New York - Central Park 
Central Park is New York's backyard, a lush 843-acre patch of nature in the middle of Manhattan. The park holds scenic hills, lakes, meadows, playgrounds, skating rinks, and ball fields among other attractions.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Related Attractions
Belvedere Castle
Belvedere Castle is a stone castle atop Vista Rock that offers a great view of the park and the city from its rooftop lookout. Looking north, visitors will see the Delacorte Theater where free Shakespearean productions are held every summer featuring stars such as Kevin Kline and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Hours
April 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
November 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Bethesda Fountain and Terrace
Bethesda Fountain and Terrace stands between the Lake and the Mall, and is the architectural highlight of Central Park. The fountain was dedicated in 1873 and the statue, Angel of the Waters, in 1842. The Spanish-style detailing of the double staircase with tiles and friezes was done by Jacob Mould. The terrace is a fine place to relax.
Bow Bridge
Bow Bridge is one of the park's seven original cast-iron bridges. It was designed by Vaux to join the two large sections of The Lake, and offers good views of the park.
Central Park Carousel
The Central Park Carousel is found by the information center where maps and helpful directions can be sought.
Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo, formally known as The Central Park Wildlife Conservation Center, features more than 100 species of animals from the tropics, the Polar Circle, and the California coast. An equatorial rain forest houses monkeys and free-flying birds while penguins inhabit the Arctic section. Near the entrance is the charming Delacorte Clock where bronze musical animals encircle the clock and play nursery chimes every half-hour.
All values are in United States Dollars
Hours
March 27 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
November 1 to April 1
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 |
| Adult | $ 12.00 |
| Senior over 65 | $ 9.00 |
| Child 12 & under | $ 7.00 |
| Child 2 & under | FREE |
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Conservatory Garden
Conservatory Garden, the only formal garden in Central Park, is filled with thousands of trees and shrubs. The garden is divided into southern, northern and central sections. The North Garden features the bronze Fountain of the Three Dancing Maidens. Visitors can enter by the Vanderbilt Gate on Fifth Avenue.
Conservatory Water
Conservatory Water is better known as the Model Boat Pond and is home to model yacht races every weekend. At the north end is a sculpture of Alice in Wonderland.
Strawberry Fields
Strawberry Fields is a memorial for John Lennon, who was tragically murdered in front of the Dakota apartments just off the west side of the park. A mosaic is set in the pathway with the word "Imagine" inscribed, named after Lennon's 1971 song. The landscape was designed Vaux and Olmstead and features 161 species of plants (one from every country in the world).
