The Bronx Zoo is one of the more famous zoos in the country, and for a good reason. A fun and family-friendly escape for locals and tourists alike, its city-adjacent location and a wide variety of exhibits make it the perfect place the day, any time of year. We’ve mapped out all of the things you will want to see and do during your visit. 

Are you ready to take a look?

Exhibits

From the end of March through October, discover more than a dozen different species of winged beauties that flutter around in the Butterfly Garden, along with a variety of colorful plants and flowers.

The Congo Gorilla Forest is a fascinating experience that allows visitors to see the different personalities of the very expressive creatures, which include the western lowland Gorilla and mandrill.

At Jungleworld, the adorable ebony langur monkeys are the stars of the show. But you may also catch glimpses of white-cheeked gibbons, Malayan tapirs, and Indian gharials, unique fish-eating crocodiles with long, pointy mouths.

More

Little ones will adore the designated Children’s Zoo. It lets them get up close and personal with donkeys, goats, sheep, and more. In addition, you can see many of the animal feedings throughout the day, including lunchtime for penguins, sea lions, and bee-eaters. Another kid-friendly opportunity is the zoo’s Wild Encounters program which allows visitors to mingle with their favorite creatures in a completely unique way.

The zoo is also home to the Aquatic Bird House and Sea Bird Aviary, the Giraffe Building, Baboon Reserve, Tiger Mountain, Mouse House, and the World of Reptiles. Plus there are many more interesting exhibits and experiences. In fact, while you can see a good deal in just one visit, you might need to plan a return trip to take it all in.

Lunch

You don’t have to venture far for a bite to eat. The zoo’s Dancing Crane Café is open daily, offering indoor and outdoor seating and serving up soups, salads, and sandwiches. Several food stands are also located around the zoo for on-the-go eats in the warmer months.

Admission

The Bronx Zoo is open year-round from 10 a.m. And it is accessible by car, bus, or train, making it an easy trip from the Tri-State Area and beyond. Plenty of on-site parking is offered for a fee. It’s always a huge plus considering its close proximity to NYC. Make your visit even easier with the zoo’s smartphone app, which features maps and park updates.