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PopUp New York: Central Park's Hidden Gems

Popes, presidents and rock stars have made historic appearances at Central Park, one of the world's most famous attractions. Tourists and locals alike flock to the Great Lawn, Bethesda Fountain and the Central Park Zoo. But real New Yorkers know where to find the hidden treasures - and now you can, too. Follow reporter Meagan Brauer of Pop Up New York for CBSNewYork as she takes you on a tour of the best hidden gems in Central Park.

See Also: NYC's Best Little Known Parks

Central Park Conservatory Garden

Central Park Conservatory Garden
(credit: Flickr)

105th St & Fifth Ave

The Conservatory Garden offers a quiet oasis in the big city. The perfect spot for some quiet relaxation, the Garden can serve as the perfect hideout when you need some R&R, or a surprisingly quaint venue for a date.

Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre

Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Central Park
(credit: Flickr)

79th Street, West Drive
(212) 988-9093

If you or your kids like fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel, you'll find a haven at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre. Buy a ticket and enjoy an old school puppet show.

North Meadow Recreation Center

North Meadow Recreation Center, Central Park
(credit: centralparknyc.org)

14 East 60th Street
New York, NY 10022-7122
(212) 348-4867

You can play handball, one of the city's most popular pastimes, at the North Meadow Recreation Center. The Center also loans out field day kits with balls, frisbees and jump ropes.

Belvedere Castle

Belvedere Castle, Central Park
(credit: Flickr)

79th Street, Mid-Park

You can take your prince or princess to see the Belvedere Castle. The lawn out front offers a prime spot for a picnic.

Cleopatra's Needle

Cleoptra's Needle, Central Park
(credit: Thom Watson/Flickr)

One of the most historic sites in the park, Cleopatra's Needle, was commissioned by an Egyptian pharaoh in 1500 B.C.

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