5 Things To Do in Central Park This Weekend

There will be plenty of things to do and see in Central Park for the extended Fourth of July Weekend. We take a look at five things to hit up when you're enjoying the birthday of our country.

1. Legendary Landmarks Tour — Want to get some exercise and learn about 3,500-year-old obelisks at the same time? Of course you do. In all seriousness, there's plenty of cool things in Central Park that you'd probably like explained — like that Egyptian obelisk. The tour begins at 2 p.m. on Friday at Belvedere Castle (mid-park at 79th St.) and will last about 1 1/2 hours. It normally costs $15, but it's just $10 if you're a Central Park Conservancy member.
2. Hallett Nature Sanctuary — Ever wonder what's inside the fenced-off nature sanctuary in southeast Central Park? This is an opportunity to go behind the fence. It's open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (as in this Friday, July 1 or Monday, July 4) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. That's your only chance to hike inside the Hallett Nature Sanctuary. It's free and self-guided, so bring those trail-hiking shoes you bought and thought you were going to use all the time.
3. Central Park Conservancy Family Performance Festival: Central Park Players — If you're looking for something for kids on Sunday, July 3 maybe head out to the Family Performance Festival. The Family Performance Festival, formerly known as A Clearing in the Park, is a family-friendly event which celebrates eco-education through multicultural performances. Basically, there will be puppets and music and storytelling, so take the kids for some fun. The event gets underway at noon.
4. Blink-182 at the GMA Concert Series — Have you been missing 2002? Been a decade since you're heard "What's My Age Again?" Well, I've got some good news for you. Pop-punk auteurs Blink-182 have reunited (well, two-thirds of the way) for a new tour and they'll be playing live on "Good Morning America" on Friday morning at the Rumsey Playfield. Doors open at 6 a.m., with the show airing from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and it's free.
5. SummerStage: Freedom Party NYC 13th Anniversary — If you're looking for a party and some free music on Saturday night, the Freedom Party is worth checking out. The Freedom Party was founded in 2003, and is the longest-running weekly party in NYC history. They celebrate the 13th Anniversary at Rumsey Playfield on July 2 at 6 p.m. Herbert Holler, DJ Cosi and Mark Smooth will provide the music. You provide the dancing.

Photo Credit: gigi_nyc via Flickr/Creative Commons