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New York Summer in Central Park

NYC Free and Low Cost Activities

Jul 19, 2009 Meryl Feiner

In summer New York City's Central Park comes to life with free performances, unique playgrounds, two zoos and magnificent gardens. There is something for everyone.

Entering Central Park at 60th Street and Fifth Avenue visitors can stop to have a caricature drawn or just watch these talented artists sketch others. The Central Park Zoo is located just to the north. Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for children 3-12 and free for children under 3 years. Admission includes the Tisch Children’s Zoo, a definite must see for those under 5.

In addition to year round favorite exhibits including the penguins, polar bears and sea lions the Zoo hosts a variety of changing shows and activities.

Central Park Carousel

Another favorite spot for kids and kids at heart is the Central Park carousel located mid-Park near 65th Street. Enter the Park at 6th Avenue and 59th Street and follow the Park Drive North about 200 yards. The carousel will be on your left. Rides are $2 per person on this antique merry-go-round.

Unique Central Park Playgrounds

There are 21 playgrounds in Central Park. Among the more unique is the Billy Johnson Playground located just north of the zoo. This playground has a 45- foot stone slide that adults and kids love. A favorite way to slide is on a piece of cardboard box. It’s like sledding in the summer. Further uptown at 85th Street just to the north of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the Ancient Playground which boasts pyramids for climbing and a chain link bridge.

Performances in Central Park

Street performers abound in Central Park. Favorite gathering spots are just past the Zoo beyond he bridge with the animal clock and at Bethesda Fountain located mid-park at 72nd Street. Musicians often take advantage of the good acoustics under the various stone tunnels located throughout the Park.

If you are looking for more organized entertainment, Central Park Summer Stage offers free concerts throughout the season. High-end theater is also free in Central Park at the Delacorte Theater located mid-park at 80th Street. Each summer, New York’s Public Theater stages Shakespeare in the Park. Be prepared to line up early for the free tickets that are distributed on the day of the show. Theatergoers have been known to sleep out overnight to get tickets to some of the most popular shows.

Another Central Park summer tradition are performances by the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera on the Great Lawn located mid-Park between 79th and 85th Streets. Bring a blanket and picnic dinner and enjoy music under the stars. Arrive early to get a good spot.

Central Park Gardens and Nature Walks

The Central Park Conservancy offers free walking tours of different areas of the park throughout the year. Shakespeare Garden, a 4-acre patch which has twisting and turning pathways and steps is planted, according to the Central Park Conservancy website, only with flowers that are mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays and poetry. Central Park’s only formal garden is the Conservatory Garden located on the North End on 104th Street and the East Side.

Central Park Event Schedules

Tthe Central Park Conservancy , a private non-profit organization that manages Central Park under a contract with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, maintains a website with current event schedules and other information for park visitors.

The copyright of the article New York Summer in Central Park in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Meryl Feiner. Permission to republish New York Summer in Central Park in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.