Conservatory Water

From April through October, kids (and kids at heart) steer radio- and wind-powered model boats across Conservatory Water's glassy surface.
Each winter, conditions permitting, Conservatory Water turns into an ice-skating rink. Model boat rentals and a cafe can be found at the adjacent Kerbs Boathouse.
Visitors to Conservatory Water often recognize it as a highlight of E.B. White’s 1945 story, Stuart Little, and its 1999 film adaptation. This ornamental pond was originally constructed in 1858 as a reflecting pool for a glass conservatory, but the plan for the structure was abandoned. Instead, in the tradition of Parisian parks, it became a playground for model boats—and, consequently, one of the Park’s most beloved children’s attractions.
Things you can do here

Self-Guided Tours
How to Spend a Snow Day in Central Park
Enjoy the Park’s quieter season on a walk past its best winter sights.

Self-Guided Tours
Bethesda Tree Walk
Look up to admire the many trees in the heart of the Park.
Tags: Tree Walks

Self-Guided Tours
East Side Zofnass Walk
Spot more than 70 species of trees on this beautiful walk up the east side.
Tags: Tree Walks
Read more

Park History
See Newly Digitized Images of Winter in Central Park
Snowy scenes from the 1980s and 1990s are some of Central Park Conservancy's most recently digitized images.
Tags: History

Q&As
5 Questions with Phil Rosenthal, TV Writer and Producer
Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal shares his fondest memories of the Park, his idea of a perfect picnic there, and what he’ll do when the coronavirus pandemic is all over.
Tags: Q&A

Q&As
5 Questions with Journalist Anthony Mason
CBS This Morning co-host and Central Park regular Anthony Mason averages four miles a day, mostly spent meandering the hidden paths and trails.
Tags: Q&A