Central Park Zoo is the BEST Zoo in New York City!

INSIDE: The Best Zoo in New York City for Kids is CENTRAL PARK ZOO! Updated 2019.

The Central Park Zoo is a small 6.5-acre zoo located in Central Park in New York City.  It’s the best zoo in New York because it has a VIEW of the New York Skyline!

No other zoo in the world can claim such a honour.

Our favourite part of the best zoo in New York is the Tisch Children’s Zoo.

I’ve longed to visit since I first read the classic Golden Book, “A Visit to The Children’s Zoo” by Barbara Shook Hazen. The Tisch Children’s Zoo in New York is arguably the most well known children’s zoo in the world.

Visiting the Childrens zoo in New York was a Bucket List moment, strangely enough, and it didn’t disappoint.

It’s cute and quirky, and not touristy, another reason this IS the BEST Zoo in New York City.

Tisch Childrens Zoo, the highlight of the Best Zoo in New York City

The Central Park Children’s Zoo is home to so many cute animals including:

• Sheep
• Goats
• Zebu
• the only Cow in Manhattan!

Things to do at Tisch Children’s Zoo

At the Tisch children’s zoo, kids can crawl, jump, and climb on the spider web scramble net.

Ned crawled into the ‘turtle shells’ too!

There’s places to play all around.

Central Park Petting Zoo feeding

You can also hand feed the animals at the Central Park petting zoo between 10 a.m.–2 p.m too.

The BEST Central Park Zoo Exhibits

Take a look at some of the other things you can do at Central Park Zoo with kids.

Seals at the Central Park Zoo

Harbor seals, penguins and puffins reside in the Polar Circle exhibit in the Central Park Zoo.

Spot Sea Lions sunning themselves and swimming in the Central Garden Sea Lion Pool exhibit. This is the only place in the world where Sea Lions have a view of the New York city skyline.

Twice a day (10.30am and 2.30pm), you can watch the penguins being fed.

Sea Lion Feeding at Central Park Zoo

You can also see the Sea Lion feeding and training sessions at:

• 11.30am
• 1.30pm and
• 3.30pm.

Grizzly Bears at the Central Park Zoo in New York

Do New York zoos have bears? YES!

See the Grizzly Bears in their new natural enclosure.

Need more reasons to visit the Best Zoo in New York?

Watch the Snow Leopards roam around their steep terrain with grace.

Look up in the trees for Red Pandas and look down to the water for the Snow Monkeys. There’s cranes in this Temperate Territory too.

Check out the weird and wonderful in the Tropic Zone – emerald tree boa snakes, black and white ruffed lemurs, poison dart frogs, and crowned pigeons live here.

4D cinema theatre

There’s a 4D cinema theatre too.

The kids LOVED this bonus New York attraction, featuring the character birds from the film RIO.

4 MORE Fun Things for Kids to do at Central Park Zoo

1. Central Park Zoo Scavenger Hunt Nature Quest

Join us for a scavenger hunt around the zoo and find your favorite animals.

Click here to download the map.

2. Get up Close with the Animals for a Family Morning at the Zoo

Who wakes up the animals at the Central Park Zoo?

What do they have for breakfast?

Following fun animal-themed activities, children and caregivers will find answers to these questions when you visit the exhibits and watch as animals receive their breakfast!

For families with kids aged 3 – 6.

Click here for details. 

3. Book tickets for an Exploration of the Wild.

Take a walk on the wild side!

Families discover amazing animal adaptations and survival strategies around the Zoo through fun activities and live animal encounters.

Children and caregivers get up close to various animals in the Zoo, help prepare animal treats and understand how keepers care for them each day.

For children aged 6 – 10. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Details here.

4. Junior Zoo Keeper at Central Park Zoo

Book the kids in to become a Central Park Zoo Keeper for the day. Monthly programs available.

Junior keepers join in a hands-on, interactive program, going behind the scenes to learn about the daily responsibilities of of real life Central Park Zoo keepers.

 

Visit the Central Park Zoo Gift Shop

Visit the Zootique to shop for unique and wild items, including plush animals and children’s books, as well as toys, games, and more.

Photos of Central Park Zoo New York NY

Where to eat at Central Park Childrens Zoo

Rest and re-fuel at the Dancing Crane Cafe.

High-quality meals, snacks, beverages, and desserts that include carefully prepared fresh and healthy choices on offer.

The Inside Scoop – Best New York Zoo in Central Park

Correct at time of publication. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in US dollars.

Address: The Central Park zoo is located at 64th Street and 5th Avenue, New York NY 10065
Website: Click here
Opening Hours:

• 10am to 4.30pm (Winter hours).
• 10am to 5pm weekdays and 10am to 5.30pm weekends (Summer hours).
• Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
• The Central Park Zoo is open 365 days a year, and the animals are on exhibit all year-round

Central Park Zoo tickets

The Central Park zoo price is:

• Adults over 13 years $19.95
• Children 3-12 years $14.95
• Senior 65 & over   $16.95
• Under 2 FREE
• Admission fees include entrance to the Main Zoo and Children’s Zoo, and 1 entry to the 4D theater.
• Cash and all major credit cards accepted at the booth.

Central Park Zoo Promo Code

Looking for Central Park Zoo discount tickets?

Subscribe to the newsletter to get the Central Park Zoo Discount code on the website for discount offers such as 10% off the purchase of Total Experience tickets.

Central Park Zoo Coupons

Looking to lower the Central park zoo cost? Check Groupon for Central Park Zoo discount admission for up to 10% off tickets.

NYC Zoo membership

Become a member of NYC zoos and receive unlimited admission for one year. This ticket pays for itself in two visits.

You’ll also save on food, souvenirs, gifts, events and programs at Central Park zoo.

Click here for details.

Central Park Zoo Tour

If you have limited time in New York city, we recommend booking a Central Park Zoo and Sightseeing Walking Tour.

Book here with Get your Guide.

How to get to Central Park Zoo New York City

• The Central Park Zoo is located near numerous New York subway and bus stops.

By Subway:

• Take the N, R, or W trains to Fifth Avenue/59th Street station in Manhattan, and walk north four blocks to 64th Street.
• Or take the Lexington Avenue #6 train to the 68th Street/Hunter College station, walk west 3 blocks to Fifth Avenue, then take a left and walk four blocks south.

By Bus:

The following buses stop on Fifth Avenue, between 59th and 65th Streets: M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M66, Q32.

Central Park Zoo parking

There is no parking at the Central Park Zoo. Plan ahead and reserve a park cark near the Zoo through SpotHero.

Central Park Zoo Map

Click here for a downloadable Central Park Zoo Map to plan your day.

Facilities at the Central Park Zoo NYC

Toilets: Yes
Disability access: Yes
Shade: Limited
Enclosed: Yes
Water Bubblers/fountains: Yes
Scooters and Bikes: No
Dogs: No
Notes: 

• Yes, you can bring your own stroller. Some buildings and exhibits request that you stow your stroller in a designated area before entering.
• There are no lockers to rent.

Central park Zoo was last reviewed in 2019.

Toadstool Rating –

Visit this zoo with kids. It’s one of our top 10 zoos in America to visit.

Looking for MORE Super Fun Things to Do in NEW YORK CITY with Kids?

Beside the zoo, what are the best places to take kids in New York City?

Click the blue links below.

• The ULTIMATE GUIDE OF UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN NYC WITH KIDS

• 7 Fun Things to do at the LEGO Brick Store Rockefeller Centre in New York

• Visit American Girl Cafe at Rockefeller Center for a unique brunch with your doll! 

• Enjoy Afternoon Tea with Eloise at the Plaza Store in New York 

• Try American candy at the nostalgic candy store, Dylan’s Candy Bar in New York

• Do not leave home with buying the New York Pass – it saves you BIG BUCKS!

• Central Park has a life-size Alice in Wonderland Statue

• 9 SUPER COOL Fun Things to Do with Kids at Brooklyn Bridge Park

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