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New York City's Central Park for Kids

Written by VacationIdea.com Travel Editors.

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Central Park is home to attractions that kids cannot see anywhere else. From the favorite Alice in Wonderland Statue, to the Marionette Theater and the Park's 21 playgrounds, every child will be entertained. Best of all, most of the attractions in the park are free. While Central Park is very popular on weekends, it is quite empty during the week which makes it a great escape for the whole family.

The Central Park Zoo is a favorite with young visitors who come there to watch polar bears, monkeys, penguins and sea lions. A separate petting zoo lets kids get to know tame animals from up close. Be sure not to miss the famous Balto statue which is situated on the path leading north from the Zoo.

You should not miss a ride on the Central Park Carousel which features 58 hand-carved painted horses, large enough to accommodate adults as well as kids. Each ride costs $1.25.

Plan a visit to the model boat pond to watch miniature boats race across the pond, or let your toddler climb on the statues of Hans Christian Andersen and Alice in Wonderland.

Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater is home to the only public marionette theater company left in the US. The theater is decorated in Scandinavian style and can accommodate 100 children.

The 21 Central Park playgrounds offer a wide variety of playing equipment and feature different themes, such as jungle, Ancient Egyptian, and rustic. The playgrounds in the park open daily at 7:30 am and close at dusk.

Older kids may like to visit the Great Lawn to watch a variety of sports on weekends. In the summer you can rent a boat at the Central Park Boathouse and enjoy spectacular views of the city.