From freshwater ponds to lakes, pools, meadows, grassy hillocks and successional forest, there are many natural systems to calm the eye and the soul here. The 38-acre Ramble and its bordering lake are prime locations for watching seasonal warbler migrations, while the 4-acre Hallett Nature Sanctuary forest of black locust and black cherry is a refuge for those species driven from their homes by the ever-expanding world of concrete and asphalt.

Sheep Meadow, a pasture area from the mid-19th century until the 1930's; the Great Lawn, site of the former Yorkville Reservoir; and the East and North Meadows are open grassy settings for both solitary relaxation and massive congregations. Many such gatherings have taken place since the construction of the Great Lawn in the 1930's, including the Paul Simon concert of 1991, the No Nukes Rally of 1982, and Simon & Garfunkel's performance in 1981. The North Meadow hosted the Garth Brooks concert in 1997.

Many other special artistic and cultural programs take place within the park. Since 1957, the free Shakespeare festival has been offered during the summer months, and in 1985, the stage at Rumsey Playfield became host to the Summerstage performances of music, dance, song, and the spoken word. In 1965, the New York Philharmonic first played in the park; and this favorite summertime tradition of New Yorkers has faithfully continued, only to be joined by other performing arts groups including the Metropolitan Opera, which began performing in 1967, and the New York Grand Opera which started their performance series in 1974.