Central Park contains two zoos, one specifically for children; Belvedere Castle, perched above Turtle Pond. Wollman Skating Rink sees lots of visitors in the Winter and changes into a Victorian amusement park in the summertime with its Strawberry Fields.

The Naumburg Band Shell and Rumsey Playfield's SummerStage are the sites of concerts, many which are free. The Delacorte Theater is where you'll find Shakespeare in the Park from mid-July to mid-August. In the northern part of the park lies the Great Lawn, a venue for big-name concerts, but most often for baseball clubs.

For the kids, make sure they get to take a spin to the tunes of a calliope on a 1908 carousel, one of America's largest, near the 65th Street Transverse. Or, visit the 19th-century Swedish schoolhouse to see marionettes playfully dance across the stage near 79th Street and Central Park West.

Visitors to New York City want to stay near Central Park at one of the hotels along the southern portion of the city. This location offers great views from the guest rooms, easy access to the park and close proximity to museums, restaurants and shopping. These hotels tend to be somewhat expensive and some do overcharge.