Bronx Zoo Tickets, Prices, Animals, What to see, Hours and Practical Information
Get up close and personal with some of the world’s most exciting animals at The Bronx Zoo!
Home to over 6,000 animals, it is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States.
From African elephants to snow leopards and gorillas to bats, you’ll see some of the rarest animals in the world in the best North American Zoo.
Read this article to learn more about the Bronx Zoo tickets, its unique attractions, and tips for planning your visit.
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What to Expect at Bronx Zoo
When visiting the Bronx Zoo, visitors should spend at least a few hours exploring all of the exhibits.
Start by visiting the African Plains, home to African lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more.
Other popular exhibits include the Butterfly Garden, the Tiger Mountain exhibit and the World of Birds.
The Bronx Zoo offers many educational opportunities, such as guided tours, interactive exhibits, and talks from zookeepers.
There are also several programs and activities designed for families.
These include Animal Tracks, a program that allows kids to explore the zoo, and Animal Encounters, enabling visitors to get up close with some animals.
The Bronx Zoo also has several eateries and shops throughout the park. Visitors can grab a bite or pick up souvenirs at various restaurants and gift shops.
The Bronx Zoo is an incredible place to spend a day, an experience you will never forget.
Bronx Zoo Tickets
All visitors need to purchase an entry ticket to visit the Bronx Zoo.
You can get it either online or at the zoo.
Due to its huge popularity, Bronx Zoo tickets have high demand and will be sold out soon.
We recommend you purchase the tickets in advance online and save yourself from the hassle of long ticket counter lines and last-minute disappointments.
When you purchase your tickets online, you can get tickets for a cheaper price and enjoy more options.
Hence, buying your Bronx Zoo Tickets online is easy, convenient and safe.
Bronx Zoo Entry Ticket
The Bronx Zoo offers a unique experience for animal lovers of all ages.
You can explore the 265 acres of wildlife with your Bronx Zoo tickets and take in the sights of the African Plains, the Birds of Prey exhibit, and the Children’s Zoo.
See alligators, baboons, camels, lions, zebras, eagles and owls, mini goats, anteaters and sloths.
Plus, learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts and its role in restocking the American Great Plains with bison in the early 20th century.
All this and more are included with your Bronx Zoo tickets!
The Bronx Zoo ticket also includes
- Admission to the Bronx Zoo
- Unlimited access to the Zoo Shuttle, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Zoo, Wild Asia Monorail, and other rides and attractions (subject to seasonality)
- Animal feeding and encounters
Bronx Zoo ticket prices
| Age | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (13+ years) | $34 |
| Child ticket (3 to 12 years) | $24 |
| Infant ticket (0 to 3 years) | Free entry |
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lighting tickets
Annually, Bronx Zoo puts up a Holiday Lighting Show in the zoo.
The show runs from Halloween to New Year’s Week.
During this time, you can enjoy light shows, festive treats, seasonal specialties, a holiday train and music shows.
If you wish to try the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lighting Show, then you need to get a separate ticket.
This ticket included entry only to the show and not the zoo.
The Bronx Zoo Lighting Show ticket costs $42 for visitors over 13 years of age.
Children between three and 12 years pay $30 for lighting show admission.
Bronx Zoo Combination tickets
Are you planning to visit multiple attractions in New York City? Then it is the combination tickets are your perfect match.
Combination tickets offer discounted entry to Bronx Zoo and another NYC attraction.
Well-traveled tourists often opt for Bronx Zoo Combo tickets for two reasons:
- 10% discounted entry to individual attractions when bought in combo
- This is the best way to explore nearby attractions without going through two separate ticket lines.
Here are some of the best Bronx Zoo Combo Tickets:
Bronx Zoo opening time
The Bronx Zoo typically opens at 10 am and closes at 5.30 pm, but these times may vary depending on the season.
Zoo timings from 4 November 2023 to 28 March 2024
| Part of the zoo | Daily |
|---|---|
| Zoo timing | 10 am to 4.30 pm |
| Animal exhibits timing | 10 am to 4 pm |
Zoo timings from 28 March to 2 November 2024
| Part of the Zoo | Monday to Friday | Weekends & Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Zoo timing | 10 am to 5 pm | 10 am to 5.30 pm |
| Animal exhibits timing | 10 am to 4.30 pm | 10 am to 5 pm |
The zoo’s last admission is 45 minutes before the park closes.
The animal exhibits will close 30 minutes before the park closes, and the line for the exhibit may close earlier if there is a wait time exceeding 30 minutes.
The Bug Carousel and Nature Trek will be open until the park closes.
Best time to visit Bronx Zoo
The best time to visit Bronx Zoo is in the morning at 10 am when the Zoo starts opening up.
The animals are most active at this time, and it is the best time to visit if you wish to interact with them.
The best time to visit the zoo during the day is the morning or late afternoon, when the animals are most active, drinking water, playing, or napping in the shade.
For a peaceful and quiet visit, plan your trip during the weekdays rather than weekends.
The Bronx Zoo is open year-round, with the best time to visit in the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and animals are more active.
The busiest time is usually from late May through mid-July.
If you’d like to avoid the crowds, consider visiting the zoo in early spring or fall.
How to reach Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is at 2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10460, United States.
It can be reached through public transport and car.
By Subway
The nearest subway station is Bronx Zoo, E 180 St, a 9-minute away.
By Bus
The closest bus stations and their distance from the Bronx Zoo
| Station Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Southern Bl/E 187 St | 11 min walk |
| Crotona Av/E 183 St | 26 min walk |
| Fordham Rd @ Southern Blvd | 32 min walk |
| East Fordham Road 638-694 | 33 min walk |
| Bronx River Pky/Boston Rd | 45 min walk |
By Car
Zoo has two main parking lots, one on Southern Boulevard and the other near the Bronx River Parkway.
If you want to get to the zoo by car, enter the address into your GPS: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, for the Southern Boulevard entrance.
Or the Bronx River Parkway and Boston Road, Bronx, NY 10460 intersection for the Bronx River entrance.
Book Bronx Zoo tickets online to avoid long waiting lines and escape last-minute disappointments.
What to see at Bronx Zoo
Visitors to the Bronx Zoo will have a fantastic time exploring one of the largest zoos in the United States.
It is renowned for its wide variety of educational and entertaining exhibits that showcase animals from all over the world, such as
- African Plains
- Congo Gorilla Forest
- Big Bears
- the Butterfly Garden
- Tiger Mountain
- Jungle World
- World of Reptiles and more
There are also many fun activities, such as the Bug Carousel, Nature Trek, and Zoo Shuttle.
All animal exhibits are presented in a “naturalistic setting” so you can observe the animals without cages.
With over 4,000 animals, there is sure to be a favorite for everyone in the family.
Take advantage of the fantastic experience of a visit to the Bronx Zoo.
6 unique displays at the Bronx Zoo that you should not miss out on!
The Bronx Zoo contains an astonishing array of over 6,000 species across 265 acres, so there is much to see, but here are six attractions you should not miss:
Children’s Zoo
The Children’s Zoo is open seasonally and is perfect for youngsters, providing an opportunity to get close to smaller animals like
- A giant anteater
- Prairie dogs
- Asloth
- Alpacas
- A farmyard with sheep
- Goats
- Donkeys
Additionally, some of these animals can be fed by children, which is an exciting reward after looking at them from a distance.
Congo Gorilla Forest
Experiencing the gorillas at the Bronx Zoo is a real treat, with them coming up to the glass, interacting with each other, and studying you.
Furthermore, the Bronx Zoo is a significant supporter of conservation projects around the globe.
Butterfly Garden
Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the Butterfly Garden!
Butterfly Garden is a seasonal exhibit that features a picturesque country garden with a conservatory full of fluttering butterflies, lovely flowers, and a koi pond.
Bug Carousel
You and your kid can have a blast on the insect-shaped seats where your kid can have a ride on the insect.
This enjoyable ride can make your family’s visit to the zoo more enjoyable.
Wild Asia Monorail
You won’t want to pass up the opportunity to ride the monorail!
You’ll get to experience the thrill of the ride and learn about the animals in the zoo from a tour guide, like
- Red pandas
- Elephants
- Rhinos
that can only be seen from the monorail.
Wheelchairs up to 26 inches wide are permitted, but strollers are not.
Check out the monorail if you’re looking for a unique seasonal experience!
Nature Trek
With this climbing structure, you can explore the zoo from a different perspective, complete with tunnels, rope bridges, and more.
You can even take a break in a human-sized bird nest!
For safety, wear sneakers, and there is an area with ramps that those in a wheelchair can use.
This activity is suitable for visitors aged three and above, with children needing to be accompanied by an adult.
Bronx Zoo highlights
The Bronx Zoo is home to many exciting star attractions. Here is the list of attractions
African Plains: This is the largest open-air exhibit at the zoo and is a recreation of the African savanna.
It is home to various animals, including lions, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and ostriches.
Congo Gorilla Forest: This exhibit is home to a large family of gorillas, including an infant gorilla born in 2019.
Visitors can observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
Tiger Mountain: This exhibit is a recreation of a Southeast Asian rainforest.
It is home to Sumatran tigers, Malayan tapirs, siamangs, and sun bears.
Madagascar: This exhibit is a recreation of the Island of Madagascar.
Visitors can observe lemurs, radiated tortoises, hissing cockroaches, and more.
Children’s Zoo: This exhibit is designed to be fun and educational for children.
It features a petting zoo, interactive exhibits, and a variety of animals, such as goats, sheep, and rabbits.
Sea Lion Pool: This popular exhibit features a large pool of sea lions.
Visitors can observe these playful animals as they swim, play, and interact with each other.
World of Birds: This exhibit is home to various birds worldwide.
It features over 200 species of birds, including toucans, parrots, and many more.
Butterfly Garden: This exhibit is home to hundreds of butterflies worldwide.
Visitors can observe these delicate creatures as they flutter around the garden.
The Bronx Zoo vs the Central Park Zoo: Which Zoo to Visit?
The Bronx and Central Park Zoo are two famous New York City zoos with interesting similarities and differences.
The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the United States, spanning 265 acres.
It first opened to the public in 1899 and is managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Home to over 4,000 animals representing 650 different species, the Bronx Zoo receives around 2 million visitors annually.
Exhibits at the zoo include lions and tigers, tropical birds, a Congo Gorilla Forest and a monorail, a children’s zoo, and a 4-D theater.
The highlight of the zoo is the “Wild Asia” exhibit with tigers, elephants, rhinos, and red pandas in large natural habitats.
With such massive grounds, the Bronx Zoo has the space for these expansive animal habitats and immersive visitor experiences.
In contrast, the Central Park Zoo is much smaller at just 6.5 acres.
As its name would suggest, it is located entirely within the boundaries of Central Park.
First established in the 1860s as a menagerie, the Central Park Zoo was rebuilt in the mid-1980s.
It features exhibits focusing on rainforest, polar, and temperate zone wildlife, including snow leopards, penguins, grizzly bears, and various monkeys and tropical birds.
With only around 130 species and 1,400 individual animals, the Central Park Zoo is suited to more intimate wildlife encounters. Its compact size lends a quaint neighborhood scale.
Accessibility is a major advantage, as the Central Park Zoo can readily be visited in the afternoon for those already touring Central Park versus a full-day trek to the Bronx.
While the Bronx Zoo offers larger, more spectacular exhibits and overall collections, the Central Park Zoo makes up for its size with charm, location convenience, and unique close-up animal experiences.
Visitors to New York would be well-served if they checked out both zoos for a full range of what zoos in the city have to offer.
The highlights and layouts may be quite different, but the two zoos share a mission of conservation, education, and fondness for the world’s amazing creatures.
FAQ’s about Bronx Zoo
1. How much are Bronx Zoo tickets?
The Bronx Zoo entry ticket cost varies depending on age. For Adults aged 13 and over, the admission fee is $34.
Children aged three to 12 have an admission fee of $24.
Kids below three years old enter for free. Strollers are free, and seniors 65+ can get reduced tickets onsite.
Additionally, free wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pets are not allowed, except guide dogs.
2. How long does it take to see everything at the Bronx Zoo?
The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world, with over 6,000 animals, a zoo-wide monorail, and a wide variety of exhibits and activities.
It can take a whole day to experience all of the zoo’s attractions.
Given the size and scope of the Bronx Zoo, the average visit can last anywhere from two to three hours.
However, if you want to experience everything the zoo offers, you may need to plan for a full day to see everything.
3. Which is bigger, Bronx Zoo or the Central Park Zoo?
The Bronx Zoo is much larger than the Central Park Zoo.
The Bronx Zoo covers 265 acres, while the Central Park Zoo covers only 6.5 acres.
The Bronx Zoo has more than 4,000 animals and 600 species, while the Central Park Zoo has only 750 animals and 130 species.
The Bronx Zoo has more attractions and amenities than the Central Park Zoo, including a 4-D theater, monorail, carousel, Children’s Zoo, and more.
4. What time does the Bronx Zoo close?
The Bronx Zoo closes at 5 pm from Monday to Friday and at 5.30 pm on weekends and holidays.
Animal exhibits close at 4.30 pm from Monday to Friday and at 5 pm during weekends and holidays.
5. What animals are at the Bronx Zoo?
The Bronx Zoo is a world-renowned wildlife sanctuary and one of the largest urban zoos in the United States.
It houses over 4,000 animals of more than 650 species, ranging from mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, Insects, primates, and small mammals.
6. What are Bronx Zoo star attractions?
The Bronx Zoo has many star attractions, such as
– The Bug Carousel
– Butterfly Garden
– Children’s Zoo
– Congo Gorilla Forest
– JungleWorld
– Nature Trek
– Wild Asia Monorail
– Zoo Shuttle
These attractions are included in the Zoos PLUS, Land & Sea, and Conservation levels.
7. Can you bring food to Bronx Zoo?
It is possible to bring food with you to the Bronx Zoo. However, the Bronx Zoo offers several options and amenities for food and drinks.
There are various places to eat, including the Dancing Crane Café, which offers boxed lunches, snacks, and beverages.
Additionally, picnic areas and tables are located throughout the park, where visitors can bring and enjoy their own food.
When bringing food to the zoo, please abide by the posted rules in exhibits where food and drink are prohibited.
8. Does Bronx Zoo have parking?
The Bronx Zoo has two parking lots, one at the Bronx River Gate entrance and the other at the Southern Boulevard Gate entrance.
9. Is the Bronx Zoo worth it?
The Bronx Zoo is home to thousands of animals and award-winning exhibitions and is also part of an integrated system of four zoos and one aquarium managed by (WCS).
This means a wide variety of activities and educational opportunities are available at the zoo.
Furthermore, the Bronx Zoo is accessible to visitors of all ages, making it a great spot for families or anyone looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.
10. Does Bronx Zoo offer free admission?
On Wednesdays, limited admission is free all day, but advance-timed tickets are required.
Visitors must reserve their tickets in advance through the Wednesday Ticket Store, which opens on Monday at 5 pm, to get free admission for that Wednesday.
11. Do you have to buy tickets for Bronx Zoo ahead of time?
Yes, it is recommended that you buy tickets for the Bronx Zoo ahead of time.
If you buy tickets online, you can save time and money.
Tickets can be purchased online up to three days in advance.
When you buy tickets online, you can also choose the date and time of your visit.
Other zoos to visit in North America
Featured Image: Nypost.com