How to Spend the Day at Central Park in New York City

Immerse yourself in the wonder that is New York City's Central Park. First opened in 1873 and covering 843 acres, Central Park was the first park of its kind in the United States. Located in the heart of Manhattan, it is an oasis in the middle of one of the world's busiest cities. Although at some points in the park you can see the tops of the skyscrapers that define New York City, you will feel a world away from all the hustle and bustle. The park includes wide open spaces, lakes, secluded nooks and a jogging track that runs the whole perimeter.

Instructions

1. Ride in one of the richly colored horse-drawn carriages. Drivers hook up the horses every morning across from The Plaza at Central Park South and 5th Avenue.

2. Spend the day visiting the animals at the Central Park Zoo. The Zoo, located on the east side between 63rd and 66th Streets, provides entertainment sure to delight people of all ages.

3. Dance the day away at one of the many concerts held in Central Park. Every imaginable musical genre is featured sometime during the summer months in Central Park.

4. Jump onto the ice at one of the two ice-skating rinks if you are visiting Central Park in the winter months.

5. Dine at one of the two local eateries found in Central Park. Relax on the water at the Boathouse, or try something a little out of the ordinary at the Tavern on the Green.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a map of Central Park at Dairy Visitor Center & Gift Shop, mid-park at 65th Street.