The Queens Zoo is a spectacular way to spend the day — with daily activities and even overnight adventures.
Children 4 and 5 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, can enjoy hands-on activities, visits with animal guests, and scavenger hunts in the Kinder Kritters workshop on Sept. 22 and 29; Oct. 13 and 20; and Nov. 3 and 10, from 2 to 3 pm.
Tiny toddlers 2 to 3 years old with an adult can meet the furry, scaly, and feathery denizens of the zoo at two separate workshop series: on Sept. 22 and 29; Oct. 13 and 20; and Nov. 3 and 10, from noon to 1 pm; and on Sept. 14, 21, and 28; and Oct. 5, 12, and 19, from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Each series is $125 for members and $150 for non-members.
Adventurous kids ages 5 and older with an adult can explore the zoo after hours and stay for the night on Sept. 15 and 16 from 5 pm to 10 am. Bring your own tent, sleeping bags, and a picnic dinner. The zoo provides the rest: beverages, dessert, a late night snack, breakfast, and of course, all the adventure you can handle. Admission for members is $85 per person, and $100 for non-members.
The Queens Zoo [53-51 111th St. in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, (718) 271–1500, www.queenszoo.com].