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Central Park is a sports enthusiast's paradise. Offering everything from baseball and croquet to row boating and basketball, this is the place to enjoy the great outdoors, get fit and have fun.
Baseball and Softball
Central Park has a total of 26 ballfields available for use with a city permit. Permits are issued from mid-April through mid-September.
Basketball
In the mood for a game of basketball? A little one-on-one hoops? Find out where to play in Central Park or how to participate in the Central Park Conservancy's Youth Basketball Clinics and Tournaments.
Bicycle Riding
Offering both hilly and flat terrain of varying levels of difficulty, Central Park provides cyclists of all ages with a challenge as they navigate its 6.1 miles of drives.
Birding
Central Park is one of the best places for birding in the northeast. Approximately 230 different species of birds can be found in the Park during the year. It is a sanctuary, especially for migrating birds who need to find safe places to rest and feed along the way.
Chess & Checkers
Enjoy a relaxing match of chess or checkers surrounded by Central Park's natural beauty at the Chess & Checkers House, a visitor center located mid-Park at 64th Street.
Cross-Country Skiing
Feel the swoosh and glide of the snow as you cross-country ski in Central Park, and forget you are in the middle of Manhattan. The Park is a wonderful venue for cross-country skiing with many areas enjoy.
Fishing
Catch-and-release fishing is allowed year-round in the Harlem Meer. During the warmer months of the year, you can even borrow a rod and bait for free through the Central Park Conservancy's Catch-and-Release Fishing program at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center.Football
The North Meadow's wide-open, plush football fields are in peak condition after a $4.3 million restoration. They are the perfect setting for a game of touch football.
Handball
There are 12 handball courts available in Central Park on a first come first serve basis. Players of any skill level are welcome.
Ice Skating
Feel the nip of New York's crisp winter air, enjoy the music and take in the surroundings as you ice skate at Central Park's ice rinks.
Kite Flying
Kite flying is permitted in Central Park where ther are large, open landscapes away from trees. Be sure not to leave any string behind that could entagle the Park's wildlife.
Lawn Bowling and Croquet
Central Park has two beautifully kept fields for lawn bowling and croquet each 15,000 sq.fteet.
Model Boat Sailing
Model boat sailing in Central Park's Conservatory Water is a delight for both participants and observers. Adults and children alike are enchanted by the sight of model boats sailing across Conservatory Water.Paddleball
There are a dozen paddleball courts in Central Park where anyone can try their hand at this fast-paced game.
Rollerblading
Central Park's is the optimal setting for in-line skating. The hilly and flat terrains are a fun challenge to all in-line skaters and dancers.
Row Boating
Imagine yourself lazily rowing across Central Park's 22-acre Lake, the second largest water body in the Park. Rent a boat or hire a gondolier to row you about.
Running and Jogging
With hilly and flat terrain over a combination of surfaces, Central Park is a runner's paradise. The site of the New York Marathon's final 3.2 miles, Central Park offers many scenic views while providing a challenge to all levels of runners.
Soccer
Participate in a game of soccer on one of the North Meadow's 16 acres of lush green lawn. Specific fields at the Great Lawn are reserved for youth soccer games.
Swimming
This summer go swimming and cool off at one of New York's and Central Park's best kept secrets - Lasker Pool.
Tennis
Central Park's Tennis Center has a total of 30 clay and asphalt courts to choose from.
Volleyball
Looking for a game of beach volleyball? Central Park is your place to play. There are five courts - one sand and four asphalt - available.
Walking and Speed Walking
Central Park's 250 acres of lawns and 136 acres of woodland offer a multitude of landscapes, trails and pathways for everyone from the serious hiker to the recreational stroller.
Things to See
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Conservatory Garden
The Conservatory Garden is divided into three smaller gardens, each with a distinct style: Italian, French and English.
