21 Sep The Best Family-Friendly Zoos to Explore in NYC
New York City has plenty to offer when it comes to family-friendly activities. But if you’re looking for an educational and entertaining way to spend time with your little ones, why not head to one of the family-friendly zoos in NYC? From Bronx Zoo to Central Park Zoo, there are several excellent zoological parks throughout the city that offer exciting experiences for children of all ages. We’ve rounded up the top five family-friendly zoos in NYC that are sure to keep both you and your kids entertained for hours on end.
1) Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is an iconic zoo located in the heart of New York City, perfect for a family day out with kids. With over 6,000 animals from 700 different species, this zoo has something for everyone. Kids will love exploring the many animal exhibits and learning about the diverse wildlife found all over the world.
One of the main attractions of the Bronx Zoo is the Congo Gorilla Forest, where visitors can observe gorillas in their natural habitat. The Children’s Zoo is another highlight, where children can get up close and personal with farm animals like goats and sheep, as well as domestic animals like llamas and alpacas.
Another must-see exhibit at the Bronx Zoo is the World of Reptiles, where visitors can get up close with snakes, lizards, turtles, and other fascinating reptiles. There are also several seasonal exhibits throughout the year, such as the Butterfly Garden, where visitors can observe hundreds of beautiful butterflies up close.
The Bronx Zoo is easily accessible by public transportation and is located in the heart of the Bronx.
2) Queens Zoo
If you’re looking for a family day out that’s both fun and educational, the Queens Zoo is definitely worth a visit. This 18-acre zoo is home to a variety of animals from all over the world, including sea lions, lynx, bison, and more.
One of the best things about the Queens Zoo is that it’s relatively small, making it perfect for families with young children. You can easily explore the entire zoo in a few hours, without feeling overwhelmed or rushed.
One of the highlights of the Queens Zoo is the aviary, which houses a number of different bird species, including flamingos and parrots. Kids will also love the interactive farm exhibit, where they can meet and feed friendly goats and sheep.
The Queens Zoo also offers a number of educational programs and events throughout the year, including animal feedings and guided tours. It’s definitely a great place to visit if you want your kids to learn about the importance of wildlife conservation and the natural world.
3) Prospect Park Zoo
If you’re looking for a more low-key and intimate zoo experience, Prospect Park Zoo is the perfect destination. Situated within Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, this zoo boasts an impressive array of animals in a setting that’s easy to navigate with young children.
One of the highlights of this zoo is the World of Animals exhibit, which takes visitors on a journey through different habitats around the globe. Here you can see rare and exotic species such as red pandas, snow leopards, and porcupines up close.
In addition to the World of Animals, the zoo also features a Barn exhibit where kids can get up close with farm animals such as goats, sheep, and cows. The Discovery Trail is another must-visit, featuring hands-on activities and educational exhibits that teach visitors about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting wildlife.
4) Central Park Zoo
If you’re looking for a zoo that’s right in the heart of the city, the Central Park Zoo is the perfect choice for you and your kids. Located on the southeast corner of Central Park, the zoo offers a variety of fun and interactive exhibits that will keep everyone entertained.
The Central Park Zoo is home to over 130 species of animals, including penguins, snow leopards, and red pandas. One of the most popular exhibits is the Tisch Children’s Zoo, where kids can get up close and personal with goats, sheep, and alpacas.
Another great exhibit at the Central Park Zoo is the Polar Circle, where you can watch playful sea lions and harbor seals swimming and splashing in their natural habitats. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the resident snow leopard as it lounges on a rock in its enclosure.
Don’t forget to visit the 4-D theater, where you can experience an immersive show with special effects like wind, mist, and snow. And if you’re hungry, stop by the Dancing Crane Cafe for a bite to eat.
5) New York Aquarium
Located in Brooklyn’s Coney Island, the New York Aquarium is an excellent choice for families looking to explore marine life. The aquarium is home to over 350 species of animals, including sharks, penguins, and sea otters.
The Sea Cliffs exhibit is a popular attraction at the aquarium, featuring walruses and sea lions that put on daily shows for visitors. The Conservation Hall showcases animals from all over the world, including colorful tropical fish and venomous snakes.
One of the highlights of the New York Aquarium is the interactive experiences it offers for visitors. You can touch and feed stingrays and horseshoe crabs, get up close and personal with sea turtles, and even meet a sea lion up close.
The aquarium also hosts various educational programs, including behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters.
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