Escape the hustle and bustle of New York and treat yourself to a soothing break at Central Park Zoo. Perfect for families, this charming 2.6-hectare zoo will delight young and old alike. Soak up the serene atmosphere of this verdant oasis. Discover fascinating animals and take part in friendly, interactive activities.
Highlights of Central Park Zoo
Family adventure at the heart of biodiversity
Central Park Zoo is a must for families visiting New York and for animal lovers. Despite its modest size, this zoo offers a rich and diverse experience. An ideal outing for a morning or afternoon with the kids.
Divided into three distinct zones: tropical, temperate and polar. You’ll marvel at over a hundred species of animal. Admire the majestic California sea lions enthroned at the centre of the zoo. Don’t miss the chance to watch them and the penguins eat their daily meals. A dynamic and interactive experience.
Sea lions
Discover the touching story of orphaned grizzly bears named Betty and Veronica. These grizzly bears arrived at the zoo in 1995, after being rescued as cubs in Montana. They had been found feeding in a rubbish dump, a dangerous situation for both bears and humans.
Instead of being euthanised, which is often the fate of bears who become accustomed to areas inhabited by humans, Betty and Veronica were taken in by Central Park Zoo. Their arrival was a landmark event, as there had been no grizzly bears in Central Park for over 20 years.
Grizzly bears
Their space at the zoo was designed to mimic their natural habitat and give visitors a chance to see these majestic animals up close. Betty and Veronica’s presence also served as an educational opportunity to raise public awareness of grizzly conservation and the issues these animals face in the wild.
Not forgetting the Asian red pandas, Japanese mountain monkeys and Central Asian snow leopards.
Finally, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the zoo’s “tropical forest”. Here you can observe an incredible variety of bird species, lemurs, bats and snakes. This stop will add a touch of adventure and exoticism to your visit.
The rainforest
The children’s farm
Immerse yourself in the heart of Tish Children’s Zoo, a mini-zoo dedicated to farm animals: goats, sheep, chickens and even Manhattan’s only cow. A real treasure for children, who can get up close and pet these adorable creatures.
Watch a film in 4D
The zoo is also offering a 4D cinema experience. Watch “The Bear and the Squirrel”, a film combining 3D images and sensory effects. Water fog, strong winds, snow, scents and vibrations from the seat… Enough to make this immersive adventure even more exciting.
Central Park Zoo has everything you need for a unique family experience. Each activity will take you on a journey and leave you wanting to discover more as your visit progresses. So what are you waiting for to explore this wonderful place?
Practical information
Opening hours
April to early November :
- weekdays from 10am to 5pm
- weekends and public holidays from 10am to 5.30pm
Early November to March :
- daily from 10am to 4.30pm
Location
The zoo is located in the south-east part of Central Park. To get there, take 5th Avenue and enter Central Park at 60th or 61st Street.
Fares
| Ticket type | Single Admission | Single Admission 4D Film |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (13 years and over) | 13,95$ | 19,95$ |
| Seniors ( 65) | 10,95$ | 16,95$ |
| Children (3-12 years) | 8,95$ | 14,95$ |
| Children (2 years and under) | free visit | free visit |
Great deals at Central Park Zoo
For an unforgettable experience, plan your visit around the animals’ feeding times. The key times are: sea lion meals and shows at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm; penguin meals at 2.30pm.
Don’t miss the Delacorte Clock, an animated clock where animal musicians play 44 different melodies depending on the season.
Save on your visit to Central Park Zoo
Central Park Zoo is available in 2 Passes, order one of them to visit attractions at the best prices.
