Staying Cool at the Zoo
We already know there’s nothing cooler than visiting the Bronx Zoo - that’s a given. But this summer, it’s important to keep cool while you’re being cool - and that’s why we’ve prepared a helpful guide full of temperate-savvy tips to help you beat the heat during your next zoo visit.
Stay Hydrated
You can quench your thirst at free water refill stations located throughout the zoo: at Dancing Crane Plaza, Asia Plaza, Astor Court, and near Congo Gorilla Forest*, Big Bears, and inside Dancing Crane Cafe.
Insider Tip: Bring a reusable bottle with you and top it off whenever you’re near a refill station.
Don’t Miss the Mist
Stroll through a Misting Station for a quick, refreshing cool-down. You’ll find them near the Bronx Zoo Store, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood exhibit area, Big Bears, and Asia Plaza.
Insider Tip: After you’re properly misted, climb aboard the nearby Bug Carousel - the first and ONLY carousel featuring an all-insect lineup!
Take It Breezy and Easy on the Monorail
Wild Asia Monorail offers a treetop-level ride into the heart of the Asian wilderness, where you can sit back and relax in the shade as your tour guide points out the animals along the way - including tigers, rhinos, red pandas, and more.
Insider Tip: Budgeting your time? Including a short wait, you can expect the Wild Asia Monorail to take about 25-30 minutes.
You’ve Got It Made in the Shade
The Bronx Zoo is situated within an old-growth forest, and tree-lined pathways (like the one seen here in Children’s Zoo) throughout the park provide welcome relief from the summer sun.
Insider tip: A leafy walking route along the Bronx River side of the park will bring you past American bison, World of Birds, Tiger Mountain, Northern Ponds, Himalayan Highlands, and more! Plan your route to cool with help from the Interactive Map.
Nature Trek - Now With 100% More Water
Visitors ages 3 and up can get a bird’s eye view of the park at Nature Trek. Navigate across bridges and over balancing beams. Weave between obstacles for a safe and challenging adventure. New additions for 2026 include a music area, stepping stones, log climbing and - most importantly for cooling-off purposes - new water tables for sensory play.
Insider Tip: Nature Trek’s bridges, walkways, and towers are safe, fully netted, and includes a wheelchair accessible route.
Treat Yourself
Did somebody say soft serve? Ice cream and cold beverages are available at The Patio, adjacent to the Children’s Zoo*, and also at Dancing Crane Cafe.
Insider Tip: Both the Children’s Zoo and the Dancing Crane Cafe also offer restrooms and changing stations.
We hope you have a fun and cool (in every way) experience this summer at the Bronx Zoo!
Become a WCS Family Zoos Plus Member for year-round free admission to the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo, as well as free admission to Bronx Zoo Star Attractions including Congo Gorilla Forest, JungleWorld, Children’s Zoo, and more.
Be sure to use the Interactive Map on your smartphone to view real-time info and GPS point-to-point directions: bronxzoo.com/today
Policies are subject to change, and all guests must abide by the park rules in effect on the
date of visit. When changes happen, we make every effort to align our website and park
signage with updates. Always check before you arrive for the most up-to-date information at
bronxzoo.com/planahead
*Included within Bronx Zoo Admission ticket type, which includes park entry and unlimited Star Attractions. Limited Admission tickets are for park entry only, and Individual Attraction tickets ($7pp) can be purchased at attraction ticket booths.
Some exhibits and attractions are seasonal. Availability is also subject to unforeseen conditions including weather, mechanical, safety, capacity, crowding and/or animal-related considerations.