street and Fifth Avenue.

Alcohol is not permitted in Central Park, except at specific restaurants and their patios in Central Park. This includes private and corporate events.

Picnics of more than 20 people, require a permit through the NYC Parks Department. You can obtain a permit here.

Tables and chairs are not permitted to be set up on any grassy areas, due to the damage that the legs may cause.

Barbecuing, open flames and grilling is not permitted in Central Park, with the exception of 3 days per year, which include: Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day.

For more information see our Grilling or Barbecuing page.

Where can I have a picnic in Central Park?

There are many great locations in Central Park for a picnic, but we think these  7 picnic spots are really worth checking out. 

Picnic tables are located by The Great Hill (West Side from 103rd to 107th Streets), the Ross Pinetum Playground (West Side at 85th Street), and at the entrance to the Park on 90th Street and Fifth Avenue.

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?

Contact us for more information about available positions at CentralPark.com by emailing info@centralpark.com with the subject line “CentralPark.com Internship.”

If you are interested in working inside of Central Park, you will need to contact the Central Park Conservancy. Their website can be found at centralparknyc.org.

Are there any foreign internships / job vacancies?

Contact us for more information about available positions at CentralPark.com by emailing info@centralpark.com with the subject line “CentralPark.com Internship.”

If you are interested in working inside of Central Park, you will need to contact the Central Park Conservancy. Their website can be found at centralparknyc.org.

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. 

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

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 much 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 the Park open?

Central Park remains 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 in Central Park. It once was intended as a source of fresh milk for children, but now is used as an information center and gift shop. The  building located at 65th Street and  is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10AM to 5PM.

Belvedere Castle (mid-Park at 79th Street) 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.

Where Can I Purchase Food and Drinks in Central Park?

In addition to an abundant number of food carts offering snacks and drinks, Central Park boasts a variety of different types of cuisine at its many restaurants. Some of the more popular restaurants include The Loeb Boathouse Restaurant, Tavern On The Green, Le Pain Quotidien, Ballfields Café, Leaping Frog Café, and Ballpark Café, to name a few.

Please refer to Restaurants in Central Park page for more details.

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.

Of course, these dining options are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more restaurants within a stone’s throw of Central Park that are sure to please.

Are there attractions for families?

Children will particularly enjoy attractions such as the Central Park Zoo, the Water Exhibit at Belvedere Castle, 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. 

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. Dogs must be on a leash (no more than six feet long) at all times except in designated off-leash areas at the prescribed times.You must pick up after your dog. Dogs are not allowed in playgrounds, all water bodies, all ballfields and courts, sand volleyball courts, Great Lawn Oval, Hallett Nature Sanctuary, the Elm Islands at the Mall, Sheep Meadow, East Green, Lilac Walk, Reservoir Running Track or Strawberry Fields.They must be under the control of their owner at all times.They must have a NYC license tag and valid rabies tag. Dogs may not dig, chase or harm wildlife, damage park property, or interfere with other park users. Always clean up after your dog, including dog hair that you brush off in the park. Please respect signs, fences, and red flags that may indicate temporary closures due to restoration, maintenance, or weather conditions.

Dogs are allowed off-leash when the Park is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am when the Park closes. Dogs must be on-leash at all times from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm. Learn more about supporting Central Park's dog community and Central Park Paws.

Is alcohol allowed in the Park?

No, alcohol is not allowed 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?

There are 16 public restrooms located throughout Central Park at various attractions, landmarks and playgrounds. Please note that some are seasonal and not open during the winter; just less than half 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 about park safty 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 Boat House and other main attractions are also accessible. Click here for a link to the Central Park Access Map from the Conservancy.

Are there any picnic tables?

Tables and chairs are discouraged in Central Park due to the damage the legs can cause to the lawns. There are a few wooden picnic tables scattered around the park, some are located along the East Drive on 90th street, and near the great lawn on the east and west side by 84th street, as well as the Great Hill located on the West side near 100th Street. Picnic tables can be moved by the parks department at the last minute, so plan on bringing a blanket for your picnic. There are no picnic tables located on any of the lawns in Central Park, i.e, sheep's meadow, great lawn etc. For more information check Central Park Conservancy Picnic Guide.

Is there wildlife in the park?

Yes! Many species of birds including hawks and eagles. Squirrels, coyote, 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 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.

Are there any Central Park brochures?

Almost everything you need to know about Central Park, including maps can be found and downloaded from our website, through the Central Park Conservancy or  NYC Parks websites. Unfortunately, brochures are not sent out. Once in New York City, there are many visitor centers, hotels and department stores that have guides and pamphlets on NYC that usually includes maps of Central Park.

Once in the park, you may pick up a free Official Map at one of the Central Park Visitor Centers:

  • Charles A. Dana Discovery Center Inside Central Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, 212.860.1374 
  • Belvedere Castle Mid-Park at 79th Street. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, 212.772.0288 
  • Dairy Visitor Center Mid-Park at 65th Street. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, 212.794.6564 
  • Chess & Checkers House Mid-Park at 64th Street. November to March: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. April to October: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, 212.794.4064 
  • Columbus Circle Information Kiosk West 59th Street at Central Park West. Weather permitting, spring through December: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily 

Please note that Visitor Centers are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day