Whether you live in New York City or are just visiting for a few days, there is something to do in Central Park any time of the year. So get bundled up, or shed down to shorts and a t-shirt, and head over to Central Park.
Fall
Go Birding
Central Park is one of the best places in New York City to go birding. In the fall you have the chance to see exotic species, like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird or the Connecticut Warbler, that pass through as they migrate south for the winter.
Hit the Trails
If you like to run or bike, the fall is a great time to visit Central Park. As the weather starts to cool, an excellent time to run is during its traffic free times. You’ll find times during the day and evening on weekdays when the park is traffic free and on the weekend from 7PM on Friday until 6AM on Monday.
Admire Fall Foliage
Fall is when the leaves start to change color and a stroll through the park can be a magnificent way to spend the day. If you don’t want to walk, a great alternative is to sit back and enjoy the ride in one of the many horse-drawn carriages.
Winter
Lace up Your Skates
Winter is ice-skating season! Both resident New Yorkers and tourists from around the world enjoy skating in Central Park. You can rent skates and lockers or just come to watch. There is special pricing for children and seniors.
Enjoy Less Crowded Paths
For runners and bikers, the sports continue into the winter. Paths that were crowded with tourists and New Yorkers during the warmer seasons are now almost empty. This is your season to explore the park.
Bundle Up for a Carriage Ride
And the horse-drawn carriages are still here, as they are all year long. Now you can enjoy your ride bundled in lap robes. With luck, you’ll have a chance to enjoy snow covered scenery.
Spring
Enjoy Spring Blooms
Come and watch the Conservatory Garden take off. As the only formal garden in the park, the atmosphere is calm and quiet. The 6-acre Garden includes seasonal plants arranged in the styles of an English garden, and more formal French and Italian gardens.
Pack a Picnic
Once the snow has melted and the temperatures start rising, pack a picnic and head to Central Park’s Sheep Meadow. This 15-acre meadow is the perfect place to spend a relaxing, sunny Spring afternoon as you sprawl on the lush lawn.
Summer
Feel the Beat
Rumsey Playfield hosts SummerStage from May through September. You can hear rock, salsa, reggae, opera, and more. Also at the Playfield you will find the “Good Morning America” concert series. Perfect for the early bird, the live concert is between 7AM to 9AM.
Summer Shakespeare Style
Over at the Delacorte Theater, you will find Shakespeare in the Park with free performances sponsored by The Public Theater. Be sure to take advantage of the two different productions that are available over the course of the season.
Go for a Row
With soaring temps, now is the perfect time to go for a boat ride. Rent a row boat from the dock at Loeb Boathouse or book a Venetian gondola ride. Row boat rentals go for $15 an hour; quite a steal in this otherwise expensive city.
No matter what the season, there’s always something fun to do in New York’s favorite playground.