Belvedere Castle is a Victorian folly of Olmsted and Vaux and well worth a visit. Head west into Central Park from 79th Street and climb atop Vista Rock - from which the castle emerges - as do Michelangelo's slaves from marble.

1 East 79th Street @ mid-Park at 79th Street

(212) 772-0210

Rowboats can be rented April through October between 10 am and 5:30 pm, for $12 for the first hour and $3.00 for each additional fifteen minutes.

Central Park Drive @ Mid Park, 71st - 78th Streets

Three mile-plus loops in the park that once were designed for horseback riding, are now is use by runners and strollers. Sadly the horses left the park in spring 2007, happily for greener pastures. The forgiving trails are excellent paths for runs without injury.

Join at West 65th Street @ in Central Park, by Tavern on the Green

It may be officially known as "Umpire Rock," but local climbers call it "Rat Rock" (so named for the boulder's four-legged nocturnal visitors). Located just west of Heckscher Playground, Rat Rock is roughly 150 feet wide and 25 feet tall and draws thousands of rock climbers - and fascinated on-lookers - every year. Bring your climbing shoes (or just your digital camera) for a unique and free outdoor afternoon in the park known as Central.

Central Park West & 61st St.

An aerial view makes it easier to understand just where you're heading when you set off on your jog of Central Park. This bird's-eye view maps various popular routes, their distances measured to the half-foot for the runner who likes to record exactly how far he's trod.

Exactly as advertised: at midnight every December 31 thousands of revelers race, walk, or gallivant along a course in Central Park. One of the healthiest ways we can think of to bring in the New Year.

Central Park

(212) 860-4455

This 33,000-square foot rink is wonderfully situated in southern Central Park with plenty of open space around and above. Rates are $7.50 for adults, $3.75 for kids, $3.75 for skate rentals. Now open and celebrating her 20th birthday.

Central Park @ 65th Street, mid-park

(212) 439-6900

Open daily throughout the winter, starting October 25th; small but quiet. Admission, skate, and locker rentals total less than $10.

106th to 108th Street @ Central Park

(212) 534-7639

Thirty hard and clay courts, available first-come-first-serve or by paying for a reservation. Seasonal permit (April-November) is $100; single-play permits are $7/hour.

Central Park at 96th Street @ Central Park

(212) 280-0205

This maze of forest and paths was entirely fabricated by Olmstead, who crafted an environment which serves as sanctuary for more than 275 bird species and innumerable migrants. Rated by the Audubon Society as one of the best bird watching spots in America, it is not undiscovered by bird watchers. For a guided tour, check in with the Audubon Society.

Central Park @ 73rd - 79th Streets