When Does Sheep Meadow Open in Central Park? Season & Hours

Every year, Sheep Meadow is closed for the winter season to let the lawn rest. Of course, as spring and the cherry blossoms & blooms return, everyone starts to wonder when it will open again.

During open season, Sheep Meadow opens at roughly 11 am and closes at sunset but it can vary.

So, here’s our timeline of when Sheep Meadow usually opens up in the Spring and closes in the Fall. 👇

Spring 2024 Update #2: As of April 7, 2024, Sheep Meadow is now open for the summer season!

Spring 2024 Update: As of April 4, 2024, Sheep Meadow is still closed for the season. We go to Central Park every day and will do our best to update this article once Sheep Meadow opens.

Fall 2023 Update: As of November 8, 2023, Sheep Meadow is closed for the season,

Spring 2023 Update: Sheep Meadow is now open for the season, as of April 2, 2023! They usually open the gates for Sheep Meadow around 11 am and close them around sundown.

What To Do in Sheep Meadow

Sheep Meadow is arguably the most popular picnic spot in Central Park. It boasts 15 acres of wide open, well-kept grass that allow for some of the most phenomenal views of the midtown skyline.

This area of the park is typically full of sunbathers, picnickers, and all manner of leisure activities, such as Spikeball, frisbee, and football tossing.

The nearest bathrooms are found at the Le Pain Quotidien on the north end (map link) or right next to the Tavern on the Green to the west of Sheep Meadow (map link).

So if you’re looking for a fun Central Park date idea or a place to meet up with a group of friends, you can now head to Sheep Meadow!