Central Park is a breathtaking 843 acres stretching along the west side of Fifth Avenue, offering a peaceful oasis in the midst of the world’s most exciting city. Tourists aren’t alone in appreciating the effect of Manhattan’s skyscrapers towering above the green open spaces and natural wildlife of Central Park. Its walkways and landscapes dip gently toward its center, creating the acoustic benefit of peace and quiet despite the busy streets around it. Here are some of the many things Central Park has to offer for educational tours and beyond.
Movie Walking Tour
We love this experience for educational tours. Students have all probably seen locations from Central Park in their favorite films. Experiencing the landmark through popular culture can make it even more alive to them, making it familiar, and creating an unforgettable experience.
Central Park Zoo
The fact that you can visit penguins, polar bears, and snow leopards in the middle of Manhattan is one of the many things that makes New York City such an appealing and exciting city. It’s also proof that this popular destination is for groups of every age.
Trump-Wollman Rink / Victorian Gardens
In the winter, this iconic skating rink is the setting for romantic, holiday nights and crowded, happy days. In the summer, games and rides take over for a thrilling warm-weather carnival.
Carriage Rides
There are several ways to tour Central Park, and this is one of the favorites. Though difficult with a large group, the charming horse-drawn carriages standing by for takers creates one of the most delightful sights for any New York visitor.
Rowboats or Gondolas
Another favorite site and another delightful way to cruise around Central Park – by water, in rented row boats or gondolas.
Attractions
Some of the best fun you can have in Central Park is to simply explore it on your own. You’ll probably want a map for this – to locate the most iconic spots, but the surprises are sometimes the most fun – even for group tours – as you discover the wide-open lawns and gardens, artistic statues (like Alice in Wonderland and Hans Christian Handersen), bridges, and fountains. Some favorite Central Park sites include the Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Terrace – which has featured in several movies, and the view from Gapstow Bridge. If you really want to get lost in the alluring peace and quiet of Central Park, consider the Ramble, with its walkways through Central Park’s natural terrain.
Audio Tour
New Yorkers truly love their city, and celebrities are no exception. The Central Park Conservancy has taken advantage of that universal fondness and convinced famous voices to record history, trivia, and personal thoughts about the Park’s iconic spaces and attractions. Signs throughout include the phone number and extensions to dial. When you do, your view will soon be guided by the voice of Sarah Jessica Parker, Jerry Seinfeld, Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Whoopi Goldberg, or one of the many other celebrities on the Central Park Audio Tour.
