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