The Best Activities to Do in Central Park

Central Park, located right in the heart of Manhattan, is a great spot to relax and rejuvenate yourself after a long New York City walking tour. It is the most popular urban park in the US and welcomes around 38 million visitors every year from all across the globe. In fact, there are many things to do in Central Park which makes it a favorite place for visitors and locals alike. Below are some of the best activities to do in Central Park, NYC.

Activities in Central Park

Central Park is one of the most filmed locations in the entire world. You can opt for a bike rental to explore the area and check out the famous Hollywood landmarks here. Bike rentals here usually start at $15 per hour but can cost less if you decide to opt for a full-day rental. Central Park is also one of the most popular places to go running in New York City as there are a lot of options and terrains to go jogging here. You can also find horse and carriage ride companies operating in Central Park during the summer and spring months. You can get in touch with your New York City tour guide for more detailed information on that.

If you are visiting Manhattan between April and October you can enjoy roller-skating in the park as well. The Central Park Dance Skaters Association hosts a roller skate dance party most Saturdays and Sundays during these months at the Skate Circle. The event is held from 02:45 pm to 06:45 pm and is free to attend. However, you need to bring your own skates to take part in the event.

You can also enjoy a free concert in Central Park if you plan your New York City tour during the summertime. Every year the New York Philharmonic Concert hosts a free performance for the visitors to the urban park at its Great Lawn. But it can get very crowded during the event so make sure to get there early to enjoy the concert to the fullest. Another must-experience series of concerts held in Central Park during the summer months is SummerStage which first started in the ‘70s and has become a regular event held right in the middle of the park.

Apart from the live concerts, you can also attend the play by Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. The theatrical program organizes two Shakespeare plays for the public and tickets to the event are distributed for free on the day of the performance.