Winter Recreation Guide

Looking for some adventure this winter? There are plenty of ways to enjoy Central Park on a brisk, snowy day.

Stay active in Central Park this season! Our Winter Recreation Guide has all the details you'll need for your next snowy excursion.

As always, we appreciate your support of our Conservancy staff as they work to keep the Park accessible before, during, and after snowstorms. Be sure to give them space as they shovel and operate snow plows, and please be gentle around the Park's trees and landscapes. For any updates about Park closures this season, head to our Alerts page.

A parent pulls a child on their sled by the Arthur Ross Pinetum on a snowy day.

Sledding

Grab your sled and enjoy a fresh layer of snow on the slopes of Central Park. We recommend Pilgrim Hill, Cedar Hill, and the Great Hill, which our Conservancy staff reopens for sledding when there are at least six inches of snow cover on the ground and conditions permit. Dress warmly, be gentle on the landscapes, and let gravity do the rest!

Skaters enjoy the Wollman Rink after dark, with the skyline of Manhattan as a backdrop

Ice Skating

It's hard to think of a more scenic place to ice skate than Wollman Rink. Surrounded by towering evergreens and tulip poplars—not to mention the City skyline—you'll feel like you're stepping into a life-size snow globe. The rink offers skate and locker rentals, and hours and ticket prices vary. When conditions permit, bring your own skates to Conservatory Water, which opens for free ice skating when the ice is consistently at least six inches thick.

A Park visitor skis along the North Meadow on a clear, snowy day.

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing

That's right! When snowfall is over six inches, the best places to snowshoe and ski are Sheep Meadow, the Great Lawn, and other large meadows in Central Park. In addition to these trekking spots, snowshoers and skiers can hit the trails of the Bridle Path, which the Conservancy leaves snow-covered in the winter to protect its soft surface.

Two snowpeople smiling along the Lake in Central Park. Their arms are made of twigs and pointed up in celebration.

Building Snowpeople

The Park is already filled with beautiful landscapes and architecture—all that's missing is your snowy sculpture! The next time it snows over six inches and conditions permit (are you sensing a theme here?), head out with your friends, family, or on your own for this classic snow-day activity. Smiley faces and acorn eyes encouraged.

Best Places for Winter Recreation

Discover More

A cluster of parkgoers seen through the Inscope Arch in winter

Support the Park

Central Park is particularly beautiful during and after a snowfall, but snow creates a great deal of extra responsibility for our Conservancy staff as we work to ensure the Park is accessible. Help us keep Park paths safe for visitors before, during, and after it snows, and please give our staff space when they are operating snow plows and shovels.