Are you planning a trip to New York City this fall? Consider spending a couple of days at Central Park, a large urban park in the heart of Manhattan in New York City. Central Park has many activities and events for New Yorkers and visitors. Below is a sampling of things to do in Central Park.

Visit the Conservatory Garden:

The six-acre Conservatory Garden in Central Park was built in 1898. The garden has a geyser fountain, plants, indigenous flowers, heirloom roses, Korean holly, and English yew. The garden is divided into three sections: The French Garden, the Italian Garden, and the English Garden.

Rent a Rowboat:

The Boathouse at Central Park offers rowboats for $12 for the first hour and $3 for each additional 15 minutes. Hop in a rowboat and explore the park’s marshy areas while looking for turtles, frogs, ducks and swans. 4 persons are allowed in each boat and life-jackets are provided.

Watch a Marionette Production:

The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater is one of the few public marionette theatre companies in the country. This fall, the City Parks Foundation will show Peter Pan & Adventures in Never Land. The show runs from October 6th to November 8th and tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children.

Ride a Carousel:

The Friedsam Memorial Carousel was built in 1908 and moved to Central Park from Coney Island in 1951. The carousel has 57 hand-carved horses and is considered one of the finest examples of 20th century folk art. A Ruth Sohn band organ plays the music, ranging from waltzes to polkas. A ride on the carousel costs $1 for adults and $1 for children.

Special Events in Central Park:

If you are interested in attending special events held at Central Park, there is much to offer. Central Park hosts music, crafts, and social events on a monthly basis.

Halloween Ball - October 27th:

On Tuesday, October 27th, Central Park will host the 2009 Halloween Ball. The event starts at 7pm and includes cocktails, dinner, dancing and a costume tickets. The Halloween Ball has been called one of the "10 Best Events in New York" and features music by DJ Tom Finn of Topspin Entertainment.

Harlem Meer Social Hour - November 12th:

On Thursday, November 12th, the Charles A. Dana Discover Center features an alternative happy hour for adults from 6:30-8pm. The Harlem Social Hour is free and features a conversation with Mercedes Ellington, a graduate of the Julliard School of Music.

Thanksgiving Crafts - November 19th:

On Thursday, November 19th, the Checkers House located at mid-Park at 64th Street will have crafts for the entire family. The Checkers House has crafts for one Thursday of every month from 2-4pm.

Central Park has been part of New York for about 150 years. Make sure to visit this National History Landmark when you are in New York City--you will not be disappointed with everything it has to offer.

Looking to travel in style? Some of the finest hotels in the city are just steps from the park. You may want to consider looking for Manhattan luxury hotel suites, or a Central Park boutique hotel among other options for New York luxury hotel reservations.