There is really no need to plan an outing to Central Park ahead of time. Just show up with the fam! With a zoo, carousel, playgrounds, rowboats, and more, there is plenty to do. But this summer, think ahead and use our guides to the park to make sure you don’t miss any of the special events taking place.
1.Our Ultimate Family Guide To Central Park.
We put this together a few years ago, but it’s still the go-to resource for inspiration and
information about the park. Check it out- you’ll be amazed at what you’ll discover. Don’t miss The 15 Things You Must Do In Central Park Before You’re 15! Enjoy our scavenger hunt/map “Who? What? Where?” to get to know some of the parks most awesome treasures. The Ultimate Guide lays out everything in the park for you–and it’ll help your family enjoy the park even that much more. (Don’t
miss the quiz on the last page.)
2. We put together a Central Park summer guide filled with the special events going on throughout the park this season. There is everything from sports clinics to musical madness–courtesy of SummerStage, the GMA concert series, and a bunch of festivals.
GMA Summer Concert Series
Fridays 7-9am, All Summer
Start your day rocking out during the GMA Summer Concert Series at Rumsey Playfield. Waking up early will be worth it to see stars like Demi Levato, No Doubt, Backstreet Boys, Mary J. Blige, and LMFAO for free.
AdirondacksTours
Day varies by week all summer, check website.
Take a make-believe trip to the Adirondacks in the North Woods of Central Park. The parks rustic bridges, tumbling cascades, and picturesque pools replicate the mountain’s forests.
Youth Basketball Clinic
Saturdays through October 27 (12-2pm)
Work on your game during these weekly clinics. There will be drills, scrimmages, and (of course) games. Improve your foot work, defense, offense, passing, and more!
Moey’s Music Party
June 6-August 16 (Wed-Thurs 10&11am)
Have a ball at Moey’s Music Party summer classes that will introduce kids to song, dance, puppets and fairy tales–all based on a weekly party theme.
Summer Chess
June 9-September 22 (Saturdays, 11am-1pm)
This series hosts classes for every level. A professional teacher will lead beginners’ workshops throughout the summer. For the more advanced, local Grandmasters will show their secrets and then challenge participants to a match. There are also open play sessions for some more relaxed fun– check the website for more details.
Harlem Meer Performance Festival
June 24-September 2 (Sundays 2-4pm)
Pack a picnic, or just the picnic blanket, and head to the lakeside plaza of the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center to enjoy the best of local and emerging jazz, Latin, gospel, blues and world artists.
A Clearing In TheForest
April 22-October 7 (Alternating Sundays 12-1pm)
Chill in the Children’s Glade and enjoy interactive dance, storytelling, poetry and musical performances. Each week is a different theme so your family will find each event as exciting as the next.
Family Fishing Celebration
Saturday, June 23 (12-3pm)
Go fishing at Harlem Meer’s Family Fishing Celebration, an afternoon of catch-and-release fishing and explore the now-flourishing aquatic habitat at the Meer. Also catch the storytelling of “The Magic Goldfish” at 12:30 and 2pm and microscopic explorations of the Meer.
SummerStage Family Day
Sunday, July 8 (3-6pm)
From the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus to Illstyle & Peace Productions, Steppers– don’t miss this free day of music and family fun. There will be multiple performances, workshops, and much more!
Sandbox Program
Weekdays July 9 to August 17 (11am and 2pm)
Children ages 3-8 can dance, imagine and play with various music and story programs occurring throughout the different playgrounds of Central Park. From puppets to brass instruments, there is something for every kid to enjoy.
Central Park Bagel Bark
July 14 and August 4 (7:30-9am)
You and your dog can let loose in the morning with pastries, bagels, coffee and fellow dog owners during off-leash hours in different dog-friendly areas across all of Central Park.
Youth Baseball Clinic
Thursdays in August (4-6pm)
Kids ages 6-9 will work on their skills while playing their peers during drills, exercises, and scrimmages. Their batting, hitting, and fielding skills are sure to improve. Pre-registration required.
The Central Park Conservancy Film Festival
August 21- August 25 (various days, gates open at 6:30pm)
Brush up on your favorite movie quotes- cult classics is the theme of this year’s free outdoor film fest! From Animal House to Pee-Wee Herman, each night of the festival will show a different favorite. For the final night’s flick, viewers will get to vote! But the process doesn’t begin until late July – so check the website then. Also check before you go to make sure the movie is appropriate for your kids.
