Central Park is New York City's playground and one of New York tourist attraction that locals love too, and it is the heart and soul of the city. Of course, it's one of the top New York parks, but it's not just lawns, trees and bike paths. Below are ten must-experience things in Central Park to check off your bucket list
1. Have a picnic and people in Sheep's Meadow
Central Parks's beautiful Sheep Meadow is a 15-acre field is located along the southwestern edge of the park, entering from West 67th street. It's experiences visits from thousands on a daily from frisbee-throwing bros, guitar sing-alongs and sunbathers and many handstand attempts. This is a great place to enjoy an afternoon lunch with a loved one or watch the sun go down one evening.
2. Attend Shakespeare in the Park
Thanks to The Public Theater this wonderful and exciting experience during the summer is free. yup, you heard me: free! Created by Joseph Papp in 1962, the Public Theater's series offers free, large-scale productions of works by William Shakespeare (as well as the occasional musical or non-Shakespearean drama). Running from May 24 through August 14, productions often feature some of the most talented actors of our day. Past casts have included Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Al Pacino, Blythe Danner, Philip Seymour Hoffman, George C. Scott and Denzel Washington just to name a few. So if you are looking to do something fun in Central Park on a summer night, defiantly make your way to the Delacorte Theater located at West 81st Street and Central Park West.
3. Monkey around at the Central Park Zoo
Calling all animal lovers!! With 130 species that inhabit this 6.5-acre corner of Central Park. Don't miss the Allison Maher Stern snow leopard exhibit, where you can look for the critically endangered cats. Visit the frigid penguin house to see the gentoo and chinstrap penguins waddle, and try to spot four new king penguins. Also look for the adorable California sea lion pup at the sea lion exhibit. This is defiantly an experience you will not forget!
4. Don't rock the boat
Rent a rowboat and take a paddle around the lake or let someone else do the work. This is a fun and memorable experience that you must do when in central park! Just try not to trip the boat that many have experienced.
5. Ice Skate at Wollman Rink
Once winter descends, you can hit the ice for a bit romantic skating and even catch a game of hockey or some figure skating No matter what its this is a fun thing to experience on a chilly New York day.
6. Ride the Friedsam Memorial Carousel
One of the perks of Central park is that you don't ever have to wait for the carnival to come to town. When the weather is warm, head over to the Friedsam Memorial Carousel and relive your childhood memories or stroll over after an evening date.
7. Stroll through the Conservatory Garden
Experience the beautiful and charms of a European garden without having any jetlag. This six-acre garden offers three styles (French, Italian and English) and a plethora of flowers, fountains, neatly trimmed hedges and walkways. Just be prepared for the throng of edding photo shoots, and by that we mean be prepared for photo-bombing.This is also a lovely place to enjoy an picnic one evening or a place to read a book.
8. Skip around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
Okay, you might not want to skip but definitely take a stroll or run around the Reservoir. The 1.58-mile track that encircles the 106-acre body of water has one of the best views of the city's skyline. Located at West 86th street, this Reservoir truly allows you to appreciate nature, a great place to bird watch or jut take in the scenery this unquestionably a place to visit.
9. Hike to Belvedere Castle
Take in a sweeping view of the Great Lawn, the Ramble and Turtle Pond from Belvedere Castle, built on one of the highest points in the park. Make sure you bring your binoculars because this is one the coolest thing to see in the park.
10. Throw a frisbee on the Great Lawn
In center of central park lies the Great Law, one of the most famous lawns in the world. This 55-acre green pasture is certainly mesmerizing, whether you come to have a picnic, through a frisbee, attend a concert, do a couple cartwheels or play a game of baseball this is definitely a wonderful place to come and just relax. Located mid-park from West 79th to West 85th Street , the Great Lawn is a picturesque place to come any day of the year.
