Visiting Da Bronx Zoo!

Backyard adventure awaits.

There is something exciting and nostalgic about going to the zoo, exciting because it’s a wonderful opportunity to see and connect with animals and nature and nostalgic, well - because the zoo is a place we grew up seeing real animals since our childhood days. The Bronx Zoo opened its doors 120 years ago and is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States. It’s also the largest wildlife conservation park, home to 4,000 animals of more than 650 different species sprawled across 265 acres of land. Just 15 minutes from our homes, it’s a great ‘backyard adventure’ for the entire family.

We opted for basic entry tickets and wished we had gotten either the Full Experience Package or the annual pass. These two options are better priced for the full experience of the zoo and trust us, just adding three of the special exhibits onto the basic entry price pays for the Full Experience Package which we guarantee you’d enjoy more than the basic entry. We started off our day by seeing the Sea Lions feeding, then deciding it would be much more relaxing to see the animals from above on the Monorail Tour since it was a really hot day. We used the convenient Zoo Shuttle to get to the other end of the park to board the monorail which goes above the Asian wilderness area. Another benefit to using the monorail is tour guides pointing out the various kinds of deer, tigers, elephants and rhinos and telling their history as it relates to the zoo plus their conservation status across the world. Afterwards, we got lunch at the over-crowded Asia Plaza and made our way slowly back to our exit. Along the way, we stopped to check out the zebras, wild dogs and the flamingos. Neil is always happy to tell the story of why flamingos are pink since they’re abundant in his birth country and Annie found the tidbit interesting. She and Diya enjoyed seeing all of the peacocks strutting around the zoo with their tail feathers in full display.

We highly recommend a visit to the zoo, you'll be transported to the Himalayan Highlands, African Plains, Congo Forest and so much more within a few hours. Our half day out was very well spent connecting with animals in nature, as well as creating new memories for us as a whole family.

Duration: suggested 4 hours

Important Tip:
- Ask for the Guest Assistance Card at the entrance, you’ll need to provide your name and the amount of people in your group. The card allows you Reduced Wait Times and Shaded Areas when possible. Note it does not give immediate access. We found it to be extremely useful on our visit.
- The Bronx Zoo is a plastic free environment, therefore if you’re dependent on plastic straws, please bring your own.
- Best to visit early in the day or during the week.
- According to their website information, the Bug Carousel is accessible for manual wheelchair users and we regret not trying it while there.

 Accessibility Information:

- Manual wheelchairs are available for usage.
- For full details on accessibility, click on this link , it provides extremely useful information for wheelchair users.
- For an accessible map of the zoo, click on this link, it provides details of what’s available for people with various disabilities. Important to note for wheelchair users, the rough terrain, incline slopes, accessible restroom and dining.
- There are plenty of accessible restrooms and water fountains scattered throughout the park.
- Service Animals are welcomed.

- Sensory Bags available at Guest Relations near Sea Lion Pool.

- ASL interpreters available for selected Holiday Light Wildlife Theatre Shows

Location:
2300 Southern Blvd
Bronx, NY 10460
Phone: 718-220-5100
  www.bronxzoo.com

  Schedule:
Open Seven Days a Week, schedule various through the year.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Years and Martin Luther King Day.
 

Public Transportation:
From Manhattan - BxM11 Express Bus along Madison
From Queens - Q44
Bronx Local Bus - Bx12 or Bx22 Bx9 or Bx19
Access-A-Ride: Access-A-Ride has designated locations in proximity to two of our entrances: At Southern Blvd Gate (on Southern Boulevard at East 183rd Street); and at Asia Gate (intersection of Boston Road and Bronx Park South)

General Admissions
Adults $26.95
Seniors (65 and over) $24.95
Children (3-12) $18.95

Personal care assistant free but requires 7-day notice. Contact: GuestRelations@wcs.org or 718-220-5103
- General Admissions is very basic and we’d suggest the Total Experience to enjoy the Monorail, Shuttle, Carousel, Jungle World, Congo Gorilla Forest and more.. check their website for full pricing.
- Free Wednesday but basic entry only.

Dining : You’re allowed to bring your own food to the Zoo. We suggest eating in at the Dancing Crane Cafe area. There is a larger selection of fast food and the dining area is also bigger and shaded. Occasionally there is live entertainment. Full dining details can be found here.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://bronxzoo.com/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024