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Fun activities and zoos

You prefer your weekend outings to involve a walk through the exhibits rather than just sitting still.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Children's Zoo image 1
Children's Zoo image 2
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Small farm area invites close interaction with friendly animals safe for toddlers, complemented by petting zoo and climbing play areas. Calm ponds host ducks, geese, and turtles, creating a simple, magical atmosphere. Layout ends with small mammal and snake viewing, making it ideal for young children.

Children's Zoo offers family-friendly fun with activities that keep kids engaged and entertained. It provides a safe, interactive environment for children to explore and enjoy.

The Children's Zoo offers close views of cute animals and a petting zoo with farm animals. It includes climbing and play areas plus tunnels to crawl through, making it a fun spot for kids.

People are saying

"The Children's Zoo is a charming place for kids to see animals."

"The Children's Zoo is a charming place for kids to get up close with animals."

"It's a fun, family-friendly activity to get up close with animals."

Good to know

1

Visitors should bring quarters to buy pellets for feeding the animals.

2

I recommend buying tickets in advance to save money.

3

You should wash your hands after petting the animals.

02
Staten Island Zoo image 1

Zoo features lush greenery and thoughtfully designed exhibits that create an enchanting atmosphere with plenty of shade and benches. It offers family-friendly activities like a carousel, petting zoo, and interactive animal presentations. The layout feels like walking through a park, providing a peaceful and safe environment for visitors.

Lots of fun activities suit all ages. The tropical fish exhibit is huge and enjoyable. Diverse animals and well-maintained exhibits keep the day engaging.

Free admission after 2pm on Wednesdays makes visiting easy on the budget. The zoo features a reptile exhibit with rare animals like the Amur leopard and a carousel for kids. The layout is compact, so walking is minimal and suitable for young children.

People are saying

"It's a super cute small zoo, you can see everything in a couple hours."

"It's so fun for kids; my son loved the otters!"

"It's a fun place for family and kids."

Good to know

1

Admission is free on Wednesdays after 2 PM, but it gets crowded.

2

Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children.

3

Only cash is accepted for payments at the zoo.

03
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.

Small size keeps kids energized and engaged without tiring them out. The Barn section offers interactive fun where visitors can pet and feed animals using purchased feedings.

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."

"It's a small zoo, easy to explore in a couple of hours."

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.

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.

Watching gorillas offers a fun and engaging experience. The monorail ride adds an extra layer of enjoyment to a day filled with educational and memorable activities suitable for all ages.

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 had so much fun here with my kids."

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.

Feeding the sea lions around 4 pm draws a crowd and adds excitement. The sea lion show offers a fun and well-done experience. Activities for kids keep families entertained throughout.

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's compact size makes for easy and enjoyable fun activities."

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
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.

Kids enjoy feeding the animals and pumpkin picking. The Easter egg hunt adds extra fun for families.

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!"

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

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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