Bryant Park553

If you're just looking for a little oxygen midtown, Bryant Park offers a few trees and a bit of lawn. A 'wichcraft creamery kiosk is a nice treat stop, or you could pack a little picnic and eat here between Times Square activities.

Bryant Park's Le Carrousel is a big hit with little people. It boasts 14 figures - 10 horses and four "menagerie creatures," a cat, a deer, a frog and a rabbit, for a total of 18 riders at a time. The carousel does not operate in the rain or snow or if the temperature is 35° or below. Parents holding small children unable to ride solo are not charged. The cost is $2 per ride.

CitiPond at Bryant Park is a public ice skating rink offering free skating in the winter months (Nov-Feb, Sun-Thu 8am to 10pm; Fri-Sat until midnight). Skaters can choose from a number of learn-to-skate programs, and viewing areas surround the rink for non-skaters (early November to mid-January). The ticketing center, skate rental pro shop, Snack Bar and Gift Shop, benches, windowed seating, and rental lockers are heated. Skate rentals are $12 and safety equipment is available for rent as well. A Pond VIP Fastpass allows skaters to skip the line for a fee of $19 (skate rental included); reserve a date and time at the Advance Reservation & Information Center, near the Pond Skating Pavilion, or online. Visit the website or call 866.221.5157 for further rink information and group sales.

The summer film series, offered on Monday evenings, is a family favorite. The lawn opens at 5pm for blankets and picnicking. The films begin at dusk. No plastic sheets or tarps are permitted on the lawn.

Visitors can play ping pong on two state-of-the-art tables daily from April through October, 11am to 7pm, in the 42nd Street Allee, on 42nd Street and 6th Avenue. Paddles and balls are provided free of charge. Sign up with an attendant in the park to reserve a time slot.