Why the Bronx Zoo is an Awesome Family Destination
Here's what to do and what to see at the Bronx Zoo with your family.
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During my last visit there were also some free-roaming peacocks bumming french fries off the lunch crowd, so you may have some special guests at your picnic!
Is the zoo accessible for families with special needs?
The Bronx Zoo has dedicated itself to having an excellent experience for, and to provide support to, families with special needs, whether it be accessibility-related or making it a comfortable location for those with sensory-processing needs.
How the Bronx Zoo is Keeping Visitors Safe During the Pandemic
The Bronx Zoo is the perfect family outing in nice weather and a favorable place to visit since you have so much space and are outdoors. Your family will feel safe with the health and safety measures implemented by the zoo:
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The capacity is limited each day, so you need to purchase date-specific tickets in advance from their website for an admission time. You have a 1-hour window to arrive after the time you choose. For example, a 10am ticket means you can enter between 10-11am. There is no restriction on how long you can stay.
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You have the opportunity to purchase parking tickets online in advance (I highly recommend this—when we arrived at 10:30am, there was already a full lot).
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All guests age 2 and older are required to wear face masks for the entire visit—indoors and outdoors—regardless of vaccination status, including on rides. You can also purchase cute animal themed face masks in advance when buying your admission ticket.
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There are signs all over the Bronx Zoo to remind visitors about social distancing rules and to wear masks. There are markers in the areas where lines form to indicate where to stand to maintain 6 feet distance. The staff will remind you too, especially in some of the specialty exhibits. In front of each animal viewing area there are circles on the floor to advise visitors on how far apart to stand. There are also recommended paths to take in front of the exhibits with a few select one-way-only areas to control crowds.
Visiting Bronx Zoo
Where is the Bronx Zoo located?
The Bronx Zoo is located at 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. Check out the interactive Bronx Zoo map before you head out to plan your visit.
What are the Bronx Zoo’s hours?
Through Nov. 6, the Bronx Zoo is open Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm, and Saturday-Sunday and holidays, 10am-5:30pm. Then, Nov. 7 to March 2022, the zoo will be open daily, 10am-4:30pm. The Bronx Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Remember: Animal exhibits close 30 minutes prior to the zoo’s closing time.
How can I get to the Bronx Zoo?
In addition to driving or hailing a taxi, there are mass transit options that will get you to the Bronx Zoo.
Bus: The BxM11 express bus is a fast and inexpensive way to travel between the Bronx Zoo and Manhattan. It makes stops along Madison Avenue, between 26th and 99th Streets, then travels directly to the zoo's Bronx River entrance.
You can also take the Bx9, Bx19, Bx12, or Bx22 busses in the Bronx or the Q44 from Queens.
Subway: Take the 2 train to Pelham Parkway, then head west to the zoo's Bronx River entrance (Gate B). This is an ADA-accessible route: This station has three elevators that lead down to street level.
Is there parking at the Bronx Zoo?
The Bronx Zoo has two main entrances with parking lots for general visitors and members: Bronx River Gate and Southern Boulevard Gate. Parking is $17 for cars. Parking can be purchased in advance, which is highly recommended—in the summer months, the zoo parking lot can fill up early.
For the best arrival experience, using the Southern Boulevard parking lot is recommended.
How much are Bronx Zoo tickets?
Advance timed ticket reservations are required; you will not be permitted to enter the zoo if you do not have a timed ticket for entry. (Note: Prices are subject to change.)
The all-inclusive ticket, which provides park entry plus unlimited access to the rides and attractions available on the day of visit: $34.95 and $24.95 for ages 3-12.
Limited admission tickets, which allow you to enjoy many exhibits, however it does not include many award-winning attractions and popular species in year-round experiences such as Congo Gorilla Forest and Jungle World: $24.95 and $16.95 for ages 3-12.
Children ages 2 and younger are always free!
Is there a Bronx Zoo membership?
Definitely! There are a few Bronx Zoo membership options with different price points depending on whether you’re a family with children, a couple, or an individual. Plus, becoming a member allows you access to the Bronx Zoo, as well as the WIldlife Conservation Society’s other NYC zoos—Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo—for one year. You can also add access to the New York Aquarium.
Is the Bronx Zoo on social media?
Yep! The Bronx Zoo animals can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
For more information, visit bronxzoo.com or call 718-220-5100.