The 7 Best Zoos & Aquariums in NYC (2026)

Updated October 2026 · 7 picks

The best zoos and aquariums in NYC in 2026 are the Bronx Zoo for a full day with big animals, the New York Aquarium for sharks and sea life on the Coney Island boardwalk, and the Central Park Zoo for a compact visit in Manhattan. The Prospect Park, Queens and Staten Island zoos are smaller, cheaper and ideal for young children.

Five of these are run by or connected to the Wildlife Conservation Society and the city, which keeps standards high and prices reasonable. The Bronx Zoo needs most of a day; the smaller zoos fit easily into a morning.

1. Bronx Zoo — Bronx Park, The Bronx

One of the largest city zoos in the country, with gorillas, tigers and a monorail through Wild Asia.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Families · Groups · Couples

The Bronx Zoo spreads across 265 acres of Bronx Park and is the flagship of the Wildlife Conservation Society. Highlights include Congo Gorilla Forest, Tiger Mountain, the indoor JungleWorld rainforest and the seasonal Wild Asia Monorail.

In winter, the Holiday Lights festival turns the zoo into a lantern-lit evening event on select nights.

Good to know: Arrive at opening and head to the far side of the zoo first; the Bx9, Bx19 and Bx22 buses or the 2 and 5 trains get you there without a car.

2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460

Google Maps Website

2. New York Aquarium — Coney Island, Brooklyn

Sharks, sea lions and sea turtles right on the Coney Island boardwalk.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Families · Couples

Opened in 1896, the New York Aquarium is the oldest continuously operating aquarium in the United States. The Ocean Wonders: Sharks! building has walk-through tanks of sharks and rays, and sea lions star in shows at the outdoor Aquatheater.

The aquarium is a few steps from the beach and the Cyclone, so it combines easily with a day at Coney Island.

Good to know: Take the F or Q train to West 8th Street–NY Aquarium; check the daily schedule online for sea lion and feeding times.

602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224

Google Maps Website

3. Central Park Zoo — Central Park, Manhattan

A compact zoo in Central Park with sea lions, penguins, snow leopards and a children's zoo.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Families · Couples

Tucked into the southeast corner of Central Park, this small zoo is easy to see in about two hours. Sea lions take center stage in the central pool, and the Polar Circle houses penguins, while snow leopards and red pandas live in the temperate exhibits.

Admission also covers the Tisch Children's Zoo, where kids can meet and feed domestic animals.

Good to know: Time your visit for a sea lion feeding, and catch the Delacorte Musical Clock by the entrance, which plays on the hour and half hour.

E 64th St & Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10065

Google Maps Website

4. Prospect Park Zoo — Prospect Park, Brooklyn

A small, affordable zoo in Prospect Park that is perfect for toddlers.

$ BudgetBest for Families

The Prospect Park Zoo sits on the east side of the park near the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Brooklyn Museum. Its sea lion pool is the centerpiece, and its small exhibits and short paths are ideal for young children.

The zoo reopened in 2024 after being closed by storm flooding the previous fall.

Good to know: Tickets are timed — buy online before you go — and pair the visit with the carousel and playgrounds nearby in Prospect Park.

450 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Google Maps Website

5. Queens Zoo — Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens

A small zoo focused on animals of the Americas, with an aviary inside a World's Fair dome.

$ BudgetBest for Families

The Queens Zoo specializes in species from North and South America. Sea lions, bison and pumas are among the residents, and the walk-through aviary is housed in a geodesic dome built for the 1964 World's Fair.

Across the road, the Domestic Animals area lets children meet farm animals.

Good to know: Combine it with the Unisphere and the New York Hall of Science in the same park; the 7 train to 111th Street is the closest stop.

53-51 111th St, Corona, NY 11368

Google Maps Website

6. Staten Island Zoo — West Brighton, Staten Island

A friendly neighborhood zoo with a strong reptile collection and a famous groundhog.

$ BudgetBest for Families

The Staten Island Zoo is known for its reptile collection and for Staten Island Chuck, the groundhog who makes the city's Groundhog Day forecast each February. It also has a children's farm area and a conservation-themed carousel.

It is small, uncrowded and a good add-on to a ride on the free Staten Island Ferry.

Good to know: From the St. George ferry terminal, take a short bus or taxi ride to the zoo; check the site for carousel days and seasonal events.

614 Broadway, Staten Island, NY 10310

Google Maps Website

7. Queens County Farm Museum — Floral Park, Queens

A working farm in Queens with barnyard animals, open fields and seasonal festivals.

Best for Families

Queens County Farm Museum preserves a large tract of historic farmland on the eastern edge of Queens, with a farmhouse, greenhouses, orchards and pastures. Children can see goats, sheep, cows, pigs and chickens up close.

Fall brings hayrides and a corn maze, and seasonal festivals run through the year.

Good to know: The grounds are generally free to visit outside special events; it is easiest to reach by car, or by the Q46 bus along Union Turnpike.

73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Floral Park, NY 11004

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

Which NYC zoo is best for young children?

The Central Park, Prospect Park and Queens zoos are compact and stroller-friendly, with sea lion feedings that toddlers love. The Bronx Zoo is wonderful but very large, so plan on a stroller and a map, and focus on a few areas.

Is the Bronx Zoo ever free?

The Bronx Zoo has long offered free or pay-what-you-wish general admission on Wednesdays, though some attractions cost extra. Reserve timed tickets online in advance, since free days are popular.

Do I need to buy zoo tickets in advance?

Yes, for the WCS zoos and the aquarium it is best to buy timed tickets online before you go; some locations no longer sell tickets at the gate, and weekends and school holidays sell out.

1. Bronx Zoo — Bronx Park, The Bronx

2. New York Aquarium — Coney Island, Brooklyn

3. Central Park Zoo — Central Park, Manhattan

4. Prospect Park Zoo — Prospect Park, Brooklyn

5. Queens Zoo — Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens

6. Staten Island Zoo — West Brighton, Staten Island

7. Queens County Farm Museum — Floral Park, Queens

Frequently asked questions

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