Top 10 Central Park Attractions

1. The Great Lawn

The Great Lawn is 13 acres of green grass with baseball fields, basketball courts, and lots of room for sports and leisure activities. The Great Lawn is also the site of free concerts every summer by the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera, and has also hosted concerts, movie screenings, and a papal mass.
Mid-Park from 79th to 86th St.

2. The Wildlife Center and Children's Zoo

See the zoo (or wildlife center) that the movie Madagascar made famous. The movie took some creative license (sorry, no lions or hippos or giraffes). However, the Central Park Wildlife Center has plenty to see -- sea lions, monkeys, penguins, polar bears, and more. A special children's zoo lets kids get close to goats, sheep, cows, and a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig.
East Side between 63rd St. and 66th St.

3. Strawberry Fields

Strawberry Fields was designed as a garden of peace in honor of John Lennon (1940-1980). When Lennon lived in the nearby Dakota apartment building, this was his favorite oasis in Central Park. A black-and-white mosaic with the word "Imagine" now marks the entrance to Strawberry Fields. Fans leave flowers, poems, and other tributes in remembrance of Lennon.
West Side between 71st and 74th St.

4. The Reservoir

The Reservoir (officially named the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir since 1994) is best know for the 1.58 mile track surrounding it. Thousands of runners get their exercise here daily. Spring runs are particularly scenic thanks to the ornamental cherry trees that bloom along the track.
85th St. to 96th St., from east to west

5. Belvedere Castle

This 19th-century stone castle rises above Vista Rock, the second highest natural elevation in the Park. From the castle's tower, you'll find breathtaking views of Central Park and the city. The castle also houses the Henry Luce Nature Observatory, which features exhibits on the birds and other wildlife found in the Park.
Mid-Park at 79th St.

6. Sheep Meadow

Sheep Meadow is a lush, green meadow with a great skyline view. It's perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, or just taking a break from the city. Herds of sheep grazed in this section of the park from 1864 until 1934. The shepherd lived in a nearby building that is now the famous Tavern on the Green restaurant.
West Side from 66th to 69th St.

7. Bethesda Terrace

Bethesda Terrace was designed to be the heart of Central Park. The ornate terrace features the famous fountain and views of the Lake, the lawn, and the Ramble.
Mid-Park at 72nd St.

8. Shakespeare Garden

Shakespeare Garden is a beautiful little oasis of flowers. Sit on the rustic benches or under the mulberry tree and admire climbing roses, daffodils, violets, tulips, and other blooms. Only flowers mentioned in Shakespeare's plays or poetry are planted here.
West Side between 79th and 80th St.

9. Mother Goose Statue

The sculpture of Mother Goose is a favorite of kids and adults alike. It features Mother Goose flying astride her goose and flanked by Humpty Dumpty, Little Jack Horner, and Little Bo Peep.
East 71st St. near Rumsey Playfield

10. Loeb Boathouse

At the boathouse at the eastern end of the Lake, you can rent rowboats and bicycles or take a ride in a romantic gondola. You can also dine on a deck overlooking the Lake or grab a snack on the terrace.
East Side between 74th and 75th St.