Every New Yorker knows how much Central Park has to offer. Its varied landscapes—from woodlands and water bodies to meadows and meandering paths—transport visitors away from the fast-paced city. But did you know that you can also cross items off your holiday shopping list—and directly support the care of Central Park—while enjoying the serenity of NYC’s backyard?
Park-goers can find the Dairy Visitor Center & Gift Shop in the heart of Central Park’s south end (mid-Park at 65th Street). After a day spent visiting nearby attractions, including the Carousel, the Mall, and Chess & Checkers House, stop by the historic Dairy to browse new and classic Central Park gifts.
A Restored Space
Designed by Calvert Vaux to resemble a Victorian country cottage and completed in 1871, the Dairy is located in the Children’s District—the area of the Park created specifically for its youngest visitors.
The Central Park Conservancy has twice restored this historic building over the past four decades. First in the early 1980s, and most recently in the fall of 2021. It is now open to the public for shopping seven days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Dairy is also the starting spot for many Conservancy tours, a place for visitors to get maps, and a hub to find knowledgeable Conservancy staff ready to help answer any visitor questions.
What’s New in the Shop
This season, the Conservancy added a new collection that features a tonal color palette and silhouette of Central Park’s benches. Perfect for that person with whom you’ve shared countless conversations while resting on one of the Park’s 10,000 benches, this collection includes a soft long-sleeve T-shirt, adjustable embroidered cap, printed cotton tote, and seamless intarsia knit socks—all designed to complement each other and to celebrate the Park’s iconic benches.
And for the nature-lovers on your list, be sure to snatch up the Conservancy’s new acorn vase before it sells out. This elegant glass vase is perfectly designed to grow a young oakling from an acorn that you collect and germinate.
The charming Dairy Visitor Center & Gift Shop also offers an array of other gifts for stress-free last-minute Christmas shopping. New Yorkers are busy enough, but here’s your opportunity to find the perfect presents for your loved ones right up to the eleventh hour.
A Purchase with a Purpose
Each purchase from the Dairy has a purpose: ensuring the long-term care and maintenance of Central Park.
The City of New York has entrusted the Conservancy with the complete day-to-day care of this iconic public space, which requires dedicated expertise. Over 300 Conservancy employees tend to the Park’s complex maintenance, restoration, and architectural needs—from horticulture, tree and turf care, trash management, visitor services, and much more—resulting from massive use.
The Conservancy is funded primarily by individual donations, and all proceeds from its gift shops go into the Park’s care. This Christmas you can give the perfect gift while still giving back to the Park you love.
Delightful reminder! I always forget about these hidden gems!