New York City has a zoo in each of its boroughs; the one in the Bronx is the biggest and best. Creatures as large as elephants and tiny as mouse deer appeal to both grown-up and youthful visitors.
Best and Worst Time to Go to the Bronx Zoo
Admission to the zoo is free on Wednesday, so the zoo is crowded with school and camp field trips. Go in the later afternoon on Wednesday or on another day to avoid large groups of children.
Must See/Do at the Bronx Zoo
Tigers and gorillas often come close to the glass in their (separate) enclosures, leading to thrilling encounters. The World of Birds is a walk-through aviary, where birds flash brightly colored wings as they fly. Ride the monorail at Wild Asia to see elephants, rhinos, and other species roaming in wooded habitats.
Admission to the Bronx Zoo
Entry to the zoo costs about $20, with reduced prices for children and seniors. On Wednesday, general admission is free, though donations are accepted. Some exhibits and activities have additional fees, including Jungle World, the Wild Asia monorail, and the Butterfly Garden.
Parking at the Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo has two parking lots; there is a fee for parking. If the lots fill up, as often happens during summer, visitors may be redirected to the Fordham University parking garage.
Public Transportation to the Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is easily reached by public transportation. The express bus from Manhattan stops at the zoo's Bronx River entrance. Alternatively, you can take the subway and then walk to the Asia gate or the Bronx River gate.
Food at Bronx Zoo
The zoo has a café plus additional snack stands throughout the grounds. The restaurant serves hot and cold food, with seating indoors and outside near the flamingoes. The zoo allows visitors to bring their own food.
Insider Tip for the Bronx Zoo
Don't hesitate to visit the zoo on a rainy day. It will be less crowded and many of the exhibits are indoors, allowing refuge if the rain is heavy.
Author's bio: Elissa is a freelance writer based in New York City. She grew up here and visits the Bronx Zoo whenever she needs to feel like a kid again. Elissa blogs about her travels at http://www.elissaexplores.com.
Founded as the Bronx Zoological Park in 1899, the Bronx Zoo spans over 265 acres and features over 4,000 animals of 650 species. The zoo features a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits including the Astor Court and Sea Lion Pool, African Plains, Butterfly Gardens and more. The zoo offers a variety of programs, classes and special events for visitors of all ages including, guided tours, child and family celebrations, summer camps, internships, Wildlife Theatre performances and more.