The Best New York Zoos in Manhattan, Bronx, and Beyond

Spend a day with your kids at a zoo in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and Orange County, and Fairfield where the whole family can visit a variety of exotic and local animals. Some locations even have animal feedings, areas just for children, and touch tanks where kids can participate. This comprehensive list of zoos in NYC and the surrounding area includes updated COVID-19 hours, safety info, and regulations.

Manhattan

Central Park Zoo

64th Street and Fifth Avenue, Central Park
212-439-6500
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Closest subway stops: NRW: 5th Avenue-59th Street station
Recommended ages: All ages
Best time to go: Mornings
Stroller/wheelchair friendly? Yes
Stroller parking? Yes
Changing tables in women’s bathroom? Yes
Changing tables in men’s bathroom? Yes
Stop by the iconic Central Park Zoo to see its famous sea lions, visit the grizzly bears or the snow leopards, and be amazed by several types of penguins! The zoo also hosts community events such as Run for the Wild, has a Children’s Zoo perfect for little ones, and offers both virtual and in-person programming that is sure to get kids excited about animals, nature, and protecting both.

Bronx

Bronx Zoo

2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx
718-367-1010
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Closest subway stops: 2 and 5: Bronx Park East station
Recommended ages: All ages
Best time to go: Mornings
Stroller/wheelchair friendly? Yes
Stroller parking? Yes
Changing tables in men’s bathroom? Yes
Changing tables in women’s bathroom? Yes
The Bronx Zoo is the Wildlife Conservation Society’s flagship zoo. Explore more than 265 acres and meet more than 8,000 animals, including gorillas in the Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit, lions and tigers, giraffes, the animals of North America, and so many more. The Bug Carousel, Treetop Adventures zipline experience, and up-close-and-personal Wild Encounters are open, too, which will help you and the kids maximize your day at this famous zoo!

Brooklyn

Prospect Park Zoo

450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Heights
718-399-7339
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Closest subway stops: BQS: Prospect Park station
Recommended ages: All ages
Best time to go: Mornings
Stroller/wheelchair friendly? Yes
Stroller parking? Yes
Changing tables in men’s bathroom? Yes
Changing tables in women’s bathroom? YesSome of Prospect Park Zoo’s coolest animal inhabitants include sea lions, dingos, emus, and the fluffy Pallas Cat. Take a winding walk along the Discovery Trail to visit red pandas and tufted deer, or visit the zoo’s smallest species in the Hall of Animals. The zoo’s barn and garden are the perfect places for little ones to explore, too!

Queens

Alley Pond Environmental Center

224-65 76th Ave, Oakland Gardens
718-229-4000
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Closest bus stop: Q88: Springfield Blvd/75 Av
Recommended ages: All ages
Best time to go: Anytime during the week; call ahead to see best weekend hours
Stroller/wheelchair friendly: Yes
Stroller check or parking: No, but an open space at the front of the building allows for unofficial stroller parking.
Changing tables in men’s bathroom: Yes
Changing tables in women’s bathroom: YesAlley Pond is dedicated to educating kids (and parents!) about animals, open spaces, and waterbodies, as well as protecting and preserving nature. Some of the Animal Ambassadors you can visit include rabbits, chinchillas, turtles, snakes, and birds. APEC hosts a variety of in-person programming for kids including the Summer SENSES science exploration program and other summer camp sessions, holiday-themed weekend programming, and the Vet Tech 101 program. And, you can always explore the center’s beautiful trails!

Queens Zoo

53-51 111th St., Corona
718-271-1500
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Closest subway stops: 7: 103rd Street-Corona Plaza station
Recommended ages: All ages
Best time to go: Mornings
Stroller/wheelchair friendly? Yes
Stroller parking? Yes
Changing tables in men’s bathroom? Yes
Changing tables in women’s bathroom? Yes
Besides being home to a wide variety of wildlife—from alligators, to mountain lions, to Andean bears—that visitors can view at their leisure, the zoo also offers a walk-through aviary, an animal trail, and several very cool domestic animals such as Flemish great rabbits and Texas longhorns! There are several educational programs kids can take part in, including online wildlife school, professional development programs, and school break programs. Visit the zoo’s website to learn more.

Staten Island

Staten Island Zoo

614 Broadway, Staten Island (The Broadway entrance is closed. Use the zoo’s Clove Road address, 705 Clove Road, in your GPS)
718-442-3100
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Recommended ages: All ages
The Staten Island Zoo has everything kids could want in a zoo, including a children’s center, horse barn, the Honey Bee Apiary, an exhibit that showcases cuddly otters, a reptile wing, and several dinosaur sculptures! The zoo is also currently offering virtual zoo visit programs every hour Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm, as well as the Weekly Wildlife program every Wednesday, 12-12:45pm.

Long Island

Suffolk County Farm and Education Center

350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank
631-852-4600
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Recommended ages: 1-12
Best time to go: Busiest between 10am-2pm
Stroller/wheelchair friendly? Not stroller-friendly; motorized scooters are available to help wheelchair users navigate the farm. Ask a staff member at the Visitors Center for help when signing in.
Family bathroom: No
Changing tables in the men’s bathroom: No
Changing tables in the women’s bathroom: Yes
Suffolk County Farm is open every day, weather permitting. The kids can meet countless farm animals including horses, sheep, and cows, and can participate in programming such as winter wildlife clinics and winter adventures. The 2021 Veterinary Medicine Career Exploration Program, which is virtual this year, is perfect for high schoolers considering a career in veterinary medicine. Follow the farm’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on the animals.

Long Island Game Farm Wildlife and Children’s Zoo

489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville
631-878-6644
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Recommended ages: All ages
Best time to go: You must make an appointment to visit.
Stroller/wheelchair friendly? Yes
Changing tables in men’s room? No
Changing tables in women’s room? Yes
The Long Island Game Farm is home to zebras, giraffes, alpacas, donkeys, wild mustangs, African serval cats, emus, wallabies, lemurs, alligators, foxes, and more! Private tours include animal encounters plus the opportunity to pet Zephyr and Thor the zebras, meet the mini donkey family, and feed the herd of donkeys, alpacas, and more. You must check in 15 minutes prior to your tour time.

Westchester County

Muscoot Farm

51 Route 100, Katonah
914-864-7282
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Recommended ages: 1-5
Best time to go: Mornings and late afternoon
Stroller/wheelchair friendly? Yes
Stroller check or parking: No
Changing tables in men’s room: No
Changing tables in women’s room: No
Muscoot has more than 50 animals to visit, including donkeys, cows, horses, goats, chickens, and turkeys, and several historic buildings that make it a quaint and family-friendly place to explore. There are more than six miles of trails to hike with the kids, several programs for kids in the summer and winter, and awesome maple sugaring events happening safely and soon.

The Wolf Conservation Center

7 Buck Run, South Salem
914-763-2373
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Recommended ages: Varies by program
Best time to go: You must register for a program to visit
Stroller/wheelchair friendly? Yes
Stroller parking? No
Bathrooms are not open during this time.
The Wolf Conservation Center is committed to protecting, celebrating, and educating people about wolves. Ambassador Wolves Alawa, Zephyr, and Nikai teach people not to fear wolves, and beyond the Ambassadors, guests can visit red wolves and Mexican gray wolves. Special programming includes a summer wolf camp for kids, the Sleeping with Wolves overnight program, and several virtual opportunities to meet the wolves.

Orange County

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum

Outdoor Discovery Center: 120 Muser Drive (across from 174 Angola Road), Cornwall
845-534-5506
Wildlife Education Center: 25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson
845-534-7781
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Recommended ages: All ages
Best time to go: Anytime
Stroller/wheelchair friendly? Some trails are stroller-friendly, some are not. Call before going.
Family bathroom? Restrooms are closed right now.The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s mission is to help kids become responsible caretakers of the natural world through educational programming, several places to play, and miles of hiking trails. Visit the Grasshopper Grove in the spring, summer, and fall, explore the expansive grounds, or download a trail map and hike one of the two stroller-accessible trails or into Black Rock Forest. Maple sugaring events are also happening this spring—visit the website for details.

Fairfield County, CT

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport
203-394-6565 Facebook • Instagram

Recommended ages: All ages
Best time to go: One of the available time slots
Many exotic and fantastic animals call the Beardsley Zoo home. From rare Amur leopards and tigers to maned and Mexican wolves, your kids are sure to find an animal they’ll fall in love with. The zoo also offers Zoo Patrol programming for kids, plenty of virtual educational events, birthday parties, and scavenger hunts. Keep an eye out for the peacocks who roam freely around the zoo grounds!

Zoo Live Streams

Wildlife Conservation Society

The Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo are sharing animal content like videos, virtual learning, and Instagram stories visiting animals to bring the zoo to you. Visit this page to stay updated.

Utica Zoo

Uti-kaZoo: Utica Zoo Kid’s Academy- Learn about alligators, crocodiles, Waylon, and more via videos and activities.

Phoenix Zoo

Digital Safari Live: Daily, 1pm; Facebook Live educational programming, virtual safaris, and behind-the-scenes animal caretaking

Brookfield Zoo

Bring the Zoo to You: Weekdays, daily 12pm ET; Facebook live. Educational insight from animal care specialists

Zoo New England

The Kids’ Corner offers daily videos and fun print-outs, games, quizzes, and more

Greenville Zoo

Check in on the animals at the Greenville Zoo on Facebook Live

Polaris Productions Theater Camp

Kids will learn, rehearse, and perform the wonderful Maurice Sendak and Carole King musical, Really Rosie. For 10 weekdays, campers will take part in physical and vocal warm-ups and learn choreography, staging, and vocal parts. They&rsquo;ll develop skills in acting, singing, character development, and more. This camp will ignite your child&rsquo;s imagination and passion for performing, build their self-esteem, and help them form lasting friendships. They&rsquo;ll have fun! At camp&rsquo;s end, the kids will perform Really Rosie for family members and friends. Kids of all levels of experience, ages 8 through 13, are welcome to join.

The Ailey School – First Steps and Bounding Boys

<blockquote style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <div dir="ltr"> <div class="m_-3740164643787738207m_4977048992707393770WordSection1"> At The Ailey School, FIRST STEPS offers a structured creative movement curriculum that allows girls (ages 3-6) and boys (age 3), to develop body awareness and control and learn the basics of dance technique. BOUNDING BOYS (ages 4-6) provides a more athletic experience, and an energetic approach to teaching dance skills. </div> </div> </blockquote>

Dedimus Potestatem

Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today! Sessions We currently&nbsp;offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow&nbsp;</a>or email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a> <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a> This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a> Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech &amp; Debate</a>&nbsp;(competitive and non-competitive programs available) This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a> Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a> Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently. Mock Trial&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>) Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a> This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O&rsquo;Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students&rsquo; civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a> The focus of the&nbsp;Philosophy&nbsp;class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to&nbsp;<a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a> The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics:&nbsp;(Ages 10-18)</a> Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette&nbsp;(Ages 5 and up)</a> Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a> This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a> Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world. College application course&nbsp; Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a>&nbsp; These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a> These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed. Computer Programming: Coding for Kids In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;