North Meadow Recreation Center

The North Meadow Recreation Center, open to all, is a great place for anyone to get active.

It’s commonly used by schools and community organizations. Basketball and handball courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis (including the balls); there are also 12 fields for baseball, softball, and soccer. Guests can borrow Field Day Kits, each with a wiffle ball and bat, footballs, a soccer ball, a Frisbee, jump ropes, cones, and a playground ball.

Things you can do here

Daily Activities

Basketball

Shoot some hoops, practice your jump shot, or play a full game at one of Central Park’s basketball courts.

A young hoopster aiming for a toddler-appropriate basket

Kids & Families

Youth Basketball Clinics

Learn and enhance your basketball skills through small group instruction and competitive games.

A future WNBA star prepares to shoot a basket

Kids & Families

Field Day Kits

Borrow a kit with a variety of balls, bats, frisbees, and jump ropes.

A young goalie keeps his eye on the ball on the North Meadow with the skyline in the background

Health & Fitness

Soccer

Players of all ages gather each fall at the North Meadow to enjoy soccer games in the Park.

A summer softball game on Heckscher Ballfields with Umpire Rock looming in the background

Things to See and Do

From the Mailbag: Solitude, Sports, and Skyline Views

We received curious inquiries on everything from the best places to take skyline photos to the history of the Minton tile ceiling in the Bethesda Terrace Arcade.

Tags: Health and Fitness / Tips for Visiting

A couple walk the footpath in late Autumn on the South End of the Park

Things to See and Do

Make Central Park a Part of Your Thanksgiving Tradition

Celebrating Thanksgiving in New York City can be especially magical, and we want to help you make lasting memories.

Tags: Families / Fall / Tips for Visiting