Conservatory Water
Conservatory Water is a beloved Central Park destination filled with attractions geared toward children.
Its main feature is an ornamental pond, also known as the Model Boat Pond, where children and hobbyists launch and race miniature sailboats and yachts. These are stored and rented at the nearby Kerbs Boathouse, which also houses a cafe. The edges of the water, lined with benches, are popular spots for relaxing and watching boats and people. The area also draws visitors to two significant statues: Alice in Wonderland, one of the most popular statues in the Park, and the monument to the children’s book author Hans Christian Andersen. In the winter, when the water freezes all the way through, the pond is also open for ice skating.
Model boating draws from a long tradition in Paris parks such as the Jardin du Luxembourg. Visitors to Conservatory Water also may recognize it as a setting in E.B. White’s 1945 story, Stuart Little, and its 1999 film adaptation.
The pond is named for the conservatory (a large glass and metal greenhouse) that was originally planned for the site but never realized. It was designed as a reflecting pool and its regular shape and edge provide a contrast to the Park’s other more naturalistic water bodies.
Support the Park
Help us care for the Park’s water bodies. The Conservancy’s work keeps them healthy and benefits the wildlife that depend on them.
Things you can do here
Self-Guided Tours
How to Spend a Snow Day in Central Park
Enjoy the Park’s quieter season on a walk past its best winter sights.
Tags: Kids and Families / Art & Architecture
Self-Guided Tours
East Side Zofnass Walk
Spot more than 70 species of trees on this beautiful walk up the east side.
Tags: Plants and Trees
Self-Guided Tours
Bethesda Tree Walk
Look up to admire the many trees in the heart of the Park.
Tags: Tree Walk / Plants and Trees
Guides
Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Central Park
Whether you’re just stopping by for a visit, heading to a concert, or consider Central Park your backyard, we have you covered for your perfect weekend in the Park.
Tags: Kids and Families / Health & Fitness / Art & Architecture / Wildlife
Tours
Heart of the Park Tour
11:00 amDaily mobility-friendly stroll through the heart of Central Park.
Tags: History / Staff Picks / Art & Architecture / Daily Tours
Guides
Meet the Trees of Central Park
Your support can help keep the Park’s trees healthy.
Tags: Kids and Families / Wildlife / Plants and Trees
Benefit Events
Evening at the Water
Thank you for joining the Greensward Circle, the Central Park Conservancy’s network of young professionals, at their summer benefit: Evening at the Water.
Tags: For Members
Also in the area
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Q&As
5 Questions with Phil Rosenthal, TV Writer and Producer
Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal shares his fondest memories of the Park, his idea of a perfect picnic there, and what he’ll do when NYC opens up after pandemic closures.
Q&As
5 Questions with Journalist Anthony Mason
CBS This Morning co-host and Central Park regular Anthony Mason averages four miles a day, mostly spent meandering the hidden paths and trails.
Park Information
A Reflection of Nature Itself: The Different Landscapes of Central Park
Central Park is made up of a variety of landscapes that are diverse, intricate, and interconnected—just like the communities of Park-lovers who enjoy them.
Tags: Trees / Nature Lovers / Lawns / Landscapes
Park History
See Newly Digitized Images of Winter in Central Park
Snowy scenes from the 1980s and 1990s are some of the Central Park Conservancy's recently digitized images.
Tags: Conservancy Staff / History