Marionette Theater

Located at the Swedish Cottage, the children’s Marionette Theatre holds daily shows during the summer months and is even open during the school year. Favorites such as Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and Gulliver’s Travel’s are often performed here.

The Theatre became a permanent fixture at the Swedish Cottage in the 1970′s and since then, has been restored by the Central Park Conservancy. Now under the direction of the City Parks Foundation, the Marionette Theatre one of the most enjoyable children’s attractions in the Park.

Reservations are necessary, and ticket prices are $8.00 for an adult ticket, and $5.00 for a child’s ticket. The Theatre is located at 79th street and West Drive.

Children’s Activities

Many attractions in Central Park were created especially with kids in mind. Below are some Park locations that are perfectly suited for families with young children.

Tisch Children’s Zoo

Located within the main Central Park Zoo, the Tisch Children’s Zoo features a petting zoo, Acorn Theatre, and the “Enchanted Forest”, a complete habitat that is home to birds, turtles, and frogs.
Belvedere Castle’s “Woods and Water Exhibit”

Designed for kids, this exhibit teaches visitors about the flora and fauna of Central Park.
Central Park Carousel

Open April through November, this very popular children’s attraction is a traditional merry-go-round, complete with the sound of organ music and vendor cart treats nearby.
Boat Rides on the Lake

Renting a rowboat from the Loeb Boathouse has been a fun, family activity in Central Park since the 19th century and remains a great choice in the spring and summer months. On these trips around the Lake, visitors can spot Mute Swans and ducks, in addition to the occasional Heron or Egret.
Storytelling

Younger children might enjoy the storytelling that takes place each summer at the site of the Hans Christian Anderson Statue, located near 72nd Street and 5th Avenue.
Ice Skating at Wollman Rink

Wollam Rink, the most popular outdoor skating rink in the city, is open weekdays and weekends during winter months. Youth skating and hockey programs are also offered at the Rink, and skaters can warm themselves with hot drinks from the nearby café.
Swimming at Lasker Pool

Offering free admission, Lasker Pool is a favorite summertime family attraction at Central Park.
Fishing at the Meer

Catch and release fishing is offered at the Meer through the Dana Discovery Center. The Discovery Center lends visitors bamboo fishing poles, perfect for catching bass, catfish, bluegill sunfish, grass carp, rock perch, and golden shiners in the calm waters of the Meer

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No matter what genre of music you love, chances are that during the summer, you can find a concert featuring your favorite tunes in Central Park.  Luckily, many of these performances are free and open to all.

Visitors to the park can enjoy concerts presented by the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera, Summerstage at Rumsey Playfield and the concert series at Naumberg Bandshell. Good Morning America also brings acts to Central Park with its free Summer Concert Series every Friday morning. There are also a number of free events including the Harlem Meer Performance

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Shakespeare Garden by mjedublin

Shakespeare in the Park is an annual production that is held at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park. It is produced by the Public Theatre, and attendance is free, provided that guests wait in line for tickets on the day of the performance.

Shakespeare in the Park runs for eight weeks, and its popularity ensures that nearly 1,500 people attend each performance. The 2011 Shakespeare in the Park series runs from June 6th to July 31st, at which time the company will perform the Shakespearian comedies, All’s Well that Ends Well and Measure for Measure.

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