No rentals this season due to COVID — but model boat owners are almost always happy to give someone interested in it a go. Competitive racing every Saturday April to November. Make sure to ask what the course is because it can look confusing at times. These guys have been doing this for decades and are phenomenally talented. Many of them design and build their own boats from scratch — a technical process that requires a lot of skill and patience. One of the leaders is ranked 8th in the world! Check out my little one (which I got second hand and didn’t design) @TeaseRacing.

Spectacular sight of model boats.So many wonderful things to do in NYC.Most especially Central Park.Absolutely Like Always NYNote : However I absolutely agree with Gabriels review, Please do not taint the fun experience for the young kids.And most especially, always behave professionally, most importantly around young children. They learn from us adults,I know we can all be better.

Calming pond in Central Park. Setting of some films, including Stuart Little. Right next to the Alice in Wonderland statue.

Beautiful and peaceful park. Nice quiet location. The park provides a story telling hour between June - September. Thought that was really educational

Picture perfect, so relaxing and the perfect spot to take a break and sit by the model boats. A great place to stop For all Stuart Little enthusiasts. Amazing backdrop of the Upper East Side. Great place to pop out of Central Park to walk through the Upper East Side to get to the Met.You can rent the model sail boats for yourself too! There’s a small cafe kiosk next to it too!

The boat part of the experience is very cool. My brother who is 11 loves coming and driving the boats around especially when there is lots of wind. It’s a fun activity that is fairly low cost. There are only two reasons that I am not giving the boats 5 stars. First the boats and controllers could be in better shape. The first boat they gave us the motor was broken and the second one the sail didn’t work. The third one worked fine and my brother had fun. The second reason is that the staff didn’t exactly act as appropriately as they should considering most of their audience is young kids. I caught them cursing in ear range of kids and saying rude things to their coworkers in front of the guests. The boats are a really great activity that my brother looks forward to but the experience was tainted a bit for me (and I feel other parents felt the same way) by the way that the staff spoke.

Fun relaxing place with kids. Rent a remote control sail boat for $11 plus tax (total $12) for 30 minutes. Great fun.

Beautiful place to hang out or sail a boat. Not great if its not that windy like it was when I went but they have benches everywhere. its entertaining to watch others sail their boat.

Nice boating experience.. fun to row about. Be careful of the snapping turtles.

Perfect, memorable way to enjoy Central Park with kids. Reasonable prices to rent the little remote control sailboats. With a gentle breeze on the water, it wasnt hard for my 7 year olds to navigate. They were challenged but not frustrated. Lots of room to spread out on the pond. Beautiful spot to take photos in the early evening. Renting the boats was a bit of an adventure--the staff was young and goofing around, trying to sort out which controller went with what boat, and what controller needed batteries...but friendly, fun people who took the time to make sure their little customers understood how to drive the boats. This was money well spent and something well remember forever. I can see my kids taking their kids to sail the boats, telling stories about our perfect day in Central Park.

Central Park is so great. You can spend the whole day here . Great for picnic, workout, eat, and of course for the kids too. There is something for everyone.

So much fun for kids of all ages

Beautiful place to walk with pets very greenery

Affordable activity to do, I would highly suggest it to parents with kids. For us non-kid couples, I would recommend heading over to the rowboats instead. Be sure to try and get to the sailboat stand when they open to grab a sailboat with ease. Be prepared to be surrounded by kids if youre an adult trying to sail! Also, a windier day would make this activity more fun.

Just went model boat sailing with my kids (4yo and 5yo girls) and it was excellent.Ruby, the location manager went out of her way to get a pink sailboat for my kids set up and in the water.Kids really enjoyed it even though I wasnt sure how it was going to go. We were really pleased.After, I was very thankful but Ruby said they wouldnt accept tips. So this is the next best thing I can do. Thank you so much!

How relaxing is this? Sitting on a bench in central park watching tiny boats sail a large pond. Peace.

You dont have to own your own boat. You can rent one right there.

Beautiful park

Often not the most wind there in summer but boats still at least move for the most part. No matter the conditions the setting is beautiful. Boats are fun to sail and you can control both steering and sail trim.

An oasis in the urban surroundings

Fun thing to do if there is a breeze. Unfortunately it was a very hot day with no wind at all when we visited. I bet it would be quite fun to have the boat zipping across the pond, but we couldnt do much the day we visited.

Great little place in Central Park to see model boat sailing. Lots of seats, nice cafe, lots of fun-loving people here sailing. Just like out the scene of Stuart Little!

Beautiful park, amazing views. And the attendants at the public restroom were half entertaining tourists/half helping keep bathrooms stocked. These people were amazing this woman was doing a stand up comedy show while offering me perfume and mints and everything....I hope they are paying them well because this woman kept 25+ women laughing in line for the bathroom by the model boat sailing. I hope she sees this.️

I love to sit here and watch the boats. There is a deli with small tables where you can get a drink and relax. Great way to spend a sunday afternoon.

One of the most tranquil places in the urban oasis called Central Park. Whether you rent a rc sailboat or just watch, it is sure to relax your soul. For some reason, it’s usually quiet there.Don’t forget the Alice in Wonderland and Hans Christian Andersen statues.

Iconic place to visit. Lots of traffic and not super clean but worth the time and effort to explore and enjoy being in the green space.

So much fun! The price is reasonable! And you get a different view of the park.

One of my favorite places to sit in the sun and enjoy the park.

Was a nice part if Central Park. We were there to shoot a short video and made a nice backdrop. Any time you have nice weather is a great time to visit the park. Always lots to do and see.

Great spot to stop for a coffee, snack, or beer while out walking with Oliver my furry bff.

Friendly, helpful staff that quickly equips you to have fun. The boats are great, and were fun to sail...I can imagine they would really fly when the wind blows hard! Having Le Pain Quotidien there for light meals, coffee and baked treats is superb.

Very big and beautiful park.

Tourist trap. Looks pretty. But in reality, pretty boring.

Loved this place as a kid growing up with Central Park as my backyard. My siblings and I used to bring our own model boats to sail on the pond. Beautiful spot in the park for families

Is amazing you can fell a different vibe here really peaceful, a good place to sit and drive a boat whit your kid

A great spot to sit and relax

There was rain falling when we arrived here, but that didnt spoil the beauty of the place.Buildings in the background and all the colours of green from the trees made this place magical

A great fun time with friends. Very beautiful and relaxing, but also a great way to bond. Totally worth the price if you ask me.

A black young woman wearing a cap who rent a boat is insanely rude. She asked the return of boat way before time was up(about fiften minutes before). I knew time was not up and asked her back what time it is. She repeated sayting time is up in a significantly rude way. She kept giggling and did not admit she mistook or apologize. Their renting system is not reliable or organized at all. IF YOU WANT TO RUIN YOUR DAY, DEFINITELY TRY THIS PLACE

There is lots of places to sit, bring a blanket if you want to sit in the grass and watch the Model Boats. The Bathrooms are decent and free. Le pain quotidien has a little stand which was a nice surprise.

Great place to sit and watch the sailboats in the pond.

Great way to spend a summer Sunday afternoon with your kids. Boat rentals only $12+ tax

Very good boats I had boat 84 worked very good , staff was very helpful thanks to manny I believe his name is Was a great great staff I’ll be coming back

Employees let us in during a massive thunderstorm in August, very excellent service and a wide array of boats.

Lovely place. To spare time while you sail a boat, you get fun and also you can have a bite next to the pond

Very Cool place to find some shade and feel like youre in a movie scene.

Its a nice place to relax. Good for kids and people wanting to get some insta worthy pictures.

Beautiful oval walkway around pond, tree-lined with benches. Refreshments available plus restrooms. Aside from remotely operated boats, ducks grace the pond.

Cute little sail boats. They go pretty slow and break every 5 min but nice experience for kids.

Its a must see for a tourist. Beautiful place! Lots of squirrel. Clean and Green!

Loved this area of Central Park. Relaxing with refreshments right in the area.

Very peaceful place and the story of the hawks nest is amazing look up pale male.

A wonderful place for children and adults who love sailing !!!

Toliets are poor.... Very poor mens urinals are literally ontop of each other

Nice place to sit and watch people going about with their rented remote sailboat.

Rent remote control boats to cruise around the pond. Super fun!

Loved every second.

So tranquil. Lovely place to sit and enjoy the fresh air.

My dad came here when he was a kid to launch boats and its cool to still see that going on today.

These boats are wind powered, so it’s recommended to visit on a semi windy day.

Its a nice place to sit and have lunch, relax, play Pokemon, or just think.

Nice place just to relax and enjoy the breeze even tho you in the city being in central park takes you to a different place

Overall a fun experience. My only words of warning would be the boats do not have motors, the remote controls the rudder and the sail. If there is no wind your boat is not going anywhere, and they may not tell you this until after you have paid. Overall a fun experiance

It seems to be back child to play with the boats on the pond but the fun is guaranteed and makes you learn the maneuvers of sailing if you do not yet know them. Have fun

Perfect view great experience

Looks cool did not rent a boat was only 15 dollars per hour

Didnt see Stuart little on a yacht which was disappointing, but lovely area to sit and chill

Nice place. Too many people for me though.

No sailing possible in the late fall and winter, as they drain the Pond .

A very quiet and calm place to just sit down and relax

Its was quiet and calm. Eveyone had a smile on there face and it was fun.

Great place to visit!

Very peaceful place to go n walk around n relax.

Its a fun and relaxing time to spend with a couple or family

Crowded in weekends, but nice place between citys nonstop traffic

Shallow pool available for model boat racing in a scenic environment.

So much fun, and a great way to let the day sail by.

The best park in USA!

Great to do with kids, you need some time to adjust but great fun

Loved central park definitely recommend hiring out bikes to get around

Great to watch the pros race their boats. We were there Saturday morning and they cordoned off a side of the lake so the pros could move in parallel to their bots racing a parkour on the lake. Was fun to watch.

One of my favorite places in NY, you can rent a RC skiing body and soul it in the lake just in front for an hour.

Great to sit and people watch. Plenty of seating and restrooms available nearby.

The most beautiful spot in NYC. You can rent model sailboats that really sail! A wonderful analog activity in this very digital world!Great fun for kids and adults alike.There is a food stand here as well along with the Hans Christian Andersen and Alice in Wonderland statues. Should not be missed on a trip to NYC! Sailboats are open daily from March to November.

Lovely little attraction on the south Eastern side of the park.

Situated in Manhattan New York City is located between the Upper West Side and Upper East side bounded to 5th Avenue. Huge Park and one of the most filmed location in the world. App 800 + acres. Many water birds live in Central Park. A horse drawn carriage, cycling facilities available at Park. It has 21 playgrounds. The Central Park has zoo and a Aquairum. One of the largest Merry Go Round is in here. It host free Musical concerts. From south you can have city view. 29 sculptures, 7 water Bodies. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is the largest lake. Cleopatra’s Needle is also an attraction. Wollman Rink and Victorian Gardens. Bethesda Terrace has Fountain known as Angles of the water. The terrace and fountain located at 72nd street. Loeb Boathouse we can rent Boat. Park is to rent a bike and pedal make sure that you are not banging on swans and ducks. Belvedere Castle designed by Calvert Vaux has great lawn. Delacorte Theater is Public Theatre. Great Lawn worlds most famous green spice. It’s 55 acres of grass good for play, sunbath, nap or Picnic. Sherman Monument entrance I entered in after visiting Apple store located near Central Park. It was one of the best visit and must see destination once in life. Unbelievable experience and close to nature. Thanks to Management for taking care of this beautiful area.

What a better way to spend an afternoon in NYC with your kids?

Kids will love this, great place to sit and talk

Nice location. Spare a few minutes there to sit and enjoy!

I had a fun time with my friend and it was an alright price

So much fun! A perfect way to get away from the craziness of NYC, it is fun for both adults and kids. Be sure to go on a windy day or else your boat wont go far. Super cute and quiet part of the park, and you can even have cocktails on the patio overlooking the pond! This is a definite must on your trip NYC.

Good place two relax. You can also join the Pale Male watchers.

This park has a great relaxing atmosphere and its always a plus to watch the sailboats with a view.

Loads of fun at a decent price. Just make sure the wind is blowing!

Lovely place to walk & take photo.

It was low and frozen over. I went with my daughter to remenese and show her the Alice in Wonderland Statue. The tourist were extremely uncooperative, as usual. Well go another day for a photo.

Lots of entertainment.

Had a great time paddling the boat during summer month

Nice spot for a coffee.

There were boats, they were sailing, but they seemed motorized. There were kids controlling them I think. The laws of men end at the shoreline, the sea is a treacherous place. I watched the boats smashing into each other, sailors fell into Neptunes cold hands. When we enter the sea, we enter the foodchain, and not necessarily at the top.