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The Conservancy offers a series of programs and tools to give Park visitors of all ages a chance to experience Central Park's 130 acres of woodlands in ways never before possible. The Park's three woodlands, the North Woods, the Ramble and the Hallett Nature Sanctuary offer people and wildlife an oasis of nature in one of the most densely built urban environments in the world. Though they appear natural, the woodlands were designed to provide a rustic escape from urban life. Read below for more information on the ways that you and your family can Discover Central Park's Woodlands!
The Wild Garden: Discovering Central Park's Woodlands is a free exhibit at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center. The hands-on exhibit illuminates the history, ecology and management of the woodlands, and explores why these landscapes are so essential to the purpose of Central Park. The exhibit includes a digital interactive app highlighting historic photos and revealing hidden features in the woodlands. Hours vary seasonally. Exhibit introductions are available by appointment for groups of 10 or more; call 212-860-1370 for more information.
Woodland Discovery Tools come in two versions, for the North Woods and Ramble, available at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (212-860-1370) and Belvedere Castle (212-772-0288), respectively. Tool sets for groups are available with advance registration; call ahead for times and availability.
- Woodlands Discovery Kits are the perfect companion for a young explorer's visit to the Ramble or North Woods. These small backpacks are filled with binoculars, a hand lens, flora and fauna identification guides, colored pencils and paper. Kits can be borrowed for free with a picture ID and deposit.
- Woodlands Discovery Journals are designed for children ages 8-12 to use with an adult. Journals include drawings of flora, fauna and forest layers that explorers can color, as well as instructions for in-Park discovery and a large kid-friendly map of the woodlands (North Woods and Ramble versions available). Discovery Journals are $2 each, or free for Conservancy members. Bulk rates are available for classes.
- Activity Guides are available for educators or parents as a supplement to Discovery Journals and Kits. The Guides provide additional ecological information and activities to complement the Discovery Journal.
Guided Tours of the North Woods, the Ramble and the Hallett Nature Sanctuary are regularly led by Central Park Conservancy volunteer tour guides. Woodland Walks, for Conservancy Members, are led by Conservancy Woodlands Team Zone Gardeners and provide a more detailed look at the Conservancy's horticultural efforts to restore and maintain each of the Park's woodland areas. Members can register here.
Self-guided Tours of the North Woods and the Ramble are available as downloadable PDFs.
Woodlands Education Programs are offered year-round and provide groups an individual youth with hands-on opportunities to learn about Central Park and preserve its unique woodland landscapes. See our full list of Youth Education & Service programs.
Woodlands-related Public Programs are available for free year-round to families and adults of all ages. For a complete listing, see the Central Park events calendar.
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