Photo by Denton Taylor from 2016.
Central Park in October is a land of enchantment celebrated in romantic comedies and advertisements for pumpkin-based food products.
The Central Park Conservancy just released a schedule of events for the month that will allow park-goers to enjoy the season and maybe even learn a little about the park. The events are not in chonological order:
HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN FLOTILLA
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28TH – 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Bring the whole family and celebrate Halloween in Central Park. Enjoy pumpkin carving, Halloween crafts, spooky stories, a costume parade, and most of all the Conservancy’s signature Pumpkin Flotilla, which sets sail across the Harlem Meer at twilight! This event is free and open to all ages. Tickets are not required. Click here for a full schedule of events and Pumpkin Flotilla Guidelines. Location: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues).
THE RAMBLE TOUR – NEW EXPERIENCE!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7TH/WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17TH/WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31ST – 2:00 PM
Coined the “wild garden” by designer Frederick Law Olmsted, the Ramble offers visitors a tranquil spot to meander along winding paths and discover hidden forest gardens. This is truly a place to escape the city and fully immerse yourself in nature. The Central Park Conservancy recently completed a five-year project to restore the Ramble and this new tour visits many highlights from that project such as the Gill and Azalea Pond, as well as the Lake, Ramble Arch, and Oak Bridge. Tickets $15 (Members $10). Last tour of the month is free with registration. Location: Meet at the Alexander von Humbolt statue (West 77th Street and Central Park West). Register here.
DISCOVERY WALKS FOR FAMILIES: WOODLAND WONDERLAND — THE RAMBLE – NEW EXPERIENCE FOR FAMILIES!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6TH/SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20TH – 10:00 AM
Get “lost” with us in the Ramble! Explore how this carefully planned woodland provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. Discover who calls the forest floor, the Lake shoreline, and the treetops their home. Bring your family for a guided walk and discover why Central Park is a sanctuary for plants, animals, and humans alike. Learn about the architecture, landscapes, and ecosystems of the Park through hands-on exploration using Discovery Kits – rugged backpacks filled with kid-friendly binoculars, field guides, hand lenses, and a complementary Discovery Journal. Cost: Free. Space is limited, registration required. Families with children ages 5+ only; no groups, please. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the Discovery Walk to allow time for check in. Location: Boathouse Express Café (inside the Park at East Drive and 75th Street). Register here.
DISCOVERY WALKS FOR FAMILIES: WOODLAND WONDERLAND — THE NORTH WOODS — NEW EXPERIENCE FOR FAMILIES!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13/SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 — 10:00 AM
Get “lost” with us in the North Woods! Explore how this carefully planned woodland provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. Discover who calls the forest floor, the Meer shoreline, and the treetops their home. Bring your family for a guided walk and discover why Central Park is a sanctuary for plants, animals, and humans alike. Learn about the architecture, landscapes, and ecosystems of the Park through hands-on exploration using Discovery Kits – rugged backpacks filled with kid-friendly binoculars, field guides, hand lenses and complementary Discovery Journal. Cost: Free. Space is limited, registration required. Families with children ages 5+ only; no groups, please. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the Discovery Walk to allow time for check in. Location: Meet at Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues). Register here.
MY DOG LOVES CENTRAL PARK FAIR
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20TH – 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Come, sit, stay, and celebrate Central Park and its dog community! Tails will be wagging as the Central Park Conservancy and Central Park Paws host you and your canine for an afternoon of contests, training tips, games, and more. Open to all ages. The Fair is an on-leash event. Cost: Free. Click here for additional information and a schedule of events. Location: Naumburg Bandshell (mid-Park at 72nd Street).
THE NORTH WOODS TOUR – SPANISH (ESPAÑOL)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27TH – 2:00 PM
El North Woods es el área de bosques más grande del Parque que ofrece a la gente y vida silvestre un refugio forestal de 40 acres en medio de la ciudad de Nueva York. Pariticipe en este recorrido junto a los GuÃas de Central Park Conservancy, donde pasearán por cascadas, puentes rústicos y aguazales pintorescos. Los puntos de interés más destacados incluyen Harlem Meer, Huddlestone Arch, the Loch, Glen Span Arch y the Pool. Boletos $15 (Miembros $10). Registrar aquÃ. Donde comienza el recorrido: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (dentro del Parque en la calle 110 entre las avenidas Fifth y Lenox).
ICONIC VIEWS OF CENTRAL PARK
ENGLISH: 11:00 AM DAILY, ADDITIONAL 2:00 PM TOUR SATURDAY & SUNDAY
SPANISH (ESPAÑOL): THURSDAYS AT 2:00 PM
FRENCH (FRANCAISE): FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26TH AT 2:00 PM
Take our signature tour and let Central Park Conservancy guides give you an insider’s look at some of the most iconic features of the world’s greatest urban park. Learn how rocky, swampy land was built into the living work of art that is Central Park today. Visit some of the Park’s most iconic landmarks including, Sheep Meadow, the Lake, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, and the Mall. Dates and times subject to change; click here for up-to-the-minute information on cancellations and directions. Tickets: $15 (Members $10). Location: Dairy Visitor Center & Gift Shop (mid-Park between 64th and 65th Streets).
DISCOVERY WALKS FOR FAMILIES: TOWERING TREES – THE NORTH WOODS.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8TH – 10:00 AM (COLUMBUS DAY)
Take a hike through the North Woods and learn how to tell a maple from an oak! Discover how trees – from seeds and leaves to logs – contribute to the health of an urban park woodland community. Learn about the landscapes and ecosystems of the Park through hands-on exploration using kid-friendly binoculars, field guides, hand lenses, and a complementary Discovery Journal. Click here for more information. Cost: Free. Space is limited, registration required. Families with children ages 5+ only; no groups, please. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the Discovery Walk to allow time for check in. Location: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues). Register here.
Ramble Tour??? LOL Guess our new UWS residents are not familiar with Central Park History. Be safe!