How to explore Central Park New York with a toddler

Central Park is possibly the most popular spot to visit in New York. However, knowing where to start your self-guided tour is key to have the most wholesome day. Having visited New York numerous times, we opted for more toddler friendly activities this time. Well, except for when we went to watch a New York Nets game but more on that later. However, we mostly focused on how to explore Central Park New York with a toddler as much as possible.

You can actually pay for a tour and get one of the horse and carriage trips around the park. However, if you are like me, you will love a walk around and enjoy this historic park while taking your time to breathe it all in. As we were with our sweet little bubba, we had the pleasure of slowing down. We played with the fallen leaves, spotted birds and listened to her get excited about the ducks. It was all so fantastic and perfect.

A more general guide to New York covers everything to do especially as a 1st timer. However, this post will focus on exploring Central Park New York with a toddler.

About Central Park

Central Park is the most popular, oldest and largest public park in New York City. It covers 843 acres of land and is one of the most beautiful parks I have been to.

Central Park is quite romantic and is usually associated with romantic strolls, picnics and scenic walks. However Central Park is also a perfect spot for kids. The huge green space makes it fun for kids to run around freely (under parents’ watchful eyes) and live their best lives.

Some fun facts about Central Park

Central Park is actually artificial. Every tree, lake, hill etc has been built from scratch even though it all looks natural.
It is bigger than some countries i.e Monaco.
It is one of the most popular filming locations in the world. Films like Enchanted, Maid in Manhattan, Home Alone 2, Where Harry Met Sally; and series like Gossip Girl have been filmed in Central Park.
The park has just one single straight line. I found this fact quite interesting, which is The Mall. The park is designed to have a natural flow from one curve to the next.
Central Park is the most visited park in the United States and most of its visitors are actually New Yorkers.

How to get to Central Park

Ease is key when thinking of how to explore Central Park New York with a toddler. It should be the most important thing. The best place to start a central park tour in New York is the 59^th street entrance. There are several train lines that stop here – A, B, C, D & 1 and you come out at Columbus Circle.

It is the best way to see as much as possible without spending all day walking around aimlessly. I mean, there is nothing wrong with walking all day in Central Park; however, with a toddler who gets bored easily, we dedicated 3.5 hours to Central Park. I especially love this entrance because the trail from here to 75^th street is filled with so much fun stuff for kids and adults as well.

This guide to Central Park will cover things to do with a toddler in Central Park. However, there will be a few things that are geared more towards adults. After all, a happy parent is the key to a happy toddler LOL.

The best things to do in Central Park New York with a toddler

Heckscher Playground

Measuring nearly 3 acres, Heckscher playground is Central Park’s oldest and largest playground. It is also famous for being one of the filming locations for Disney’s Jessie. Heckscher Playground is perfect for kids of all ages most especially toddlers with their slides and swings. It is the perfect place for them to blow off some steam but with every other playground, your eyes have to be watching your kids closely.

I also think it can be fun for the bigger kids with the huge rock formations. However, I heard from other parents that this can be slippery so I am not sure how much anxiety it could cause for parents.

There is a rest room next to the playground, which is baby friendly and was quite clean when we went. I had read that it could get filthy so maybe we were lucky.

Strawberry Fields

This part of Central Park is dedicated to the memory of the iconic John Lennon. Fans of the beloved front man often visit it, with people leaving flowers and singing Beatle songs loudly as they dance. The most noticeable thing is the mosaic that features the word “Imagine” which is the tile of John Lennon’s very famous song. It is a really mellow place to bring toddlers too after the high of Heckscher Playground. I find it very calming and there are benches dotted around for a chill and serene stop.

The Central Park Carousel

This was so much fun to do. We were drawn in and paid $3.50 per person to ride the carousel. Carousels are whimsical and magical so as soon as I spotted it, I knew I needed to get on it. I thought it was pricey though especially because Adanna who was not even yet 2 years old also had to pay $3.50. She was terrified of the horses and clung to me so tightly and we ended up sitting in the carriages instead of on a horse. I did not realise how terrifying the horses look in fairness to her, so maybe this is better for older toddlers. As for Adanna and I, we will try another day.

The Carousel was originally built in 1871 and features 48 horses. It is built European style with a Wurlitzer organ playing classic music. Although carousels are popular with kids, it is also a fun activity for adults.

Sheep Meadow

You know those photos you see of New Yorkers in summer sprawled over grass and sunbathing? The location is most likely Sheep meadow, with the iconic back drop of New York buildings. It is here you see the juxtapose of city and greener – what makes this part of New York interestingly fascinating.

Tisch Children’s Zoo

The children’s zoo can be found in the Central Park zoo and its cost is included in the Central Park zoo admission price. Although the general zoo is more popular, I think the children’s zoo is more special. It includes a small petting zoo with cows, sheep, pigs, goats etc. It is just so perfect for toddlers at the age where they are excited by farm animals. Tisch Children’s zoo offers toddlers the chance to interact with the animals in the best way possible.

They also offer some fun activities like zookeeping children classes. It is also one place that masks are still encouraged to be worn for the health and safety of the endangered wild life. It is free for toddlers up until age 3; $14.95 for children between 3-12 and for anyone 13 and over, it is $19.95.

Cherry Hill

For the longest time, it was believed that this fountain was the one where the Friends intro was shot. Even though the producers have debunked this – it was actually shot on green screen – everyone still wants to believe that it was shot here.

When we visited, there were still people milling around, playing the Friends soundtrack on their phones and snapping away. I wondered what category they belonged to: Those who think it was shot there or those who know it wasn’t but still love the delusion. Personally, I’m in the 2^nd category and I cannot help but think that maybe, just maybe, Cherry Hill inspired the fountain on green screen so that must mean something. I mean, delulu has become the solulu so why not?!

It was unveiled in 1860 and used as a watering trough for horses. As with other parts of Central Park, it is really scenic; however, let’s walk along to my favourite fountain in Central Park.

Bethesda Terrace and Fountain

Now this is where I got excited. Ok, Adanna too lol. If you are a Gossip Girl fan you know that Blair and Chuck got married in Bethesda Terrace. One of the most poignant moments in the series is that wedding scene in her gorgeous blue Elie Saab dress. Even though I had visited Central Park so many times, it was my first time at Bethesda Terrace. There was a busker playing romantic songs (very apt I must add) while people walked in an out of the pavilion. On the other side was a newly married couple being photographed. I danced with Adanna, took a few photos and then we sat on the fountain’s ledge and just enjoyed the moment. Bethesda Terrace is just so romantic and we caught it on a good day when it was not too busy.

Bow Bridge

Making your way back from Bethesda Terrace to Cherry Hill is a stunning space that has Bow Bridge as its backdrop. Bow Bridge is the most romantic bridge in Central Park and is quite popular with proposals and lovers strolling hand in hand. However, the space just in front makes for the perfect spot to play around with the little ones. I think it is perfect for play dates when parents need space for kids to run around; but still want to feel like they are in the scenic part of the park.

Loeb Boathouse

This is actually a restaurant and bar that is set right in the middle of Central Park. It’s a very pretty space to sit and people watch while tucking into some yummy food. It was closed when we were there but I can imagine how beautiful it’ll be in warmer months. The most fantastic thing about Loeb Boathouse is that it has kids’ menu too. So it’s definitely a win-win for littles and adults too.

Loeb Boathouse is a favourite for movie scenes as well. Now you may be asking which part of Central Park isn’t movie relate. That is one thing I am unable to tell you. I feel like every movie that has featured New York has most likely filmed a scene in Central Park. One of my favourite Central Park features is the scene from movie, When Harry met Sally. Harry walks past the fountain and Sally is sat in the boathouse having lunch with her friends. That scene has forever stayed in my memory and I often think about it.

Alice in Wonderland

I grew up with lots of classics and now, I am trying to introduce our toddler to them. Alice in Wonderland was such a lovely film and I remember we had birthday parties with the theme. When I read that Central Park had a statue of this classic, I made sure to check it out. Now, Adanna is too young to watch or understand Alice in Wonderland so maybe this was more for me. However it was nice to explain to her something from my child hood. One day, when I read the story to her, I will show her the picture of her stood next to the statue. Hopefully, it makes her smile too.

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How to explore Central Park New York with a toddler: What you need

A durable stroller. This is because your toddler will nap at some point. They will also get tired of walking and it gets tedious carrying them.
A LOT of snacks and some water.
Comfortable shoes. This is for both kids and adults because it is a lot of walking.
Warm clothes on windy and cold days. Need I say more? It is open air so warmth and comfort are essential
Picnic Blanket. On sunny days, Central Park is beautiful to sit and have a picnic. I am not a fan of sitting directly on grass so if you are like me, bring a light blanket.

Most of all, you need a will to have fun. I feel like we stress so much as parents when we have to do anything with our kids. However, these babies are more resilient than we give them credit for. Adanna loves being outdoors so we tailor a lot of our travels to being out and about. She also loves a playground and just generally likes to be busy. Thanks to forest school at nursery, we have a little nature lover and explorer on our hands. Central Park has everything that a toddler would love to have the best day so just do it.

How to explore Central Park New York with a toddler: Our exact Route

We entered from 59^th Street through Colombus circle and our 1^st stop was Heckscher Playground. We made our way to The Carousel and then to Tisch Children’s Zoo. There was a pause to take in the beauty of Sheep Meadow; then unto the Strawberry Fields. Cherry Hill was our next stop and then of course, Bow Bridge. Our walk led us to Bethseda Terrace & Fountain aka my favourite stop and then to Loeb Boathouse. We ended our walk at the Alice in Wonderland statue and walked out via 75^th street.

Central Park is the quintessential New York location. To me, it epitomises everything that I think is New York so it is a very important place to visit. It is also lovely for children who love to roam freely and parents who love a stroll. I hope this guide encourages you and covers how to explore Central Park New York with a toddler; everything you need to know.

Happy exploring.

Bisous, Bugo x