The world-famous Bronx Zoo boasts more than 6,000 animals, from aardvarks to zebras, across 265 acres in the Bronx, NYC. General admission allows you access to many of the exhibits, but the Total Experience Ticket is recommended to see rides, attractions and special exhibits. The Bronx Zoo is a local favorite in NYC, especially the Bug Carousel, Butterfly Garden, Congo Gorilla Forest, JungleWorld, Tiger Mountain, Children’s Zoo, Madagascar, Bears, Penguins and so much more! Bronx Zoo General Admission is included with the NY Sightseeing Pass or you can see some special exhibits by booking directly below.
Visiting the Bronx Zoo Exhibits and Tickets
Some current exhibits include the 4-D Theater featuring Rio, Bug Carousel, Congo Gorilla Forest, JungleWorld, Children’s Zoo (seasonal), Butterfly Garden (seasonal), Madagascar and Tiger Mountain, all of which let you experience the wonder of wildlife in naturalistic settings and meet exotic, endangered animals from around the globe.
The Zoo Shuttle helps you see more of the campus, taking you from one end of the park to the other while the Wild Asia Monorail takes you on a ride past elephants, rhinos, wild horses and more.
If you’ve been home watching Animal Planet’s The Zoo with your kids, then visiting the Bronx is an absolute must! What kid doesn’t love to see something they’ve done or a place they’ve been on TV?
Congo Gorilla Forest – This replica of an African mountain rain forest has provided the primates with a setting almost indistinguishable from their native area. The 6.5 acre re-creation has treetop lookouts, lush greenery, and hundreds of animals. There are black and white Colobus monkeys, red-river hogs, and two troops of lowland gorillas over 50,000 square feet. The shady forest dotted with bamboo thickets and sunny meadows houses 400 species of plant in addition to the many animals. The exhibit trail is nearly 1/3 mile long and home to the first gorilla born in New York City. Open year-round.
Jungle World – An award-winning indoor tropical rain forest which has been exquisitely re-created with rare botanical species. Open exhibits give you the feeling of wild exploration as you wander past tree kangaroos, monkeys, birds, fruit bats, and more! From giant fish to tiny stick insects, the diversity of the forest is amazing to see. Open year-round.
Visiting the Bronx Zoo Map
For a better image, print their actual map at:
www.bronxzoo.com/map
Planning a Visit to the Bronx Zoo
- The busiest times at the Zoo are Wednesdays (Pay What You Wish) and Summer Weekends
- Wild Encounters are VIP experiences within the Zoo where you can take photos, feed animals and be escorted by private trainers. Giraffe Connection, Cheetah Connection, Penguin Connection are just some of the Wild Encounter tours available.
- Some exhibits are only for outdoor/good weather. However, there is still a lot to do in cooler or rainy weather. Please check the Bronx Zoo website or their app for the daily schedule.
- There are multiple entrances to the Zoo. If you are meeting someone, or trying to get to a popular exhbit, please review the map above in advance to try and find the best entrance and exit for your schedule. The three main entrances are Asia Gate (pedestrian entry at Boston Road & Bronx Park South); Bronx River Gate (Pedestrian and Vehicle – Exit 6 off Bronx River Parkway); and Southern Blvd Gate (2 Subway, Pedestrian entry at S. Blvd and 185th Street; Vehicle entry at S. Blvd & 183rd St).
- The on site food and snacks are typical for any exhibit of this type, but you are also welcome to bring your own picnics and sit at the Dancing Crane Café.
Annual Events at the Bronx Zoo
Every year, the Bronx Zoo hosts events like Halloween Boo at Zoo (October) and Winter Wonderland (December). Boo at the Zoo is multiple weekends around Halloween and offers activities for both adults and kids. Costumes, Dinosaur Safari, Spooktacular Night Walks (for both families and just adults), Bootoberfest (21+), magic shows, pumpkin carving and the corn maze are just some of the fun Halloween events at the Zoo.
Winter Wonderland offers ice carving, monkeying around in the tropical ice play area or being seated on the giant Ice Throne, surrounded by icy polar bears, all great family photo ops!! Winter Wonderland offers special winter-themed activities throughout the park including presents to the animals, horse-drawn carriage rides, and much more.
Bronx Zoo Ticket Options
- Bronx Zoo General Admission is included with the NY Sightseeing Pass
- Wednesdays: Pay-what-you-wish, all proceeds support their animal care work
- Online Total Experience Tickets: $40 adult, $30 child (prices are higher at the gate)
- Combine with MTA Metro North Package to save
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Bronx Zoo More Info
- Address: 2300 Southern Blvd. Bronx, NY 10460
- Website: bronxzoo.com
- Hours Spring, Summer & Fall: Weekdays: 10:00am – 5:00pm; Weekends & Holidays: 10:00am – 5:30pm
- Hours Winter: Daily: 10:00am – 4:30pm
- The Bronx Zoo is closed Martin Luther King Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
- Public Transport: #2 train to Pelham Parkway. Also accessible by Bus and Metro North.
www.bronxzoo.com/visitor-info/getting-here/transit - Nearby Attractions: Bronx Museum of Arts, Yankee Stadium and Arthur Ave (arguably called NYC’s REAL Little Italy)
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Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or Summit? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building – (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock – (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory – (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
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