NEW YORK – CITY GUIDE
We lived in New York for two years and Central Park was our garden, our happy place. From iconic spots to playgrounds, here is our guide to enjoying Central Park with kids. You’re going to love it!
No trip to New York City would be complete without visiting Central Park and it’s especially great for kids. We visited four or five times a week and completely explored the 843 archers. I’ll cover everything in this guide but if you only have a short time in NYC you’ll need to prioritize.
GETTING AROUND CENTRAL PARK WITH KIDS
Even though the park is huge, it’s easy to explore on foot. This is the best way but be sure to wear comfy shoes. If your kids are little like mine, you’ll want a stroller (pushchair). If they’re older, consider renting bikes.
Pedicabs are a fun option. Finally, there are horse-drawn carriages, which are beautiful and iconic however the horses often aren’t treated very nicely so I wouldn’t recommend these.
WHERE TO EAT
There are many carts selling hot dogs, pretzels, drinks and ice cream, located throughout the park. The food isn’t the best quality or the most delicious, but they are iconic New York things to eat and they are a budget-friendly option.
Other places to eat in Central Park: Tavern on the Green, if you’re looking for an upmarket restaurant. The Loeb Boathouse is another upmarket restaurant however they do have a cafe area which is great for kids. They’ve recently been taken over by new management and prices went up but it’s still quite affordable by New York standards. Finally, Le Pain Quotidien by Conservatory Water and near the Sheep Meadow is a great place for a coffee and a pastry.
ALL THE THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL PARK WITH KIDS
Were believe in doing things for everyone when we explore, so not all these things are specifically aimed at kids but kids and grown-ups can both enjoy them!
THE POND
Used as a filming location in Home Alone Two and also where Blair Waldorf goes to feed the ducks. It is a beautiful location, if you go on to the Gapstow Bridge, you get an amazing view of the Plaza Hotel.
CENTRAL PARK MALL
Walk down the Central Park Mall. My son would always walk along the long row of benches and we would stop to watch the street performers.
THE BETHESDA TERRACE AND FOUNTAIN
This was my ultimate happy place. It is just so beautiful and a must-see when you’re in New York.
Tip: there are a lot of steps here but if you go to the right, you can get down without needing to carry the stroller.
THE BOW BRIDGE
One of the most beautiful bridges. I just love this spot and the views around here. Walk over it to get to The Ramble.
UMPIRE ROCK
Kids love climbing on rocks and this one is especially great as it has an amazing city view. You’ll see many people here taking photos.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
This large bronze statue of Alice in Wonderland sat upon a giant mushroom, surrounded by the other book characters. It is a beloved feature in Central Park and another thing children and parents will both love.
Tip: sometimes tourists will grumble about children climbing on the statue as they want it clear for their photos however, this statue was gifted to the park with the intention of children climbing on it. So grownups can wait their turn!
HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON STATUE
Located very near Alice is a statue of Hans Christian Anderson reading The Ugly Duckling, this statue is also designed to be climbed upon and is well worth passing. They also do storytime here on summer Saturdays at 11 am. You can see the schedule HERE.
THE RAMBLE
You can discover nature right in the heart of the city at The Ramble. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore 38 archers of woodland. You’ll see plenty of birds and squirrels and there’s even a waterfall.
BELVEDERE CASTLE
Who knew there was a castle in Central Park? Again, kids and grown-ups will enjoy this hidden gem. It’s not a huge castle but entry is free making it perfect for little kids.
JACQUELINE KENNEDY ONASSIS RESERVOIR
We lived near the reservoir and one of my favorite memories is splashing in the puddles along the bridal path surrounding it. As it’s located towards the North of the park, there are not as many tourists here making it a peaceful walk. The views of the city are great and if you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, this is a must-see.
HOPING TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOM? READ MY GUIDE ON THE BEST SPOTS HERE.
THE NORTH WOOD
Located at the very North of the park, similar to the Ramble, you’ll feel like you’ve left New York. Here you’ll find beautiful waterfalls, trees and rocks. We also often saw chipmunks running around.
I have looked through thousands of my photos and unfortunately, can’t find any from the North Woods.
CENTRAL PARK CAROUSEL
This is a popular attraction for children. I would skip this one in favour of Jane’s Carousel (Brooklyn) or The Sea Glass Carousel (Downtown Manhattan). However, if you would like to ride, tickets are $3.50 and if your child is too small to go on by themselves, adults also need to pay.
CENTRAL PARK ZOO
This is another thing I would skip. It’s very small with few animals. Personally, I don’t love zoos anyway but if they are your thing, The Bronx Zoo is much better.
THE DELACORTE CLOCK
Located close to the zoo, The Delacorte Clock chimes every half hour. (At o’clock and half past.) The bronze animals play music and ‘dance’ around the podium. When Freddie was 2 he adored watching it. By the time he was 4, he was over it but we still watched because Jaxon and I still loved it!
STRAWBERRY FIELDS
Strawberry Fields is most well known for the ‘Imagine’ mosaic, which is a tribute to John Lennon. It’s a pretty place to visit.
CONSERVATORY GARDEN
Another hidden gem in Central Park. Italian, English and French-style gardens that are especially beautiful in the spring/ summer. The gardens have been under restoration and some areas may be closed until 2025.
PLAYGROUNDS IN CENTRAL PARK
We love a playground when exploring. They are a great free way for kids to burn some energy. There are 21 playgrounds in Central Park – any kid’s dream right? We’ve been in them all and I’ll highlight the best ones for you.
Heckscher Playground is the best for tourists as it’s located towards the park’s South. It’s huge and has an amazing view of the city skyline.
Another great option is Billy Johnson Playground. On our last day in New York, we hung a padlock at the top of the slide here – let me know if it’s still there!
Finally, my son loved the Margaret L. Kempner Playground. It is located quite far North, I wouldn’t say to make a special trip here but it’s a good one to go to if you’re passing.
Tip: If you’re visiting in the summer, the water will be on so bring swim clothes and water shoes (the concrete gets extremely hot).
Thank you for reading my guide to Central Park with kids. As I said, it was our happy place so I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
READ MY OTHER NEW YORK GUIDES HERE.
Happy Travelling,
