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Zoos in parks in New York

Made for those who want to spend their afternoon wandering through animal exhibits and green spaces alike.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Bronx Park image 1
Bronx Park image 2
Bronx Park image 3
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City park

Urban park spans 250 acres with wooded trails along a river and includes playgrounds and fitness areas. Atmosphere shifts between peaceful, shaded forest sections and areas affected by street noise. Popular for family outings with many resting spots and well-maintained grounds.

Large green space offers several trails along the river and multiple fitness areas. The park includes a zoo with many animals, a dinosaur park, playgrounds, and organized food and recreation spots.

A large zoo with many animals, a bird park, and a dinosaur park offers plenty of indoor exhibits featuring giraffes, monkeys, butterflies, and birds. The grounds stay clean and well maintained, making it a great place to spend the day.

People are saying

"It's a fun, kid-friendly place for families."

"I found it to be a nice, quiet, and peaceful forest area."

"The parks here are beautiful and serene."

Good to know

1

Tuesdays are free to visit Bronx Park, but it gets crowded, so arrive early.

2

Parking costs $20 per vehicle at Bronx Park.

3

The monorail offers a personalized tour with fun facts about the park.

02
Prospect Park Zoo image 1

Free roaming peacocks and a petting zoo create an interactive, relaxed atmosphere. Trails wind through well-designed enclosures blending into natural surroundings. The vibe stays easygoing with comfortable walking and minimal crowds.

A small zoo sits within a well-kept park filled with exotic animals and wandering peacocks. The park offers a walkable, shaded space with a carousel and playground, making it great for kids under six.

Small size makes it easy to explore with over 150 animals and 400 species on display. Exhibits mix indoor and outdoor placements with well-maintained pens and knowledgeable staff.

People are saying

"It's a nice, small zoo, perfect for young kids."

"You've got to see the puppet show at these parks; it's surprisingly good."

"The bathrooms here are surprisingly clean."

Good to know

1

Buy tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.

2

The sea lion show occurs two to three times daily, depending on the season.

3

Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children aged 3 to 12.

03
Brookhaven Ecology Site image 1

Ecological park offers large playgrounds, two clean pools, and a petting zoo that attract families with children. The atmosphere stays low-key and relaxed, with shaded seating and picnic areas encouraging socializing. Walking paths and outdoor gym equipment provide options for fitness and leisure.

Playground and animals stand out with well cared for wildlife and a great play area. The park offers a fitness trail, picnic spots, and a pool, all accessible with a parking pass.

Small and well maintained, the zoo offers a cute farm zoo and petting zoo experience. It has more animals than expected and suits young children perfectly.

People are saying

"It's really kid friendly, especially the animals and playground."

"I saw many animals at the parks, and they seemed well cared for."

"It's a cute farm zoo, perfect for young children."

Good to know

1

The parking meter allows payment for only 1 hour or 4 hours.

2

There was no charge to park before May 1st.

3

The parking fee is reasonable considering free park access.

04
Bronx Zoo image 1

Open enclosures create naturalistic habitats that immerse visitors in animal environments. Spacious grounds feature continental-themed sections with manicured landscapes and distinctive architecture. Attractions like the Wild Asia Monorail and interactive exhibits add variety to the experience.

Opening early helps cover the park's large size. The park feels safe for visitors and includes various animal enclosures to explore.

A family-friendly zoo with a long history of visitors across generations. It offers an educational and fun experience that many find memorable and worth returning to.

People are saying

"I thought the Zoo was beautiful and an amazing place."

"You'll need walking shoes for this huge outdoor space."

"I found this park to be an amazing experience for families."

Good to know

1

Wednesdays are free general admission days at the Bronx Zoo.

2

On Wednesdays, I can get free admission from 5 PM if I purchase the ticket online.

3

The penguin feedings are at 3:30 PM.

05
Central Park Zoo image 1

Small zoo nestled among tall city buildings offers intimate animal encounters and beautifully maintained grounds. Crowded exhibits create close views but can feel cramped for animals. Interactive areas like the rainforest walk and children's petting zoo provide engaging experiences.

Beautifully designed enclosures blend into the natural park surroundings, creating a peaceful stroll experience. The zoo sits within a breathtaking skyline setting and remains incredibly well-kept and clean.

Well maintained enclosures showcase a variety of animals in a compact, accessible setting. A petting zoo nearby adds an interactive element, making it suitable for families and solo visits alike.

People are saying

"I found the zoo to be surprisingly small."

"The 4D movie experience here is pretty cool and fun."

"The zoo is small, clean, and easy to enjoy."

Good to know

1

The sea lion feeding happens several times a day and is both entertaining and educational.

2

Make sure to attend the feeding of sea lions, which happens at 10:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm.

3

The dolphin feeding time is around 2:30 PM.

06
Trailside Museums & Zoo image 1

Zoo combines natural scenery with historic ruins and scenic river views. Atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxing with few people around and well-maintained paths. Small collection of rescued animals lives in close enclosures, making it a compact, educational spot for families.

Trailside Museums and Zoo offers a small, informative stop with exhibits on various species' habitats. Connected to the larger park, it provides beautiful trails for quiet walks and easy access to hiking spots like Fort Montgomery.

Small size makes it easy to walk around and see animals. The zoo offers educational exhibits and nice views of the river. Admission is donation-only, keeping it accessible for families.

People are saying

"I loved the zoo's wildlife sanctuary and its rescue animals."

"It's a great, inexpensive, educational place for kids to explore."

"I loved walking through the woods and seeing the animals at this park."

Good to know

1

The zoo is donation-only, with a suggested minimum of $1.

2

Parking costs $10 year-round.

3

The zoo is clean and well-maintained.

07
Holtsville Wildlife & Ecology Center image 1

Park combines extensive walking track with a spacious playground and picnic areas under covered tables. Atmosphere stays calm and peaceful despite occasional loud music from an ice cream truck. Visitors include families enjoying animal exhibits and outdoor activities in a well-manicured setting.

A large playground offers many activities for children of all ages with plenty of benches and shade nearby. Picnic tables spread throughout the area support family time, and seniors can park for free.

Extensive and easy to walk, the zoo offers a friendly atmosphere with well-cared-for animals. It stays very clean and supports disabled animals, making it different from typical zoos.

People are saying

"It's a fun, educational park for families with lots of animals."

"It's a great Kid Friendly place to bring children and experience rescue animals."

"I found the zoo great for keeping the kids occupied."

Good to know

1

Admission is free with a Brookhaven town permit; otherwise, meter parking is required.

2

Seniors can park for free with a senior driver's license.

3

The center hosts a Christmas event with beautiful decorations each year.

08
Animal Farm Petting Zoo image 1

Petting zoo offers interactive animal experiences with baby chicks, goats, and ponies to feed and hold. Multiple playgrounds and a small train ride create a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Grounds feel clean and well organized with picnic areas enhancing the welcoming vibe.

Multiple playgrounds cater to kids of all ages and are fenced for safety. The park features a train ride, pony rides, and hands-on animal interactions like feeding and holding rabbits.

Children can pet baby rabbits and chickens in the nursery and ride ponies. The zoo offers many hand washing stations and feels small and interactive compared to large formal zoos.

People are saying

"It's a great kid-friendly place where you can pet and feed the animals."

"The zoo is perfect for younger kids and a fun day out."

"It's a great place with animal farms and playgrounds for kids."

Good to know

1

Parking is free, but non-residents may face restrictions during peak hours.

2

Admission costs about $65 for tickets and activities.

3

Children can ride ponies for an extra $5.

09
Bear Mountain Inn image 1

Historical lodge offers spectacular mountain and lake views with a cozy, old lodge feel and wood fireplace. Surroundings include lush forests, a zoo, and family activities like hiking and tennis. Atmosphere blends relaxing Adirondack charm with modern comforts.

Beautiful setting with well-maintained trails and a variety of activities for kids. The park sits next to a massive pool at the neighboring State Park.

Animals stay visible and active throughout the day. The zoo offers a variety of species to see during visits.

People are saying

"The Hotel grounds are beautiful with a stunning lake and mountain backdrop."

"It's a beautiful place surrounded by lush forests and mountains."

"The inn offered a perfect combination of rustic charm and modern comfort."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $10 cash for events at the venue.

2

Expect loud parties until 10 pm on weekends.

3

The venue hosts a car show every Wednesday during summer.

10
White Post Farms of Melville image 1

Children's farm offers spacious grounds with friendly animals including giraffes and lorikeets that visitors can feed and pet. The atmosphere is safe and welcoming, with kid-friendly activities like pony rides, playgrounds, and magic shows. Open-air aviary and tractor rides add to the engaging experience.

A fantastic playground offers a great spot for kids to burn off energy. The park also includes a petting zoo and hosts seasonal events like pumpkin picking.

A mix of a petting zoo and animal exhibits offers close encounters, including seeing a giraffe up close. The setup is very kids friendly with a playground and seasonal events like pumpkin picking.

People are saying

"It's so Kid Friendly; the animals are awake and eager for attention."

"You can feed the goats and giraffes here; it's amazing."

"I loved petting the zoo animals; it was the best petting zoo."

Good to know

1

Admission is $30 in cash; no debit or credit cards accepted.

2

Parking is free and plentiful at the farm.

3

Children can feed the animals during designated times.

11
Green Meadows Farm New York image 1

Animal pens hold young cows, alpacas, goats, and sheep that visitors can feed with purchased lettuce. Wide open space includes picnic tables, kids' games, slides, and a large seating area for performances. The farm offers a petting zoo, children's activities, and a dinosaur show within a compact layout.

Grass and wood chips cover the ground, creating a natural feel but posing challenges for strollers and walkers with disabilities. A small farm area sits inside the park, adding a unique touch.

A petting zoo features seven animals like chickens, rabbits, pigs, cows, alpacas, and sheep. Visitors can interact closely with these farm animals.

People are saying

"It's a great place for kids with lots of fun activities."

"I loved the petting zoo; the animals were so friendly!"

"I loved feeding the animals at this park."

Good to know

1

Do not arrive late because the line gets very long.

2

The egg hunt lasts only 1-2 minutes.

3

Adults have to pay for a ticket to get inside even though only the children participate in the egg hunt.

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