Summer Guide
Summer in the City is here! We’re celebrating days filled with sunlight and warm weather with the Central Park Conservancy’s official guide to the season.
There’s nothing like a summer day spent in Central Park. Are you looking forward to a sunny picnic on Sheep Meadow or an outdoor dance party along the Harlem Meer? We’re here to help you connect with nature, find community, and enjoy the vibrancy of the season in this iconic greenspace.
Stay connected with the Conservancy by following us on social media, tagging us from the Park @CentralParkNYC, and keeping up to date on all the goings-on in Central Park.
Long Reads for Lawn Lounging
What's more luxurious than stretching out on a lawn with a good read on a warm afternoon? Here’s a selection of stories from the Central Park Conservancy’s magazine to complement your next slice of summer solace on the Great Hill, East Meadow, Sheep Meadow, or another of your favorite grassy hangouts.
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Park Information
Explore the Park’s Different Landscapes
Central Park is made up of varied topography that is diverse, intricate, and interconnected—just like the communities of Park-lovers who enjoy them. Learn about the Park’s different landscapes and enjoy them all this summer!Tags: Trees / Nature Lovers / Lawns / Landscapes
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Park History
An Angel and an Icon
It's been 150 years since the City of New York first dedicated Bethesda Fountain. The story of the fountain and Angel of the Waters, the iconic statue that sits atop of it, is a story of healing, love, and promise for both the City and the work’s creator, Emma Stebbins.Tags: Park Design / Monuments / History / Art Lovers
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About the Conservancy
How the Park’s Trees Keep New Yorkers Cool
When the island of Manhattan faces an extreme “urban heat island” effect, Central Park’s 18,000 trees and 843 acres of paths, lawns, and woodlands offer a much-needed reprieve.Tags: Summer / Conservancy Staff / Trees / Nature Lovers
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About the Conservancy
One Big Backyard
As summer brings extreme weather, higher temperatures, and reminders of climate change, discover how communities are coming together to respond to and combat the impact of our changing climate reality.Tags: Art Lovers / Landscape Design / Plants and Trees / Restoration and Maintenance
Shade, Sun, and Summer Fun
Whether you enjoy dancing the day away or prefer a quiet solo stroll, there are plenty of ways to fill the dog days of summer in Central Park. Here are some of the Conservancy’s favorite activities and sights to add to your summer bucket list.
Get to Know the Park with a Conservancy Guide
Interested in an even more tailored Park experience? Our staff of Central Park experts offer in-person and virtual tours, online weekly walks, and handy maps for self-guided tours.
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Tours
Hidden Highlights of the North End
Lace up your comfortable walking shoes for an energetic hike through Central Park’s north end! Central Park Conservancy guides will reveal fascinating discoveries and insights on this beautiful part of Central Park that will leave you seeing it through new eyes.Tags: History / Art & Architecture
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Tours
Pride in Central Park Tour
This June, celebrate Pride with Conservancy guides as we take a dive into the queer community’s dynamic history in Central Park. We’ll explore the lasting contributions LGTBQ+ individuals such as Emma Stebbins, Fitz-Greene Halleck, and architect Bruce Kelly have made to Central Park over time and the inspiration they leave behind today.Tags: History / Staff Picks
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Tours
Conservatory Garden Tours
Take a behind-the-scenes tour with Conservatory Garden staff as we explore this urban gem. On this tour, you’ll experience the Garden’s seasonal displays of tulips, lilacs, and summer perennials through the eyes of the people who care for them day in and day out.Tags: Seasonal / Staff Picks / Nature Lovers / Park Experts / First-Time Visitors
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Tours
Discovery Walks for Families: The North Woods Tour
The rocky landscape surrounding the Harlem Meer has a storied history and more than a few secret nooks for young explorers to enjoy. Discover the North Woods with Central Park Conservancy guides as we uncover the area’s unique secrets and complete hands-on activities that illustrate how this complex ecosystem within the Park supports New York City’s native plants and animals.Tags: Kids and Families / Plants and Trees
The Park Needs Us—All of Us
Summer is a popular time for Central Park, and the Conservancy loves to see everyone enjoying the lawns, trees, and landscapes that our staff works hard to maintain year-round. Summer crowds can take a toll on these landscapes, but you can play a vital role in keeping the Park a healthy and welcoming backyard for NYC.
Remember to bookmark our Alerts page for information on scheduled or weather-related Park closures. And, as much as we love to see visitors out enjoying the Park as much as possible, please follow the advice of health professionals and stay inside on extremely high-heat days. Pets are even more susceptible to heat than humans, so be mindful of your furry friends.