Summer Fun in Central Park

SummerStage is an annual event bringing a variety of concerts and other live performances to 18 parks in New York's five boroughs, with several held in Central Park's Rumsey Field.  All concerts are presented free of charge and are held "rain or shine".  Take a blanket and picnic for an enjoyable outdoor experience; concessions are also available.  For the current season's lineup at Central Park, click here.  For the current lineup at all parks, click here.

Each summer, from May through August, Good Morning America's Summer Concert Series are held in Central Park.  These free live concerts are held on Fridays from approximately 7am - 9am (you should arrive by 6am to get a good spot).  What a great opportunity to see some of the biggest names in music!  Click here see the current lineup.

Each summer, the New York Philharmonic presents its free Concerts in the Park series throughout the city, with a couple being held at the band shell of the Great Lawn of Central Park (mid-park).  Pack a picnic and a blanket, then enjoy an evening of classical music.  At the conclusion of the concert, you'll enjoy a fireworks display.

Each season, the New York Classical Theater group performs popular classics in Central Park, Battery Park and at the World Financial Center.  These free events are attended by all ages and the audiences are active spectators in the productions.

The Sandbox Program is a unique kids program held at various playgrounds throughout Central Park, featuring music, dance, puppets and stories.  This free program is targeted to children 3 to 8 years and no advance registration is needed.  The program is held on weekdays from mid-July to mid-August.

The Central Park Zoo, located near the southeast section of the Park, features over 150 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, including the polar bear, snow leopard, red panda, penguin and much more.  The key exhibits include Polar Circle, Snow Leopard Exhibit, Sea Lion Pool, the Tropic Zone Rainforest and Temperate Territory which features wildlife that must adapt to changing climates.  The Tisch Children's Zoo is a nature trail with sheep, alpacas, a pond and interactive play.  The Zoo also has a 4-D theater, featuring the beloved characters of Ice Age.  Note that the 4-D theater is recommended for children 6 and up.  You can check the Zoo schedule for Sea Lion and Penguin Feedings.

Central Park Zoo is open 365 days a year.  Rates are reasonable and you can save a little by ordering your tickets online.  Guided tours are available.  You can get a bite to eat at the Dancing Crane Cafe and pick up a souvenir at the Zootique.

Central Park Circuit is a free exercise program offered by the Central Park Conservancy on a biweekly basis in two summer sessions.  The classes meet at either the Delacorte Theater or the Great Hill.  The workouts are led by certified personal trainers and include warm-up, weight resistance, cardio training and stretching using the natural features of the park, such as boulders, hills, trails and stairs.  Note that the classes are limited to 20 participants; Central Park Conservancy members can make advance reservations.  If you can't make it to a class, you can still try the workout using the detailed instructions on the Central Park Circuit website.

Another option for Central Park yoga classes is the weekend sessions offered by Central Park Yoga; they meet at 81st Street and Central Park West.  Individual classes are $20 each or you can get a discount by purchasing a multi-session package. 

• Bethesda Terrace is considered the "heart of Central Park", located mid-Park at 72nd Street.  It offers intriguing architecture, the 26-foot Bethesda Fountain and great park views.
• As described above, the Conservatory Garden offers three unique areas for a peaceful stroll.
• Shakespeare Garden, located at West Side and 79th Street, is a four-acre garden with pathways among a variety of plants, flowers and trees.  It is situated near the Delacorte Theater where the summer Shakespeare in the Park is held.
• Strawberry Fields, located near Central Park West between 71st and 74th Streets, is a tribute to John Lennon.  He lived in a nearby apartment and Strawberry Fields was created here as this was the location where he was shot in 1980.  It is aptly deemed a "Garden of Peace".  This tribute is symbolized by the mosaic "Imagine" in the grounds at the center of Strawberry Fields.
• Additional Quiet Zones include Sheep Meadow, Conservatory Water with model boat sailing, Turtle Pond near Belvedere Castle, and finally the East Green lawn.