Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10460
~$29 – $38
A Wild Escape in the Heart of New York City
If you find yourself in the heart of New York City looking to spend a brilliant day that involves the whole family, get ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure through one of the world’s most renowned zoological parks: the Bronx Zoo.
Spanning over 265 acres of lush parkland, the Bronx Zoo is a global leader in wildlife conservation and a cornerstone of New York City history. Home to more than 6,000 animals across 700 species, this flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) offers an immersive journey from the African Plains to the Himalayan Highlands.
Why the Bronx Zoo is a Global Landmark
While New York is a concrete jungle, the Bronx Zoo provides a real one. It was one of the first zoos in the world to move away from cages and into “naturalistic habitats,” where the barriers (like deep moats) are often invisible to the eye.
Congo Gorilla Forest
Widely considered the best zoo exhibit in the world, this 6.5-acre tropical rainforest is home to a massive troop of Western Lowland Gorillas. It is a fully immersive experience where you walk through mist-covered trails to see okapis, red river hogs, and mandrills before meeting the gorillas behind floor-to-ceiling glass.
Tiger Mountain & Himalayan Highlands
- Tiger Mountain: Get nose-to-nose with majestic Siberian (Amur) tigers. The exhibit focuses on how the WCS protects these big cats in the wild.
- Himalayan Highlands: Home to the elusive Snow Leopards. This rocky, elevated terrain is one of the most successful breeding facilities for these “ghosts of the mountains.”
The Wild Asia Monorail (Seasonal)
From May to October, don’t miss the monorail. It is the only way to see many of the zoo’s largest residents, including Asian elephants, Indian rhinoceroses, and wild horses, as you glide over the Bronx River and through the forest.
Also make sure to not miss out on the Butterfly Garden – a serene oasis filled with fluttering wings and vibrant blooms. After you step inside, you will immediately be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors, as countless species of butterflies start dancing around you.
2-in-1 Deal: Bronx Zoo & New York Botanical Garden
Visit two amazing New York attractions with just a single ticket! This 2-in-1 pass allows you to explore the botanical garden’s 250-acre green expanse of diverse plants and flowers, and also enables you to get up close and personal with the over 600 species at the Bronx Zoo.
Pro-Tips for a Successful Visit
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will likely walk 3–5 miles. If your legs get tired, use the Zoo Shuttle to hop between the major gates.
- Meet the Sea Lions: Head to Astor Court (the historic heart of the zoo) at 11:00 AM or 3:00 PM for the daily sea lion feedings. It is a nostalgic NYC experience dating back to 1899.
- Eco-Friendly Dining: The Dancing Crane Cafe offers various options, but you are also welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy at designated tables near the Bronx River.
- Download the App: The zoo’s interactive map is essential for navigating the 265 acres and checking real-time “Keeper Chat” schedules.
The “Wednesday Secret”: How to Visit for Free
The Bronx Zoo Free Wednesday program is one of New York City’s most popular budget travel hacks. However, it isn’t as simple as just showing up at the gate. To successfully navigate a “Free Wednesday,” you need to know the rules of the 2026 reservation system.
You cannot get free tickets at the zoo entrance. All Wednesday tickets must be reserved in advance through the official Bronx Zoo website. The “Wednesday Ticket Store” opens every Monday at 5:00 PM for the upcoming Wednesday.
These tickets are high-demand and often sell out within hours (or even minutes during school breaks). Set a reminder on your phone for 4:55 PM on Monday to secure your spot. When booking for Wednesday, you will see two options. It is crucial to understand the difference so you aren’t disappointed upon arrival:
Wednesday Limited Admission (FREE)
This covers your entry to the park and access to all general exhibits (like the African Plains, Tiger Mountain, and Sea Lion Pool). However, it does not include “Star Attractions.”
Wednesday Admission (Discounted)
This is a paid, deeply discounted all-inclusive ticket. It grants you entry plus unlimited access to all premium Star Attractions available that day. If you want to see the gorillas and ride the monorail, this is often the better value.
What exactly are star attractions, we hear you asking? The star attractions include:
- Congo Gorilla Forest
- JungleWorld
- Wild Asia Monorail (Seasonal)
- Butterfly Garden (Seasonal)
- Children’s Zoo (Seasonal)
- Bug Carousel & Nature Trek
If you choose the completely free ticket, you can still visit premium exhibits by paying an individual fee at the attraction entrance (typically $7 per person, per attraction).
Is the Bronx Zoo Worth a Visit?
Yes, a visit to the Bronx Zoo is absolutely worth it. The zoo is a world-class institution that successfully balances entertainment with a deep mission for animal welfare. It is a breath of fresh air — literally — and a must-visit for families and nature lovers visiting New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very different! Central Park Zoo is small and can be seen in an hour. The Bronx Zoo is a full-day destination. If you want to see big animals like gorillas, tigers, and bison, the Bronx is the clear winner.
Take the 2 or 5 train to East 180th Street. From there, it’s a short walk to the Asia Gate entrance. For an ADA-accessible route, take the 2 train to Pelham Parkway.
Yes! Single and double strollers are available for rent at most entrances. Note that strollers are not allowed inside some indoor exhibits (like Congo Gorilla Forest) and must be left in designated “Stroller Parking” areas.
More Things to do in the Bronx
Entry Tickets to Bronx Zoo
Spend a day with the amazing animals at Bronx Zoo. Your online ticket assures no long wait times at the ticket booth.
From
$28.95
for adults
