Bronx Zoo Tours and Activities

Photo provided by NYC & Company, Inc
Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo
Photo provided by NYC & Company, Inc


Watch gorillas bathing and sea lions feeding at this extensive animal park, which brings the great wild to central New York. 

Delve into the intriguing lives of animals at the Bronx Zoo, one of the world’s largest urban animal parks. This exciting spot features rides, sideshows and animals in naturalistic landscapes for an unforgettable family outing.

The Bronx Zoo was founded in the 19th century and featured just over 800 animals and 22 exhibits. Today, the zoo has grown to over 6,000 animals living happily in spacious enclosures in 265 acres (107 hectares) inside Bronx Park.

Begin your wild experience at the African Plains exhibit, which features lions and herds of zebras and gazelles. Close by is the Baboon Reserve, where monkey families leap from rock to rock. Complete the African exploration at the “Madagascar!” exhibit, where you’ll see bushy-tailed lemurs and Nile crocodiles.

Watch feathery excitement at the World of Birds, an indoor walk-through aviary populated by colorful winged species. Aquatic birds and birds of prey can also be seen at separate nearby enclosures. Wander the World of Reptiles exhibit to see anacondas, turtles and poisonous frogs.

Take a ride on the Bug Carousel, which has seats themed on insect species throughout the globe. Afterward, experience the magical flutter of the Butterfly Garden, which features over 1,000 multi-colored insects. Take the kids to see friendly anteaters, sloths and goats at the Children’s Zoo.

Learn the story of Earth’s ice ages at the zoo’s 4-D movie theater, which enhances the experience with snow showers, mist and scents. Next door, watch sophisticated animal interactions at the Congo Gorilla Forest.

Ride on the Wild Asia Monorail through a 40-acre (16-hectare) enclosure that recreates Asian wallows and pastures. Look for tigers and rhinos among the trees. Afterwards, stop at the penguin and sea lion enclosures to watch their excitement during feeding time.

The Bronx Zoo is located on Southern Boulevard in New York’s Bronx Borough. Get here by bus or subway from the city. Eat at the Dancing Crane Café or several other dining spots. The park is open daily and charges admission.

Plan a trip to see Bronx Zoo

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Best Lodging Options Near Bronx Zoo

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Bronx NYC by IHG

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Bronx NYC by IHG

2.5 out of 5
4477 3RD AVENUE, Bronx, NY
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Bronx NYC by IHG
Royal Hotel Bronx

Royal Hotel Bronx

2 out of 5
3362 Boston Road, Bronx, NY
Royal Hotel Bronx
Highbridge Hotel

Highbridge Hotel

2 out of 5
1263 Edward L Grant Highway, Bronx, NY
Highbridge Hotel
Radio Hotel

Radio Hotel

4 out of 5
2420 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
Radio Hotel
Hotel MOCA NYC

Hotel MOCA NYC

2 out of 5
505 W 181st St, New York, NY
Hotel MOCA NYC
Opera House Hotel

Opera House Hotel

3 out of 5
436 East 149th Street, Bronx, NY
Opera House Hotel
Ly New York Hotel

Ly New York Hotel

2.5 out of 5
15-61 127th St, College Point, NY
Ly New York Hotel
voco Fiorello - LaGuardia East by IHG

voco Fiorello - LaGuardia East by IHG

4 out of 5
20-07 127th Street, College Point, NY
voco Fiorello - LaGuardia East by IHG
Executive Inn - Fort Lee

Executive Inn - Fort Lee

3.5 out of 5
2339 Route 4, Fort Lee, NJ
Executive Inn - Fort Lee
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Bronx Zoo

While visiting the Bronx Zoo, you can enjoy a variety of activities including a stroll through the Dreams Park, an engaging ecological tour, and the fascinating birds exhibit. There are also numerous family attractions to explore, along with the chance to participate in exciting animal feedings that will delight visitors of all ages. Make the most of your trip by immersing yourself in the zoo's vibrant atmosphere and offerings.

Shopping

During your visit to the Bronx Zoo, enjoy shopping at Macy's, located 14.5km away, and Tiffany & Co., just 12.9km away for some elegant gifts. If you're up for a drive, Westchester's Ridge Hill, also 12.9km away, offers a diverse shopping experience with family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

Catch a game at Yankee Stadium for an exhilarating sports experience, only 4.8km from the Bronx Zoo. For a touch of culture, enjoy a concert at Carnegie Hall, located 12.9km away. Unwind at SoJo Spa Club, 9.7km away, for luxurious treatments and ultimate relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrilling DreamWorks Water Park, located 16.1km from Bronx Zoo, offering family-friendly attractions and water adventures. For a tranquil outdoor escape, visit the Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, also 16.1km away. For climbing enthusiasts, the ExtraVertical Climbing Center, 12.9km away, provides exhilarating sports challenges.

Nightlife

After an exciting day at the Bronx Zoo, catch a show at the Apollo Theater for a dose of culture, or try your luck at Empire City Casino for some thrilling entertainment. For a cinematic experience, head to Broadway Theatre and enjoy a family-friendly film in a romantic setting.

Find the best attractions near Bronx Zoo

During your visit to Bronx Zoo, you can explore a variety of attractions including urban parks, art museums, and modern colleges, catering to cultural interests and family experiences. Don’t miss highlights like the expansive Bronx Zoo itself, the scenic Bronx Park, and the convenient Bronx Zoo stop. These points of interest offer a delightful mix of activities that will enrich your vacation experience in this vibrant area of New York.

  • Times Square: Experience the vibrant energy of Times Square, renowned for its dazzling lights and bustling atmosphere. This iconic square is a hub of entertainment, dining, and shopping, making it a must-visit destination for an unforgettable urban experience.
  • Central Park: Escape the city hustle and unwind in Central Park, a sprawling oasis perfect for family outings and outdoor activities. With its picturesque landscapes, walking paths, and recreational areas, it offers a serene retreat amidst the urban jungle.
  • Grand Central Terminal: Discover the architectural beauty and cultural significance of Grand Central Terminal. This historic landmark features stunning design elements and a bustling atmosphere, serving as a gateway to New York's rich history and vibrant transit system.

Best time to go to Bronx Zoo

The best time to visit Bronx Zoo is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bronx Zoo

To save money on your visit to the Bronx Zoo, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Times Square, Central Park, and Broadway. The best time to visit is between January and March for lower hotel rates, while Mondays tend to be the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, compare room rates, and filter for eco-friendly accommodations. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities can lead to significant savings through package deals. Always check for the best rates to maximise your budget while enjoying the Bronx Zoo and its surroundings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bronx Zoo are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Bronx Zoo about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bronx Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Bronx Zoo is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search feature enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your search results from the lowest to highest price, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near the Bronx Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.