Central Park With Kids: The Best Playgrounds & Things To Do

Visiting New York’s Central Park with kids is an absolute must. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, preschoolers, or older children, the park offers a perfect mix of nature, play, and space to run around, all right in the middle of Manhattan. From climbing rocks and chasing squirrels to having fun at one of the park’s many playgrounds, there are so many things to do in Central Park with kids that it’s easy to spend a whole day here.

We spent two years living in New York City, and Central Park was our garden. So, in this local’s guide, I’ll share the best kid-friendly spots in Central Park. Including the top playgrounds, easy toddler activities, stroller-friendly paths, and even where to grab coffee while your kids burn off energy. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a full NYC itinerary, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of Central Park as a family. You’re going to love it!

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How to Get Around Central Park with Kids

Even though the park is huge, it’s easy to explore on foot. This is the best way to see Central Park with kids, but be sure to wear comfy shoes. If your kids are little like mine, you’ll want a stroller (pushchair). Most of the paths are very stroller-friendly!

My children are young (two under 5); however, if you have older children, consider renting bikes. This would allow you to get around faster and is also a fun and inexpensive activity.

Hiring a pedicab is also a fun option. It is best to pre-book a pedicab online, as I’ve heard stories about people hiring one as a walk-up and getting charged hundreds of dollars at the end.

Finally, there are horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, which are beautiful and iconic; however, the horses often aren’t treated very nicely, so I wouldn’t recommend these.

The Best Playground 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 tried them all out, and here are the best playgrounds in Central Park:

Heckscher Playground is the best for tourists as it’s located towards the South of the park, closer to other tourist attractions. It’s a huge play area and has an amazing view of the city skyline.

Another great option is Billy Johnson Playground. This was our favourite of all the NYC playgrounds. On our last day in New York, we hung a pink heart padlock at the top of the slide here – let me know if it’s still there!

My son also loved the Margaret L. Kempner Playground. It is located quite far North in the park, so I wouldn’t say to make a special trip here, but it’s a good one to go to if you’re passing that area.

If you’re visiting with older children, The Ancient Playground, located by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is another great option for them.

Finally, if you’re in Central Park with a toddler, the Tarr-Coyne Tots Playground is designed especially for them. The Safari Playground is also a fun one. We have a full guide to visiting New York with a toddler. I’ve linked it here.

Top Tip: If you’re visiting in the summer, the water splash pads will be on, so bring swim clothes and water shoes (the concrete gets extremely hot). Or a spare set of clothes to change into.

Other Things to Do in Central Park with Kids

Here are all the family-friendly activities in Central Park. We 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!

Visit The Pond

The pond was used as a filming location in Home Alone Two, and also where Blair Waldorf goes to feed the ducks in Gossip Girl. It is a beautiful location, if you go on to the Gapstow Bridge, you get an amazing view of the Plaza Hotel.

See the Beautiful Bethesda Fountain and Terrace

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 Bethesda Terrace and Fountain in Central Park

Walk Over the Bow Bridge

This is one of the most beautiful little bridges I’ve ever seen. I just love this spot and the views around here. Walking over the Bow Bridge will take you to The Ramble, which is a real hidden gem in Central Park for families. (More about that below.)

Walk the Central Park Mall

Walking down the Central Park Mall is an iconic activity. My toddler would always walk along the long row of benches. Here you’ll often find small market stalls, musicians and street performers. We would often stop to watch the street performers, which was fun entertainment for all the family!

View of the Bow Bridge in Fall and the Central Park Mall on a quiet day!

Climb on the Alice in Wonderland Statue

This really is a must-do when visiting Central Park with children. A larger-than-life bronze statue of Alice in Wonderland, sitting upon a giant mushroom, surrounded by the other book characters, is an amazing addition to Central Park. 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 grown-ups can wait their turn!

Enjoy The Hans Christian Anderson Statue

Located very near Alice in Wonderland 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 is also a storytime session here on summer Saturdays at 11 am. You can see the schedule here.

The Hans Christian Anderson and Alice in Wonderland Statues

Explore 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 acres of woodland. You’ll see plenty of birds and squirrels, and there’s even a waterfall. This was one of our favourite areas to explore and was perfect for children of all ages to enjoy.

Pose on Umpire Rock

Kids love climbing on rocks, and there are many to choose from in Central Park. Umpire Rock is especially great as it has an amazing city view. It’s also a perfect photo backdrop for your NYC memories. You’ll see a lot of people taking photos here.

Discover Belvedere Castle

Who knew there was a castle in Central Park? This is another fun thing to do in Central Park for kids. Again, kids and grown-ups will enjoy this hidden gem. It’s not a huge castle, but entry is free, making it perfect for families.

Walk Around the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

We lived near the reservoir, and one of my favourite 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. If you’re looking to escape the crowds of the city, this is a family-friendly spot in Central Park you should definitely consider.

The views of the city are great, and if you’re visiting during the spring cherry blossom season, this is a must-see.

View of Manhattan from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir & Exploring Belvedere Castle

HOPING TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOMS? READ MY GUIDE ON THE BEST SPOTS HERE.

Venture to The North Woods

Located at the very North of the park, similar to the Ramble, you’ll feel like you’ve left New York City completely. Here you’ll find beautiful waterfalls, trees and rocks. We also often saw chipmunks running around.

I have looked back through thousands of my photos and unfortunately, can’t find any from the North Woods.

Ride the Central Park Carousel

This is a popular attraction for children. I would skip this one in favour of Jane’s Carousel (in 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.

Watch 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 my son was 2, he adored watching it. By the time he was 4, he was over it, but we still watched because our baby and I still loved it!

The Central Park Carousel & Watching the Delacorte Clock

Skip the Central Park Zoo

While visiting the Central Park Zoo with kids is often highly recommended, this is an activity I would advise you to skip. It’s very small with few animals. Of all the amazing things to do in New York City, this one is underwhelming!

Personally, I don’t love zoos anyway, but if they are your thing, the Bronx Zoo is much better.

Explore 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.

Relax in Conservatory Gardens

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.

This is a lovely, calm place ot visit, especially on a stroller walk with a baby.

Where to Eat in Central Park with Kids

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.

Finally, picnicking in Central Park as a family is a great option. There is plenty of space to sit and relax!

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Thank you for reading our guide to enjoying Central Park with kids. As I said, it was our happy place, so I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

PERFECT 4 DAYS IN NEW YORK WITH KIDS ITINERARY
COMPLETE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK
THE BEST PLACES TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN CENTRAL PARK
HOW TO GET AROUND NYC LIKE A LOCAL

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Happy Exploring,