Each day there are many things going on in New York’s Central Park that it’s virtually impossible to see and do everything. The sights in this article are just some of the permanent things to see in the park. Be sure to check at the Dairy to find out all that’s happening on a specific day.

Belvedere Castle

Belvedere Castle is an interesting place to visit. It was designed by Jacob Wrey Mould and Calvert Vaux in 1865. The Castle sits on Vista Rock, which is the highest point in Central Park. This is a great place for those who are shutter bugs, as the location offers views for photography in ever direction.

Central Park

For the best viewing of Park flora, visit the Henry Luce Nature Observatory. Here you will be able to view birds that are native to Central Park and take in the surrounding natural beauty. Belvedere Castle is located at Mid Park and 79th Street. It is used as a US Weather Service station. It’s open from 11am to 4pm EST Wednesday to Monday. For more information call 212-772-0210

The Dairy

Central Park

The Dairy provides visitor information about Central Park. If you want to know what is happening within the Park’s boundaries, this is the place to go. It is a 19th century building that overlooks Wollman Rink, where you can skate in the winter. Visit the reference library and take in the exhibit that tells about the Park’s history, which is most interesting. Be sure to see the 12 foot model of the Park when you stop here.

The Dairy has recently added a kiosk with an interactive touch screen, which provides visitors with Park information. The Dairy is located Mid Park at 65th Street. It’s open from 11am to 5pm during summer month and 11am to 4pm during the winter. For more information call 212-794-6564.

Marionette Theatre

Marionette Theatre is a 19th century schoolhouse that was place in Central Park in 1876. Here, throughout the year, marionette plays can be enjoyed by the young and the young at heart. The Theatre is available for kids’ birthday parties, but you will need to book far in advance. The Theatre offers group discounts for non-profit organizations, camps and schools. Reservations must be made. Phone 212-988-9093. The Marionette Theatre is located at Mid Park and 81st Street. Don’t miss it. The shows are awesome.

Charles A. Dana Discovery Center

This is one of Central Park’s many visitor centers. Here, you can find out what’s happening in the Park on any given day. If your kids love fishing, stop by and take the loan of a pole so the kids can wet their line at the Meer. Catch and release is encouraged to allow everyone an opportunity to fish in Central Park.

The Center offers musical performances, Park tours, and workshops free of charge to all visitors. It’s a great place to spend a quiet afternoon relaxing. The Center is located at the northeast corner of Central Park at the Harlem Meer.

The Carousel

The carousel that is in Central Park today was donated in 1951 by the Michael Freedsam Foundation. The Carousel’s horses are the largest in the US. Rides are ninety cents and the kids will certainly love riding on these large horses.

The original carousel was powered by a horse and a blind mule. The animals walked on a treadmill in a pit under the ground. The Carousel is located at Mid Park and 64th Street. For more information call 212-879-0244. The Carousel is open daily from 10:30am to 6pm in summer. In winter months the Carousel closes at 5pm.

Other Sights

While in Central Park be sure to stroll through the many gardens located within its boundaries. Visit one of the food cart vendors; their hotdogs are delicious, but if it’s a hot summer day they will be sold out of ice cream early. Food carts can be found at all points of interest within the park.

If in New York City, be sure to make time to take in the sights, sounds and fragrances of Central Park. It’s an experience of a lifetime and you will walk away breathless of the natural beauty of the area.