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Zoos

Central Park Zoo Tickets

Penguin standing on rocks at Central Park Zoo.
Snow leopard crouching at Central Park Zoo.
Keel-billed toucan perched at Central Park Zoo enclosure.
Sea lions swimming in Central Park Zoo exhibit, New York City, with visitors watching.

Open today

10:00am - 5:30pm

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like
4.4/5(154)

Darquin S

Couple
Verified booking
Jan 2026
It's a very welcoming experience. The place is very clean and the animals look healthy. I liked the entrance, seeing the very cute seals, and the penguins too, but my favorite part was the tropical area where the birds are. It's a warm place full of tropical species and plants. The birds fly over you, you're right next to them. All the species there are very beautiful. I really enjoyed my visit to the Central Park Zoo.

Emma P

Family
Verified booking
Nov 2025
This was a perfect way to spend a half day in NYC with a five year old. It's easy to navigate seeing everything by just going in a circle. The indoor aviary had beautiful birds and served as a respite from the cold. I wondered if the chilly December day meant the animals were more active, as opposed to being sluggish on a hot day (??) ...since the animals are snow monkeys, a snow leopard, and grizzly bears. It was a great way to spend a cold day outdoors!

Claire C

Couple
Verified booking
Nov 2025
Lovely little zoo and got to see all the animals! Often when I visit zoos the animals are hiding . Loved the bears ! Loads of little extras for the little ones to enjoy too.

Mary B

Family
Verified booking
Nov 2025
The zoo in Central Park was the perfect pit stop with our 5 year old as we were adventuring through the park. The sea lions and penguins were a big hit!! Highly recommend!!

Bruno L

Couple
Verified booking
Nov 2025
I really enjoyed visiting the Central Park Zoo, it’s clean, well-organized, and the animals look well cared for. The atmosphere is great for families and the location right in the heart of the park makes it even better. I just wish there were a few more animals and exhibits to explore; the visit felt a bit short. Overall, it’s a lovely experience and definitely worth checking out!
    • 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.

    • Entry to Central Park Zoo

    • 1 entry to 4D Theater show

    • Access to the following exhibits:

      • Allison Maher Stern Snow Leopard

      • Central Garden & Sea Lion Pool

      • Grizzly Bear & Treena’s Overlook

      • Polar Circle

      • Temperate Territory

      • Tisch Children’s Zoo

      • Tropic Zone: The Rainforest

  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • 154 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

    113
    18
    9
    4
    10
    United Kingdom
    Costa Rica
    Mexico
    Poland
    Brazil
    Australia
    Italy
    Canada
    Dominican Republic
    Germany
    United Kingdom
    Costa Rica
    Mexico
    Poland
    Brazil
    Australia
    Italy
    Canada
    Dominican Republic
    Germany
    Guests from United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 23 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Sheila S

    Family
    Verified booking
    3 weeks ago
    The Sea Lions of course was the best. I wish the show was longer. The Zoo needs more funding for the Tropical Zone.

    Paola N

    Group
    Verified booking
    Last week
    El ambiente muy acogedor me gustó todo lo que pudimos apreciar

    Pamela Z

    Family
    Verified booking
    Mar 2026
    It worked amazing and the zoo experience was the best.

    Filippo B

    Family
    Verified booking
    Feb 2026
    The visit was very enjoyable. The park was extremely well maintained, the animals were well cared for, and the staff were very polite.

    Mr Philip J

    Group
    Verified booking
    Feb 2026
    Loved the seals very funny . Disappointed not to see the red pandas penguins amazing ...
  • Discover a world of wildlife in the heart of Manhattan at Central Park Zoo, a compact yet immersive attraction perfect for families, animal lovers, and first-time visitors to New York City.

    Getting started

    Enter the zoo with your ticket and explore at your own pace. Thanks to its central location within Central Park, the zoo is easy to fit into your day, whether you’re planning a quick visit or pairing it with a walk through the park.

    What to expect

    Explore diverse animal habitats

    Central Park Zoo brings together animals from around the globe in thoughtfully designed exhibits. Spot snow leopards in the Allison Maher Stern Snow Leopard habitat, watch sea lions glide through the Central Garden pool, and observe grizzly bears from Treena’s Overlook. Visit the Polar Circle to see penguins thrive in icy conditions, explore the Temperate Territory, and step into the lush Tropic Zone rainforest filled with colorful birds and reptiles.

    Features

    • Wildlife habitats in the heart of Manhattan: Explore thoughtfully designed exhibits featuring animals from around the world, including snow leopards, grizzly bears, penguins, red pandas, and tropical birds, all set within Central Park.

    • Penguin & sea lion feedings: Watch penguins and sea lions during scheduled feeding times as zookeepers share interesting facts and insights about their behavior.

    • Immersive 4-D theater experience: Enjoy a short wildlife film enhanced with sensory effects like motion and sound, adding an exciting, interactive layer to your visit.

    • Tisch Children’s Zoo: A hands-on space for younger visitors, where kids can meet friendly farm animals and learn about wildlife in an approachable setting.

    • Compact & family-friendly layout: The zoo’s manageable size makes it easy to explore without feeling rushed, ideal for families, first-time visitors, and those short on time.

  • Central Park Zoo

    Monday10:00am - 5:00pm
    Tuesday10:00am - 5:00pm
    Wednesday10:00am - 5:00pm
    Thursday10:00am - 5:00pm
    Friday10:00am - 5:00pm
    Saturday10:00am - 5:30pm
    Sunday10:00am - 5:30pm
  • What to bring

    • Your valid ticket (digital or printed) for entry.

    • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the zoo and nearby Central Park paths.

    • Weather-appropriate clothing, as most areas are outdoors.

    • A camera or smartphone to capture animal sightings and scenic views.

    What’s not allowed

    • Outside food and beverages may be restricted inside certain areas.

    • Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

    • Drones, tripods, and professional photography equipment are not allowed without prior approval.

    • Smoking and vaping are prohibited throughout the zoo grounds.

    Accessibility

    • The zoo is wheelchair accessible, with paved pathways throughout most areas.

    • Accessible restrooms are available on-site.

    • Strollers are allowed, though some indoor or narrow exhibit spaces may have limited access.

    Additional information

    • The 4-D Theater includes effects such as motion, loud sounds, fog, and flashing lights and may not be suitable for guests with sensory sensitivities or certain medical conditions.

    • No storage lockers are available on-site, so travel light.

    • Children should be supervised by an adult at all times.

    • Feeding times and experiences are subject to change based on animal care needs and weather conditions.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

    • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

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