NYC 's Central Park Sights - New York City

Central Park Zoo: Located around 63rd - 65th streets on Fifth avenue.
Started in 1864, this zoo stands with over 1,400 animals of 130+ species, Here you'll find tropical birds, rare monkeys, reptiles, penguins and even polar bears. Here also you'll find the Tisch Children's Zoo along with an outdoor animal petting area.

Note that these are located just behind the Central Park Arsenal....

Open 365 days a year.
Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / Saturday & Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. / Holidays 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Admission is $3.50 for adults / $.50 for children (3-12) / $1.25 for seniors

You could also visit the Central Park Wildlife Center to learn more.

Grand Army Plaza and Pulitzer Fountain:
Here at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue are the Pulitzer Fountain and the Golden statue of William Tecumseh Sherman who was a United States general in the American Civil War (1861-1865).

Bethesda Fountain & Terrace: This fountain & adjacent area is located just southwest of the Loeb Boathouse and north of the 72nd Street road. Should you be walking towards the center of the park from either side, there's little chance you'd miss this area! A great place to sit and relax by the side of the fountain or anywhere nearby. There's almost always some form of entertainment on Summer weekends in this area.

The Dairy: Here you'll find a general visitor center. 'And you can also get a map of Central Park for a small price. There's also a permanent exhibit on the history and design of the park. It's located somewhat a short distance behind the Arsenal around 65th Street? 'Don't ask why, but I always end up walking further than I have to...it might be due to all the hills in the area....
It's open from:
Tues-Sun: 10:00am - 5:00 pm
from Apr - Oct
10:00am - 4:00pm
from Nov - Mar

Conservatory Garden: Located at and around E 106th Street this garden is a botanical wonder! I can think of nothing that comes close to the New York Botanical Garden except this. Beautifully groomed and well cared for trees, shrubs and flowers align the walks within. You just might catch wedding photographs being taken as well.

Shakespeare Garden: Down the steps heading west from Belvedere Castle and around the corner heading south from the Delacourte Theater is this nice little hillside garden. The stone steps, design and picture taking moments are quite nice. Here you'll find herbs, plants and plenty flowers. This area is really a beaut! Heck, Turtle Pond, the theatre, the castle, the Marionette Theatre as well and this garden?....'you definitely need to pass by this area if only for half an hour.

Marionette Theater: Here's a treat for us kids (yup!, even us adult kids!) This beautiful Swedish Cottage is well over 120 years old! Located between the Delacorte Theater and Shakespeare Garden, it's a great sight from in front, behind and above. It's home to the Citywide Puppets in the Parks Program. There are puppeteered puppet performances there (boy, my tongue hurts tryin' to say that!) for kids and everyone else. Be sure to check in at the Central Park Conservancy's Site for updated info regarding this. Hope your kids have fun!....No!...I think they just might.

The Harlem Meer: Check out this special part of the Park! Located at 110th Street near the northeast entrance. Here you've got the Dana Discovery Center chock full of information for visitors. Plenty of fowl to gawk at. 'And wow!...What a scene! Definitely bring your camera. On a clear sunny day, you'll get some really nice pics. Come and enjoy, just please don't pollute on the grass or the water.

Central Park Arsenal: Located between 63rd & 65th Streets off Fifth Avenue. This structure was built over 150 years ago. Originally it served as a munitions supply depot for the NY State's National Guard, but today is home to the New York City Parks & Recreation as well as the Wildlife Conservation Center which is just behind the arsenal. Here, you'll also find the Parks Library, located on the second floor. It, like many other things in the Park are free to the public.

Glen Span Arch
Located above 100th Street midway through the park within the Ravine, is this photographic goldmine...ok, I'm exaggerating again!...but just beside it, you'll find this miniature waterfall which happens to be one of a number of man made structures like it within the park. Not something to go out of your way to see, but then again, I do!!

The Ravine, Rambles, Lake, Pond, Reservoir: Gosh, there are so many great sections and areas in this great park!...and these are just a few. So many, that perhaps the best way to get your fill of sights is to just walk into the park from any end and start walking! You're bound to come across something, then something else...and so on and so on! Should you ever be in the Ravine...well, prepare yourself for a big hike up and down some great woodland areas. The Rambles is really something else. Here in this area is where I've gotten my fill of plenty wildlife. (nothing too wild of course.)

Belvedere Castle: Completed in 1872, this structure is located beside the Delacorte Theater, beside Turtle Pond and at and around 79th Street? is this castle. If you see anything at all in this park...SEE THIS! Is a moderate climb to the top to the rock it's situated on. With great views, it's got 3 levels for you to explore and get even better views. Also within is the Henry Luce Nature Observatory. Another way for you to further appreciate the park and learn about how the temperature is taken at this point. Ever watch the news weather-cast and be told that the current temperature in Central Park is:____....Well, here is where it's measured.
Also nearby is the Shakespeare Garden....'don't miss it!