Central Perks!
Whether you are visiting or native, a day spent in Central Park is always a good one! Check out some ideas below on how to spend your day at one of the greatest parks in the world!
Have food at Loeb Boathouse! They don’t open until lunch, but you can also opt for just drinks on the patio, as the restaurant itself is pretty pricey.
Loeb Boathouse Patio
2. Rent a rowboat for an hour for only $15! It costs you $30 on arrival, but as long as you don’t sink the boat, you get the other $15 back when you return, lol. I have brought every visitor I’ve ever had here, and it’s a huge hit! It doesn’t have to be touristy, it’s so much fun. Whether you’re good or bad at it, you’ll have a great laugh with your friends. And an hour is a long time so be sure to also just take a moment to sit and appreciate your surroundings! Take some pics from the water, they look great!
Park Drive North, E 72nd St, New York, NY 10021
Loeb Boathouse Rental
3. You can also CitiBike in the park! They are everywhere and it’s a safer environment to go biking here as they have designated bike trails/roads as to avoid all the foot traffic.
4. Bring your own picnic and drinks and hangout in Sheep’s Meadow! A lot of people like to hangout here—bring games, play sports, tan, the options are endless! Whatever you can think of doing in a big grassy field, the sky is the limit! Literally— you could choose to go kite flying…
1802 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065
5. Bring a book and blanket and have some “me time.” Find a shady tree and enjoy the weather and being outdoors.
6. Find all the landmarks/tourist sites in Central park! There’s Shakespeare’s Garden, Belvedere Castle, the Zoo, Conservatory Garden , Jackie O Reservoir, and stumble upon statues all along the way!
Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
7. Check out Bethesda Terrace! Its right by the boathouse, and honestly, you’ll probably stumble upon it by accident anyways. It’s a very famous area, I’m sure you’ll recognize from a lot of movies.
72 Terrace Dr, New York, NY 10021
8. Also the Mall and Literary Walk that leads to the fountain and terrace is also famous and breathtaking. A lot of artists sell prints and paintings here, and there’s normally lots of music playing and street dancers performing.
The Mall, New York, NY 10022
9. Dine at Tavern on the Green. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny, but the restaurant is absolutely beautiful. Choose to sit indoors or out, both atmospheres are excellent!
67 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023
10. Try the remote control Toy Boats! You have probably seen these as well, either in the iconic scene of Stuart Little, or the less cutesy one in Gossip Girl where they are used to buy drugs lol…
East 72nd and 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10021
11. Depending on the time of year, there’s also multiple locations for ice skating rinks, and sledding!
12. Check out the Victorian Gardens Amusement Park there as well! Ride the merry go round , teacups, or swing! If those don’t amuse you, check it out when the sun starts to set, the lights come on and it’s a wholesome view!
830 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10065
13. Bring a friend, speaker and blanket and just hang out and listen to music and catch up! Spring and Fall are both beautiful times in the year to just be outside as much as possible! Bring your hard seltzers or your hot cocoa and just enjoy each other’s company!
Go running, hiking, skating, roller blading, swimming, ride a horse drawn carriage, take in water views, watch a theatre performance, play your favorite sport … If there is any outdoor activity you can think of, it’s at central park. Go enjoy the little escape outside the city, in the city. Every time you visit is a memorable one :)
Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
For more ideas, visit the Central Park official website.