Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
Located on the north shore of the Harlem Meer is the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, a visitor center run by the Central Park Conservancy.
The Conservancy offers free educational and community programs, exhibits, tours, and holiday celebrations at the Dana Discovery Center. While the building looks historic, the Dana Center is Central Park’s newest building. It was constructed in 1993 as part of a major restoration of the Harlem Meer.
Things you can do here
Arts & Entertainment
Harlem Meer Performance Festival: Harlem Blues & Jazz Band
Tags: Families / Seasonal / Best for Kids / Staff Picks / All Ages
Arts & Entertainment
Harlem Meer Performance Festival: Nikki Holloway & The New Generation Gospel Ensemble
2:00 pmTags: Families / Seasonal / Best for Kids / Staff Picks / All Ages
Kids & Families
Harlem Meer Performance Festival: Wangari Fahari
2:00 pmTags: Families / Seasonal / Best for Kids / Staff Picks / All Ages
Daily Activities
Picnic Guide
Central Park is home to lawns, benches, and picnic tables across its 843 acres, providing countless great picnic spots.
Tags: Families / Tips for Visiting / All Ages / Nature Lovers
Daily Activities
Catch-and-Release Fishing
Guided Tours
Hidden Highlights of the North End
Lace up your comfortable walking shoes for an energetic stroll through Central Park’s north end!
Tags: History / Highlights / Nature Lovers / Active
Guided Tours
The North Woods
Escape the chaos of New York City in Central Park’s North Woods, an idyllic woodland oasis showcasing cascades, streams, and thriving greenery.
Daily Activities
Lawn Games
Borrow a variety of lawn games like bocce ball, horseshoes, kubb, cornhole and ring toss, for outdoor play in fair weather!
Tags: Fitness
Arts & Entertainment
Harlem Meer Performance Festival: Afro Dominicano Band
Tags: Families / Seasonal / Best for Kids / Staff Picks / All Ages
Guided Tours
Discovery Walks for Families: The North Woods
The rocky landscape surrounding the Harlem Meer has a storied history and more than a few secret nooks for young explorers to enjoy.
Tags: Best for Kids / Nature Lovers / Woodlands / Active
Read more
Programs and Events
The Hair-Raising History of the Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla
Tags: Fall / Best for Kids
Park History
Harlem Meer Performance Festival Nears 30 Years of Music and Dance
Since 1993, the Harlem Meer Performance Festival has been a cultural cornerstone of the community surrounding the north end of Central Park.
Tags: Summer