West 40th – 42nd Street, 5th – 6th Ave
No matter the time of the year, this 9.6 acre large park is always buzzing with a plethora of activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Break a sweat and participate in workout classes, or enjoy a puppet show in the summer. Learn to skate, or participate in a scavenger hunt in the fall. Browse the numerous holiday shops, or ride on the carousel in the winter. Learn to juggle or play bingo in the spring. No matter the time of year, Bryant Park always has something for everyone!
Although this piece of land was first declared public property in 1686, it took a number of years before it became a park. From 1823 to 1840, the plot of land was used as a potter’s field, where unidentified people were buried, before the city built a reservoir beside the park which came to be known as Reservoir Square. Reservoir Square was used for leisure, with an exhibition hall, the glass and metal New York Crystal Palace, and a 315 foot tower known as the Latting Observatory which were destroyed in a fire. In 1884, the park came to be known as Bryant Park in honor of William Cullen Bryant.
So if you’re looking for a place to relax on the weekend, or interesting date activities, head down to Bryant Park to try your hand at some fun activities like chess or ping pong!
