With the warm weather here and winter’s dark days officially behind us, there’s no better time to enjoy the outdoors with your family. Luckily, for those who call New York City home or have the good fortune to visit this spring, Central Park provides a wealth of outdoor entertainment opportunities for kids of all ages. If you’re looking for some fun activities your whole family will love, here’s what to check out in Central Park.
Enjoy the sights at the Conservatory Garden
Toward the upper end of Central Park sits the Conservatory Garden, a stunning formal garden that has been delighting visitors for 80 years. With a prohibition on sports and vehicles in the garden, you can enjoy a leisurely walk free from commotion in this serene setting, all while taking plenty of time to stop and smell the roses.
Check out the Central Park Zoo
One of the most beloved children’s attractions in all of New York, the Central Park Zoo is a must-visit this spring. This 6.5-acre zoo is home to more than 2,000 different animals, from snakes to snow monkeys, many of whom participate in interactive exhibits and feedings throughout the day. Take your little ones to see the sea lions having a snack, amble through the children’s zoo, or catch a movie in the zoo’s 4D theater.
Take a boat out on the lake
Get in a little exercise and enjoy some excitement at the same time by taking a boat out onto the tranquil Central Park lake. Whether you opt to rent a gondola or a rowboat, your little ones will love seeing the park’s resident waterfowl and enjoying one of the best views of the city skyline from their perch on the water.
Admire Alice in Wonderland
Make your kids’ favorite books come to life with a visit to the Alice in Wonderland statue in the park. This immortalization of Lewis Carroll’s famous characters, including Alice, the White Rabbit, and the Mad Hatter has been delighting adults and children alike since sculptor José de Creeft created it in 1959. Don’t worry if your kids are eager to pose with these storybook heroes or even sit on them; this sculpture is made for little ones to climb and explore.
Take a ride on the Friedsam Memorial Carousel
Round out your day with a ride (or two, or three) on the Friedsam Memorial Carousel. Located near the park’s 64th Street entrance, this beautiful carousel has been a popular destination for families since its most recent incarnation was created in 1908. Take your pick of one of the carousel’s 57 horses and check out the sights and sounds of the park as you whirl on by. When the warm weather hits, make the most of it by enjoying one of New York’s most amazing spaces with your family. Whether you spend the day out on the lake or saying hi to the animals at the Central Park Zoo, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.
