Sheep Meadow
Picnic Area and Field
Central Park, New York
The experts at Time Out New York and Village Voice recommend this place
"A great place to picnic, sunbathe, read, play Frisbee...whatever!"(7 Tips)
"Great for hanging out with friends, relaxing and/or people watching."(10 Tips)
"15 acres of lush green fields"(3 Tips)
"Enjoy the open DeRose Method classes every Summer."(2 Tips)
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Rewan PartiJuly 17, 2016Summer is the best time to be here on the weekends. Sit and have a fun picnic with your friends or just relax and sunbath. Vendors will come and offer drinks and food. 15 acres of green pasture!
ℳ𝒶𝓎♍April 5, 2018Amazing huge patch of green with the wonderful NYC view as the backdrop. Bring a book or if you really want to party, a bottle of vodka and it's fun times all around🍻
Joe MeleJanuary 31, 2017I wish I could describe in 200 letters all the magic and energy that this place has, whether it's crowded or empty, it fills you with the joy of a beautiful park and an incredible city. Come!
- ℳ𝒶𝓎♍April 5, 2018Probably called Sheep Meadow because whenever the weather is right, the creatures of NYC flock to this place like sheep?!😂 Seriously, I think that must be why it is named that😏
Damian BayonaSeptember 22, 2015THE summer tanning spot in the city. Be careful sitting under some of the trees near the perimeter as they drop berries and can cause unfortunately placed stains 😣
M. Silver AssociatesJanuary 11, 2012This spot in the park - beautiful and cozy in all seasons. In winter, it's close to the skating rink, summer/spring/fall - easy access to volleyball/baseball courts. We like to just lay and read here!
Time Out New YorkJuly 11, 2013Prime sunbathing time is between 10:30am and 3pm; we suggest you claim your spot early on this 15-acre expanse, one of the most popular ray-catching spots in NYC. Read more
One of the best spots in Central Park to wind down during your lunch break or have a picnic with friends.
Get there at 11 for a prime spot. Up on the hill near the trees is prime people watching location.
New York PRSeptember 5, 2016Online it says dogs are allowed but the fence has a sign that says no dogs allowed. I brought my dog in the restricted area and no one bothered us and there was other dogs there as well.
The Corcoran GroupMarch 1, 2013Break out your cross country skis and enjoy a wintery jaunt through the park. Skiing is allowed only when there is a base of snow of at least six inches - or so we've heard.
Great free spot to hang with a beverage, snack and/or good read. Shady in the summer and a good spot to watch the pickup soccer game most evenings in the summer.
Antonis KolitsopoulosAugust 11, 2019Great place for a picnic and chill out on the grass. There are some places with shadow below trees even on sunny days.- David MilbergAugust 8, 2016Great picnic spot and easy to find if you're not well acquainted with the park. It can get a little crowded on the weekends.
Katharine HardisonJuly 6, 2013Great place to escape the city streets and get some sun. Bring a blanket and book/magazine to do some reading, but don't forget to people watch!
Just take the time to lie in the middle, soaking in the energy of the grand space. Originally, this was were sheep grazed and the designer intended for military use in the early years.
Jess MApril 17, 2013On a sunny day this is a place to sit and relax with a picnic. An oasis right smack in the middle of the concrete jungle of NYC.
Emily KaneJuly 6, 2015No matter how many thousands of people are here, there is always enough room for you to have a picnic.
Alicia LuqueSeptember 4, 2011Grab some sushi takeout from Whole Foods, bring a blanket, find a nice and grassy spot and prepare yourself for one of the best 'siestas' in your life! A MUST! :)
Jen Fox-EachoAugust 15, 2017Make sure that you see every part of Central Park including the spot when you go it might take a day or two
Pack a small cooler of beer, party cups, snacks, football, frisbee, iPod, speakers and a blanket. Mix all of them together and enjoy a summer weekend day.
The park spends $30,000 a month to treat the grass from pest for everyone to enjoy. Now, let's lay on the grass without worries! Ouch! I got bitten by a mosquito!- CompassApril 21, 2014The 15 acres of lush green fields used to actually house sheep, but now is a haven for sunbathers and picnics.
Zx WangJuly 30, 2015Great lawn to enjoy some sunshine and get a little tanned. Watch for the flying balls or freebies or whatever.
Davidson HangJune 14, 2014Grab some takeout at the local Thai fusion restaurant and sit at the benches while watching people stare at your delicious food!- Alicia LuqueSeptember 4, 2011Grab some sushi takeout from Whole Foods, bring a blanket, find a nice spot and prepare yourself for one of the best 'siestas' in your life! A MUST! :)
Sammie OtanoMay 29, 2011bring a lover to share in the joy of writing poetry and sitting in trendy clothes on your grandmother's blanket under a tree when the weather is warm.
Crystal HarrisonJune 11, 2014If you want a quite picnic location look else where. This place is crowded when other lawns are practically empty. Great place for people watching though.
Billy BouliaApril 3, 2010Grab some takeout from Whole Foods, bring a blanket and enjoy catching the rays! (oh, you'll probably have some awesome people-watching & talking too)
KristiaMarie Pastor BalatbatJuly 22, 2015Nice big lawn with lots of big shady trees. Great for getting away from the noise of the city.
Village VoiceNovember 11, 2011Winner of Best Picnic Spot in the Village Voice 2011 Best Of issue! There's a Whole Foods nearby at Lincoln Center for all your munchie needs.
Penguin TeenAugust 13, 2012Bring a blanket, a picnic and grab a spot under a shady tree to read your favorite book for hours!
Rebecca WJuly 29, 2015Not as good as the great lawn but still very beautiful. You cannot play games here.
Ryan ShellJuly 6, 2010Make your way down the path behind Sheep's Meadow towards the West and look for the retro roller skating rink. If the skaters are out you'll love the show! Read more
David YurmanJune 24, 2011For a Summer in the City, lunch alfresco and sunbathe in the park. Keep it simple with Cable Classics. Read more
Jacqueline ChanSeptember 10, 2018Fly a kite, kick a ball, lay out a blanket for a picket. Great place for families.
When friends are trying to find you in this giant meadow with no landmarks, text them a dropped Google Maps pin of your blanket location. Then lie back and take a nap while they look for you.
Teresa WMay 28, 2011bring a bottle of wine and a blanket, grab a couple of sandwiches from Bouchon in Columbus Circle and have a picnic in this grassy meadow
Big but not much shade unless you get here early. Bathrooms are nearby but will have a line. Baaaa baaaaa
Peter BernsteinAugust 28, 2017Beautiful area of the park to meet with friends and play a little frisbee
Windows Live Photo GalleryOctober 29, 2010Walk to the center of Sheep Meadow for a great 360 degree photo opportunity of the surrounding city.
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The Central Park Conservancy's mission is to preserve and celebrate Central Park as a sanctuary from urban life, enhancing the enjoyment and well-being of all.
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- 3:00 PM–4:00 PM
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