Visiting Central Park was one of the highlights of my recent trip to New York City. Even the overcast skies and occasional drops of rain couldn’t detract from the beauty of New York City’s largest outdoor park space.
With so much to do and see in New York City you may wonder why you should visit Central Park?
The Great Lawn in Central Park
Why you should visit Central Park- Reason #1
You may not realize that Central Park is one of the best-known parks in the world.
Why you should visit Central Park- Reason #2
While many attractions in New York City charge a pretty penny, Central Park is free to explore with few locations inside the park actually charging a fee.
The Obelisk (taken during last year’s NYC trip)
Why you should visit Central Park- Reason #3
Central Park is welcoming to all ages. Whether you’re an elderly person out for an afternoon stroll, a young family looking for a playground for the kids to run off some energy, or a newly married couple seeking a romantic Central Park Horse and Carriage Tour, you’ll enjoy your visit to Central Park.
Belvedere Castle in Central Park
Why you should visit Central Park- Reason #4
Central Park offers sculptures, playgrounds, walking trails, jogging trails, concerts, outdoor movies, educational programs and guided tours in the 843 acres of carefully planned and designed outdoor space; a welcome break from the bustling, busy city that lies outside its borders.
My daughter and I had planned to spend a great deal of time in the park, but the rain chased us across the park and into the nearby museums. That only means that we need to plan a return visit to see what we missed.
Relaxing along The Ramble in Central Park
If you plan to visit Central Park, take time to explore the Central Park website so you can plan in advance which attractions you want to see. Popular locations within the park include the Balto sculpture, Alice in Wonderland sculpture, the Obelisk, Belvedere’s Castle, The Lake, the Carousel and Central Park Zoo.
You can print a map offline or pick one up at one of the visitor’s centers inside the park. Be warned that though my daughter and I had a map, we still found navigating the trails a bit confusing. You may prefer to take a Central Park Guided Bike Tour or a guided walking tour with Central Park Sightseeing
.
Have you visited Central Park? What attractions would you suggest visiting?
More Tips on Visiting NYC:
4 Ways to Visit NYC like a Native
35 Things to do in New York City with Teens
A Sample 3-Day Itinerary for Visiting NYC with CityPASS
Mary @ The World Is A Book
Monday 15th of October 2012
We finally set aside a few hours and explored Central Park last June. There was still a lot that we missed though. Sorry it rained on you gals. Love that reflection shot. Great minds must think alike this week since I also featured Central Park :)
eileen at FamiliesGo!
Friday 12th of October 2012
central park is great for kids, especially the alice in wonderland statue and the big stone slide in the playground just north of the children's zoo.
Cathy Sweeney
Friday 12th of October 2012
Central Park is one of my favorite places, too. It's wonderful to have places like that to go for free. I've never taken a carriage ride, but I like watching them. Love the picture with the umbrella.
Sonja
Friday 12th of October 2012
We were just there in August and spent a whole day in Central Park, but it's amazing how much more there still is to see! Good thing we're going back in April. :)
Valerie Delmonico
Friday 12th of October 2012
Beautiful park. I was there in February one time and NYC had a huge snowstorm. We went sledding in Central Park. I wil never forget how much fun I had!