Best 5 Free and Fun Things to Do in Central Park New York City
Central Park New York City – Central Park is an urban public park that covers approximately 800 acres (315 ha) in the middle of the bustling island of Manhattan, New York City.
The park is beloved by residents and visitors alike due to the many manicured trails and hidden gems located on its premises.
Here, we are rounding up 5 free things to do in Central Park that you must check out on your trip.
- Find a Castle within Manifested Grounds
Would you believe that within Central Park, there is a castle that is free for everyone to go inside and explore? Built-in 1869, Belvedere Castle has one of the park’s visitor centers, and it gets busy!
At the top, you’ll get a great view of the reservoir, parts of the park, and the surrounding Midtown cityscape. There is also a pond nearby where you can see some turtles from your high position.
This is a great place to photograph if you can find some space that is not occupied by other tourists, i.e.!
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Strawberry Fields Forever
A 2.5-acre (1 ha) monument is dedicated to John Lennon, one of history’s most iconic musicians.
Here you can see a large mosaic with the words ‘Imagine,’ representing a song that encourages peace and several park benches to sit and reflect on Lennon’s life simply.
The name Strawberry Fields comes from the Beatle’s song “Strawberry Fields Forever,” written and composed by Lennon and fellow Beatles Paul McCartney.
The monument is located in the Dakota apartment complex building and is easy to reach by road. The Dakota is best known as where Lennon lived until he died in 1980.
Fans within the monument often leave gifts such as flowers and candles. This area can be quite crowded at almost any time!
- Climb a Base
A big rock face in the middle of an urban public park may not be what you’re hoping for, but in Central Park, you can climb it!
The foundation stones are ancient and millions of years old. Having one in the middle of Central Park, accessible to all, is a great way to tick off bucket list items.
There are no railings along the cornerstone, so getting up (and down) is at your own risk, as some surfaces are already a bit smooth due to the number of people climbing up. It’s also a great spot for a photo-taking opportunity! (Central Park New York City)
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Walk Down the Mall
Surrounded by beautiful elm trees and park benches, the mall is a 0.25-mile (0.40 km) walkway that takes you to Bethesda Terrace.
The Mall and Bethesda Terrace have been featured in several movies, such as The Avengers, Home Alone 2, Sex and the City, and many more!
Bethesda Terrace offers a fountain and a great view of the lake. However, only exit after reaching the terrace.
Try going down to the ceiling and arcade to see the beautiful tile ceiling and murals on the wall. Would you believe these were created when the park was first conceptualized in 1860? (Central Park New York City)
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Celebrate a coveted new year
And finally, did you know that some of the best New Year’s celebrations in New York take place not in Times Square but in Central Park?
In Times Square, you don’t have fireworks to celebrate the New Year, only a very crowded ball with confetti.
In Central Park, you can have fun dancing with DJs and watching live bands at the bandstand before midnight, and when the clock strikes 12, you can expect at least 15 minutes of fireworks from the sky.
Midnight is also when midnight runners begin their 5K races, offer toasts at the halfway point, and dance to music.
It’s free to run with the crowd, but registration is extra. Say goodbye to the Times Square crowd and say hello to something different. (Central Park New York City)
Beautiful and Gorgeous Park in Manhattan
Central Park is free but has its own paid share of attractions. With its vastness, you’ll need a guide to help you decide where to go and what to do in it if you’re pressed for time.
However, if you have a full day or more, there are many more things to see and do in this park: it just takes a lot of walking around, and maybe a little lost to find these gems and make a memory that You will cherish.
We hope you like our article on Best 5 Free and Fun Things to Do in Central Park New York City.
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