Rules & Regulations

To ensure everyone can enjoy Central Park safely, NYC Parks has established rules and regulations for all New York City parks. Visit the NYC Parks website for the complete list.

The New York City Police Department and Parks Enforcement Patrol are responsible for enforcing all rules and regulations. Report problems directly to these agencies:

Park rules: Report an issue to the Parks Enforcement Patrol by visiting 311 Online or dialing 311; outside of NYC, call 212.NEW.YORK
Law enforcement: Contact the NYPD Central Park Precinct at 212.570.4820
Wildlife issues (birds, fish, raccoons, turtles, etc.): Contact the Urban Park Rangers at 212.360.2774
Other issues: Report to 311 Online or dial 311; outside of NYC, call 212.NEW.YORK
Emergency: 911

Alcohol

Alcohol is not permitted in Central Park.

Bicycling

Cycling is not permitted on pedestrian paths except the marked shared paths at 96th Street and West 106th-108th Streets
Cycling is not permitted on landscapes
Travel only counterclockwise on the Drives that circle the Park
Pedestrians have the right of way at all times
At crosswalks, slow down, yield to pedestrians, and then proceed cautiously
Obey all traffic laws, such as traffic signals, stop signs, and the 20 mph speed limit
Travel at a slower speed in response to crowds, emergency, or weather conditions
Obey all ONE WAY signs and arrows
Children under age 14 must wear a helmet. It is recommended that every cyclist wear a helmet

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in most sections of Central Park whenever it is open to the public. Dogs must be on-leash 9:00 am – 9:00 pm. Off-leash hours are 6:00 am – 9:00 am and 9:00 pm – 1:00 am. Learn more >

Dogs must be leashed at all times in the following locations:

Arthur Ross Pinetum
the Bridle Path
Cedar Hill
Children’s Glade (Great Hill area)
Conservatory Garden
East Green
East Meadow Oval
Kerbs Boathouse Plaza
the North Woods and the Ravine
the Ramble
Shakespeare Garden
Strawberry Fields
Turtle Pond Lawn
Other areas where signs requiring dogs to be leashed are posted

Driving

All of Central Park’s drives are permanently closed to public vehicular traffic.

The four Central Park transverse roads that run crosstown at 66th, 72nd, 86th, and 96th Streets are open to motor vehicles.

Drones

Drones are not permitted in Central Park.

Events

Special event permits are required to reserve a specific area of the Park, or for activities with 20+ people. Apply through the NYC Parks website.

For restaurant venues in Central Park, please contact Tavern on the Green, 212-877-8684 or the Loeb Boathouse, 212-517-2233.

Grilling & BBQs

Barbecuing is allowed only on these days, but not the entire holiday weekend:

Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
Labor Day (first Monday in September)
4th of July (whatever day of the week it falls on)

Barbecuing is not permitted in the following areas: athletic fields, playgrounds, woodlands (North Woods, Ramble, Hallett), landscapes that are fenced off, and Conservatory Garden. We recommend locations above 96th Street, such as the lawn at the Harlem Meer or the Great Hill, because they’re less crowded than the southern part of the Park.

Use of propane is not allowed.