Central Park Zoo
Check out this collection for an unforgettable day at Central Park Zoo, where you can explore various animal habitats, watch interactive feedings, and enjoy a thrilling 4-D movie experience.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Discover the wonders of Central Park Zoo, featuring incredible exhibits like the Allison Maher Stern Snow Leopard, the Grizzly Bear Overlook, the Sea Lion Pool, Polar Circle, and the Tropic Zone rainforest.
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Enjoy fun interactions with the animals during the Penguin and Sea Lion Feedings, where you can watch staff share cool facts while the animals get their meals.
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Check out the 4-D Theater for an exciting wildlife film experience, and then wander into the Tropic Zone to see colorful birds and reptiles in a lush setting.
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Bring the kids to the Tisch Children's Zoo to meet friendly farm animals, and don’t forget to stop by the Grizzly Bear Overlook for a great view of these impressive bears in action.
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Fun fact: Central Park Zoo opened in 1861 and was originally a menagerie with just a few animals. It has since evolved into a modern zoo.
More details
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Discover the wonders of Central Park Zoo, featuring incredible exhibits like the Allison Maher Stern Snow Leopard, the Grizzly Bear Overlook, the Sea Lion Pool, Polar Circle, and the Tropic Zone rainforest.
-
Enjoy fun interactions with the animals during the Penguin and Sea Lion Feedings, where you can watch staff share cool facts while the animals get their meals.
-
Check out the 4-D Theater for an exciting wildlife film experience, and then wander into the Tropic Zone to see colorful birds and reptiles in a lush setting.
-
Bring the kids to the Tisch Children's Zoo to meet friendly farm animals, and don’t forget to stop by the Grizzly Bear Overlook for a great view of these impressive bears in action.
-
Fun fact: Central Park Zoo opened in 1861 and was originally a menagerie with just a few animals. It has since evolved into a modern zoo.
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This combo ticket is perfect for families and people with curious children, with AMNH filled with galleries about the planet and the universe's history, and the Zoo providing experiences with animals from around the world.
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Enjoy flexible booking and choose to visit both attractions on the same day since they're only a short walk apart, or take your time and explore both at your own pace on separate days.
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Dive into over 40 galleries at the American Museum of Natural History, from massive dinosaur skeletons to the wonders of the universe, and halls tracing the evolution of human history.
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Enjoy the Central Park Zoo’s vibrant habitats, from penguins swimming in the Polar Circle to tropical birds in the lush rainforest.
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Save an additional 5% off with this combo ticket to add to your list of perks and make your itinerary a whole lot more fun!
More details
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This combo ticket is perfect for families and people with curious children, with AMNH filled with galleries about the planet and the universe's history, and the Zoo providing experiences with animals from around the world.
-
Enjoy flexible booking and choose to visit both attractions on the same day since they're only a short walk apart, or take your time and explore both at your own pace on separate days.
-
Dive into over 40 galleries at the American Museum of Natural History, from massive dinosaur skeletons to the wonders of the universe, and halls tracing the evolution of human history.
-
Enjoy the Central Park Zoo’s vibrant habitats, from penguins swimming in the Polar Circle to tropical birds in the lush rainforest.
-
Save an additional 5% off with this combo ticket to add to your list of perks and make your itinerary a whole lot more fun!
5% off
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Visit two NYC highlights just a quick walk apart, with the flexibility to see them both in one day or split them up however you like.
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At MoMA, you’ll encounter legendary pieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and more. You even get access to MoMA PS1’s bold, experimental exhibitions.
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Wander past penguins, sea lions, red pandas, and tropical birds, at Central Park Zoo. Don’t miss the daily feedings, and pop into the Tisch Children’s Zoo for fun, close-up animal moments.
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This combo is perfect if you want a mix of famous art and a peaceful wildlife escape, giving you a balanced, great-value NYC experience in one easy ticket.
More details
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Visit two NYC highlights just a quick walk apart, with the flexibility to see them both in one day or split them up however you like.
-
At MoMA, you’ll encounter legendary pieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and more. You even get access to MoMA PS1’s bold, experimental exhibitions.
-
Wander past penguins, sea lions, red pandas, and tropical birds, at Central Park Zoo. Don’t miss the daily feedings, and pop into the Tisch Children’s Zoo for fun, close-up animal moments.
-
This combo is perfect if you want a mix of famous art and a peaceful wildlife escape, giving you a balanced, great-value NYC experience in one easy ticket.
7% off
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Located just a mile away from each other, enhance your New York City experience with this convenient combo ticket.
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Book your tickets for the same day or on separate days with our flexible booking options.
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Experience culture and wildlife in one outing: Dive into the world of Broadway, discovering its history and what brings its productions to life, then explore global wildlife and their habitats for a truly enriching day.
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The Museum of Broadway is filled with immersive exhibits, rare memorabilia, original costumes, and everything about Broadway that has made it iconic.
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Central Park Zoo has many interactive experiences and wildlife exhibits such as the Allison Maher Stern Snow Leopard, Polar Circle, the Tropic Zone rainforest, and the Tisch Children's Zoo with friendly farm animals.
More details
-
Located just a mile away from each other, enhance your New York City experience with this convenient combo ticket.
-
Book your tickets for the same day or on separate days with our flexible booking options.
-
Experience culture and wildlife in one outing: Dive into the world of Broadway, discovering its history and what brings its productions to life, then explore global wildlife and their habitats for a truly enriching day.
-
The Museum of Broadway is filled with immersive exhibits, rare memorabilia, original costumes, and everything about Broadway that has made it iconic.
-
Central Park Zoo has many interactive experiences and wildlife exhibits such as the Allison Maher Stern Snow Leopard, Polar Circle, the Tropic Zone rainforest, and the Tisch Children's Zoo with friendly farm animals.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Similar things to do in New York
About Central Park Zoo
Small in size, big on charm, Central Park Zoo brings wildlife into the heart of NYC. With interactive exhibits, daily feedings, and a separate children's zoo, it’s a must-visit for families and curious minds alike.
The zoo is one of NYC’s oldest; its origins going all the way back to the 1860s.
Don’t let its size fool you. Central Park Zoo houses over 130 species in just 6.5 acres all right in the heart of Manhattan.
The sea lions are one of the most coveted attractions, owing to their lively personality and interactive feeding sessions.
It’s run by the Wildlife Conservation Society, which also manages the Bronx Zoo.
Its 4-D Theater adds extra oomph factor to short wildlife films with sensory & visual effects.
Why visit Central Park Zoo?
Plan your visit
Main Gate Entrance
Located at the corner of East 64th Street and Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10065. This is the primary zoo entry, with staffed ticket booths, touch-free turnstiles, restrooms, stroller rentals, and the on-site gift shop. Bright wayfinding signs guide you in from the Fifth Avenue sidewalk. Wheelchair-accessible pathways lead directly into the Central Garden.
Lexington Avenue Entrance (Alternate Route)
This entrance is accessible via the Lexington Avenue (6) train to 68th Street–Hunter College. Exit the station, walk west three blocks to Fifth Avenue, then south one block to 64th Street. Ideal for visitors coming from the Upper East Side, this entrance offers a quick, lightly trafficked approach. A sheltered ticket kiosk and accessible ramp are available here.
East Drive Park Entrance
Enter from Central Park’s East Drive between 63rd and 66th Streets (inside the park itself). Follow the paved park path past the Pond and under the arching oaks to the zoo’s interior gate. This quieter entrance features stroller parking, a gentle incline with handrails, and direct access to the Tisch Children’s Zoo via an adjacent pathway.
Open hours shift slightly by season.
Convenient, well-maintained restrooms are located throughout the zoo; near the Main Gate, Central Garden, Polar Circle, and Tisch Children’s Zoo. All are fully wheelchair-accessible.
Grab a bite at the Dancing Crane Café by the Intelligence Garden, offering sandwiches, salads, and kid-friendly meals. Sample ice cream and snacks from pop-up carts are also available near the Sea Lion Pool during warmer months.
Discover plush snow leopards, penguin-themed books, wildlife puzzles, and more at the Zootique. During peak season, a mobile gift cart adds extra shopping fun right on the zoo paths.
All buildings and primary pathways at Central Park Zoo are fully wheelchair-accessible. A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Admissions Building by the Main Gate.
Only ADA-recognized service animals are permitted.
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