The Bronx Zoo is a must visit in New York City, and it’s practically a right of way – and these tours and events make it all the more exciting.
At two hundred and sixty-five acres, the Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in North America. More than two million visitors from around the world flock to the Bronx Zoo each year to see some of the six thousand different animal species that the zoo has to offer.
In addition to animals, restaurants and gift shops, the Bronx Zoo also offers a variety of exciting activities and events to discover, all year round!
Boo at the zoo
Right now, the next event on offer at the Bronx Zoo is “Boo at the Zoo,” a fun event for visitors of all ages!
Our annual Halloween tradition returns to the Bronx Zoo, October 1 through November 1, Thursday through Sunday, and Monday October 12. Come dressed in your best Halloween and enjoy! https://t.co/gofsNXvRgW pic.twitter.com/WGzPuNhlAd
– Bronx Zoo (@BronxZoo) September 14, 2020
When: Saturdays and Sundays from October 2 to 31 (including Monday October 11) Price: included in the entrance, but they suggest visitors to book their tickets several days (or weeks) in advance, as they have tendency to fill up.
Boo Au Zoo Activities
Pumpkin carving demonstrations: Artists carve pumpkins out of animals.
- Or: Giraffe corner
- When: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Speed sculpture: 11:30 am & 2:30 pm
Candy trail: Customers can buy candies and sweets while learning about the different diets of some animals.
- Or: Lawn of the house of mice,
- When: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Magic and mental reading: A magician will show you card tricks and more!
- Or: Grizzly Bear Corner
- When: 30 minutes. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Costume parade: Visitors are encouraged to wear costumes for this exciting Halloween-themed parade featuring puppets, costumed staff, and waders!
Where: Astor Court, When: 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Halloween Crafts: Guests can channel their inner artists and create spooky masterpieces to take home!
Where: Giraffe Corner When: all day
Wild encounters
Throughout the year, visitors can enhance their typical visit to the zoo with wild encounters. In these programs, guests have the chance to meet some of the animals and their keepers up close!
(These prices below are for the programs only. They do not include the price of a ticket to enter the zoo, which must also be purchased.)
Cheetah Connection
Guests can see a cheetah and learn about all of the zoo’s conservation efforts to protect these beautiful creatures!
- Price : $ 69.95 per person
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Age: 12+ (Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and for children under 14, the zoo does not allow more than four children per adult)
- To note: Handheld cameras are allowed, but they must be silent
Private Giraffe Connection
The Private Giraffe Connection offers guests the opportunity to meet giraffes up close. One of the more expensive options, it’s an unforgettable experience that kids and adults will talk about for years to come.
- Price : $ 350.00 per group (up to 6 guests per group)
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Age: All ages (children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and for children under 14, the zoo does not allow more than four children per adult); Discover our animals and how we take care of them from the experts
- To add more people to a group, it’s $ 25 per additional person (8 people per group is the maximum for this program)
My first connection
This program is great for younger guests to have the chance to meet feathered and furry friends. While the types of animals guests can see in this experience are at the discretion of the keepers on this day, previous programs have shown animals like turtles, alligators, rabbits, armadillos, and birds.
- Price : $ 59.95 per pair (one adult and one child)
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Age: All ages, but this program is designed for a 2-4 year old child and an adult
Private trolley tour
While this program doesn’t include one-on-one time with the animals, it’s a great way to get around the park quickly. Guests also travel with a Wild Encounter host, who will act as a tour guide for all of the different zoo attractions.
- Price : $ 160.00 per group (up to 6 guests per group)
- Duration: 60 min (including travel time to and from each exhibition
- Age: All ages (children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and for children under 14, the zoo does not allow more than four children per adult); To add more people to a group, it’s $ 25 per additional person (12 people per group is the maximum for this program)
General informations
Ticket prices: (Includes unlimited rides and attractions)
- Adult (13 years old and over): $ 39.95
- Senior (65 and over): $ 34.95
- Child (3 – 12): $ 29.95
- Child (2 years old and under): To free
- To note: Wednesday tickets are free, but they must be reserved several days in advance, due to overcrowding.
- Interested in becoming a member? Check out all their membership plans!
- All guests must be able to show their ticket with the exact date of arrival
Accommodation nearby
Rodeway Inn Bronx Zoo
- Approvals: Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, fitness center (for a fee)
- Price : on average at $ 200 per night
- Arrival and departure times: 3:00 p.m., 11:00 a.m.
- Address: 3070-72 Webster Ave, Bronx, NY 10467, United States
Ninety Five Fordham Hotel / St. Barnabas Hospital
Approvals: free WIFIPrice : on average at $ 170 per nightArrival and departure times: 3:00 p.m., 11:00 a.m.Address: 4387 3rd Ave., Bronx, NY 10457, United States
Opera Hotel
- Approvals: Free breakfast, Wi-Fi
- Price : on average at $ 200 per night
- Arrival and departure times: 4:00 p.m., 12:00 p.m.
- Address: 436 E 149th St, Bronx, NY 10455, United States
Animal lovers visiting New York must stop by the Bronx Zoo. The best times to go are when they open at 10:00 am, so onlookers can be the first to line up to see many of the zoo’s most fascinating creatures. With so many fun things to do like special programs for guests to come face-to-face with the animals, vacation-themed events and more, the Bronx Zoo is a fantastic place for adults, kids and more. families !
