Sheep Meadow (also searched as Sheep’s Meadow, Sheeps Meadow, Sheep Medow, and meadow Central Park) is the large southwestern lawn in Central Park. Sheep Meadow hours are not carriage-operator hours. NYC Parks and the Central Park Conservancy open and close the turf. Confirm the week you visit on centralparknyc.org.
Hours and closures
In-season visitor guidance is typically late-morning opening and dusk closing. Winter and turf-recovery closures are common. A closed meadow does not cancel a scheduled private ride. Sitting on the grass is only possible when the Conservancy has the lawn open.
Landmark page: Sheep Meadow.
Seeing the meadow from a carriage
Sheep Meadow is on this operator’s classic carriage loop. You view the open space and skyline backdrop from the drive. Combine a southern loop with The Mall and Bethesda Terrace on even the Mini Tour. Longer private carriage tours add more of the park; they still do not turn the lawn into a private picnic.
Ready to ride? Book your Central Park carriage ride online for instant confirmation. Book a southern-park loop, then picnic only if the lawn is actually open. Browse all horse carriage tours or see our dedicated Christmas carriage ride if you are planning a holiday visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sheep Meadow hours?
They are published by NYC Parks and the Conservancy and change with season and turf recovery. Typical in-season guidance is late morning until dusk; winter closures are common.
Do carriage rides go to Sheep Meadow?
Yes on the classic loop. You pass the southwestern lawn; you do not automatically get lawn access.
Is Sheep Medow a different place?
No. It is a misspelling of Sheep Meadow. Sheeps Meadow and Sheep’s Meadow are the same lawn.
Where is Sheep Meadow in Central Park?
Southwestern Central Park, west of The Mall / Literary Walk area.
Can we get out of the carriage onto Sheep Meadow?
Lawn access is a Conservancy rule, not a carriage add-on. Follow the coachman for the ride; check lawn status separately if you want to sit on the grass afterward.
