Dairy Visitor Center & Gift Shop

The Dairy is a historic building that is now a visitor center and gift shop managed by the Central Park Conservancy.

Designed by Calvert Vaux to resemble a Victorian country cottage and completed in 1871, the Dairy is located at the heart of the Children’s District—the area of the Park created specifically for its youngest visitors.

Originally, the Dairy was an eatery where children could get fresh milk, which wasn’t readily available to many urban families. Refreshments were served under the Dairy’s porch, where visitors could enjoy cool breezes from the nearby Pond. The large rolling lawn in front of the building provided a place for children to play.

Behind the Park: The Dairy

Hear from Conservancy staff on the Dairy’s fascinating past and our latest restoration of this historic structure.

The structure eventually deteriorated and was closed to the public in the mid-20th century. The restoration of the building was one of the first projects of the Conservancy. In 1979 it reopened as the Park’s first visitor center. Today the Dairy is a starting spot for many Conservancy tours and place for visitors to obtain maps, ask staff questions, and buy books, gifts, and many other items.

Park-goers congregate in dappled spring sunlight outside the Dairy — Support the Park

Become an honorary preservationist and help the Conservancy continue to restore historic structures and landscapes throughout Central Park. Your generous support allows us to carry out essential work so that the Park remains a source of beauty, comfort, and inspiration for all.

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Things you can do here

August light and layers of focus on a field of wildflowers

Self-Guided Tours

A Walk Through Vibrant Blooms and Secluded Trails

Escape to the oasis within the City and enjoy newly restored landscapes full of blooming flowers.

A view of the Pond with the buildings of Fifth Avenue in the background

Virtual

Southern Welcome Tour

Just steps from the bustling Midtown streets are some of Central Park’s most serene and exquisite landmarks.

Tags: Staff Picks

A squirrel gambols on a fallen branch on the leaf-strewn floor of the Hallett Nature Sanctuary

Guided Tours

Hallett Nature Sanctuary Tour

Discover one of Central Park’s best-kept secrets, home to many native plant species and wildlife, on this guided tour of the Hallett Nature Sanctuary and its surrounding landscapes.

Tags: Nature Lovers / Woodlands / Active

A Discovery Kit with crayons, binoculars, and other goodies, pictured on a lawn in summer

Kids & Families

Discovery Kits

Young explorers are invited to borrow an official Central Park Conservancy Discovery Kit or take away a complimentary Discovery Journal from our visitor centers!