Fun Things to Do in Central Park

Bordered on the south by West 59th Street, on the north by West 110th Street (Which are called Central Park North and Central Park South so as to thoroughly confuse the tourists) as well as by Eighth Avenue on the west (which is called Central Park West when it touches Central park)
and by Fifth Avenue on the East (which keeps its name and hence becomes the exception that proves the name changing rule) this 843 acre park is 2 ½ miles from end to end and a half mile wide, making it a world unto itself within the confines of the city.

But this isn’t just some pretty park where you come for a picnic and to throw a Frisbee around (though you’re more than welcome to), this park has such a wide variety of things to do that you’ll be hard pressed to even scratch the surface  Shall we start with the boat rentals?

Boating is a popular sport in Central Park.  You can rent a rowboat or kayak from Loeb Boathouse for an hour (or more) for a nominal fee.  But of course you don’t have to ride in a boat to go boating; you can also join the thousands of yearly visitors who take advantage of the lake in order to run their model powerboats.  
There are even annual races that are definitely a sight (and sound!) to behold.

Not a water person?  How about renting a carriage and taking a drive around the perimeter of the park?  Or you can go bird watching in the woodland area of the park (which is called “The Ramble”) and which is home to dozens of species.

More of a hands on kind of person?  You can find climb go rock climbing on Rat Rock, Cat Rock or Dog Rock (there are also Rocks named after Beavers, Ducks and one named, aptly, Rock Roll).  Or maybe you would like to take advantage of the many paths and trails to go bicycling or inline skating.  
You’ll also find volleyball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields and enough playgrounds to stock an entire state’s worth of elementary schools.

ne of the very cool things about Central Park is how it adapts itself with the seasons.  Take Lasker Rink for example.  During the winter Lasker is an outdoor ice skating rink, but during the summer it is converted into an outdoor swimming pool.  How cool is that?

And of course there is the Central Park Carousel.  Made in 1908 (even though it was installed in 1951) the carousel is a real work of art, but even the fabulous carved animals can’t hold a candle against the real thing, which is why if you do nothing else, you need to visit the Central Park Zoo where you’ll find an indoor rainforest, polar bears, and even penguins!  
But if you are wanting real entertainment you need look no further than Sumerstage.

Sumerstage offers free musical concerts all through the summer (hence the name!) and has hosted everything from symphonies to country to rock.  Of course if you’d rather see a play, the Public Theater has open-air productions, and the Delacorte Theater is the summer performance stage for the New York Shakespeare Festival.  
Then of course there are the productions (such as those given by the New York Philharmonic and the Met (Metropolitan Opera) that are given on the Great Lawn.  So no matter what your tastes, prepare to be wowed!

Are you excited yet?  I know I am!  With my job I don’t get home very often.  But when I do, Central Park is my front yard and back garden all rolled into one.  But you know what?  I’m willing to share.  Shall I save you a seat?

See you soon!

Love Shelby (S.O.S)