Park & outdoorsPet friendly4.8 editorial
Central Park
New York, New York, United States
Under 10 min from your starting point
Review
The classic free New York family day. Pick a playground, a stretch of lawn and an ice cream, and you have beaten a mid-priced attraction. The zoo is optional and ticketed.
Our recommendation. Enter at 59th Street with little ones (Heckscher) or 72nd Street for boats and the fountain. Bring a picnic; cafe prices are Manhattan.
- Heckscher Playground
- Bethesda Fountain
- Loeb Boathouse
- Zoo (paid)
Best age groups
Playgrounds, boats and room to run — every age
Toddlers 0–4
A strong fit
Little kids 5–8
A strong fit
Tweens 9–12
A strong fit
Teens 13–16
A strong fit
Pets
Dogs are welcome. Off-leash hours apply in designated areas; keep dogs on a lead around playgrounds and the Reservoir.
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
- Typical cost
- Free
- Cover
- Mostly outdoors