Whether you’re interested in things to do with your kids, date ideas, or just a relaxing escape into fresh air and natural surroundings, this guide will help you stay cool and make the most of your day as you wander down tree-lined paths and visit amazing animals in world-class exhibits.

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We’ll also include some tips to help you beat the heat and have a cool (in every way) experience during your visit!

Here’s your first tip: stay hydrated! To help keep your water bottle full, you can visit complimentary Water Refill Stations at Dancing Crane Pavilion, Asia Plaza, and Astor Court, as well as at restrooms near Congo Gorilla Forest, Big Bears and Dancing Crane Cafe! You can locate them on our Interactive Map here.

Zoo Newcomers

Summer is a time to welcome warm weather and animal newcomers, and there’s no better way to do it than by visiting baby animals and new arrivals at the zoo! At the Gelada Reserve, you might spot the newest addition to the troop. A pygmy slow loris is the first primate to be born in our newest exhibit, the World of Darkness. We also recently welcomed a baby nyala to African Plains, baby brown-collared lemurs and new panther chameleons to Madagascar!, and a new aardvark to Carter Giraffe Building.

Insider Tip: The World of Reptiles and World of Birds both offer views into their respective nursery and hatchery areas, so you can see the newest babies when you visit.

Keeping it Cool! You can beat the heat by visiting air-conditioned indoor exhibit buildings, including World of Birds, World of Reptiles, and Mouse House!

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood at the Bronx Zoo

Don’t miss Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, the beloved PBS KIDS series from Fred Rogers Productions, at the Bronx Zoo for a limited time only through September 7! With the world premiere of this all-new experience, you and your family can spend a day at the zoo with your favorite characters. The experience is filled with hands-on, interactive activities that inspire active play for little ones, and is FREE with Bronx Zoo admission!

Insider Tip: When kids arrive at the Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood entry archway, they receive a bi-lingual activity book in English and Spanish to guide their day and continue the fun at home.

Keeping it Cool! Visit one of our misting stations located throughout the zoo for a cool, refreshing spray. There’s one near the Bug Carousel in Dancing Crane Plaza, in front of the Bronx Zoo Store.

Bronx Zoo Summer of Soccer

Excited for the big tournament coming to NYC? We are too! From June 13 - July 19, celebrate your love for the game during your next Bronx Zoo visit with animals, crafts, photo ops, merch, and more.

Insider Tip: You can take commemorative Bronx Zoo “summer of soccer” tournament photos at special photo stations throughout the park.

Keeping it Cool! Stick to the shade and enjoy the tree-line pathways throughout the zoo. The old-growth forest in which the Bronx Zoo is located provides welcome relief from the summer sun.

Congo Gorilla Forest

The 6.5 acre Congo Gorilla Forest* is one of the Bronx Zoo’s true jewels. Gorillas are among our closest relatives. From cautious to playful to nurturing, each has a unique personality. It's always a thrill to see them interact.

Insider Tip: The outdoor areas of Congo Gorilla Forest are closed during colder weather, but you can still see animals in the indoor areas. If it happens to be cold and/or rainy on the day of your visit, our Rainy Day Guide might save the day.

Keeping it Cool! For a breezy ride through the treetops, climb aboard Wild Asia Monorail, where you’ll feel the wind in your face and visit tigers, rhinos, elephants, and more.

JungleWorld

The jungles of Asia are home to amazing biodiversity - and JungleWorld* reflects that truth by bringing you face to face with creatures ranging from silver leaf langurs to Indian gharials. You’ll also spot tree kangaroos, tapirs, white-cheeked gibbons, Asian small clawed otters, and many other species.

Insider Tip: Keep an eye out for white-cheeked gibbon Chi Yu, who loves to get up close to visitors and can often be seen observing people through a window in her gallery.

Keeping it Cool! 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.

Children’s Zoo

Here, little ones get close-up looks at squirrel monkeys, porcupines, great horned owls, otters, coatimundis, fennec foxes, and many other species - all in kids-eye-view exhibits specially designed to engage and educate our youngest guests. Then visit the farmyard to meet, greet, and pet goats, sheep, alpacas, and donkeys.

Insider Tip: Need a bathroom break or changing area? There are restrooms inside the Children’s Zoo.

African Plains and Himalayan Highlands

Where else but the Bronx Zoo can you cross the globe in just a few steps? Follow the African Plains loop to see savannah-dwelling species including nyala antelope, lions, gazelles, giraffes, ostriches, African painted dogs, hyenas, and zebras. Then head to the Himalayan Highlands for snow leopards, white-naped cranes, and red pandas.

Insider Tip: For the giraffe fans out there (which is everybody): did you know that you can meet giraffes as part of an up-close and personal Giraffe Wild Encounter? It’s just one of many exclusive animal experiences you can include as part of your next visit. Learn more here.

Nature Trek

Visitors ages 3 & 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 water play, a music area, stepping stones, and log climbing!

Insider Tip: Nature Trek’s bridges, walkways, and towers are safe, fully netted, and offer accessible routes for wheelchair users.

Keeping it Cool! Kids can cool off and enjoy sensory play at Nature Trek’s new water tables.

Bug Carousel

On the Bug Carousel*, you’ll climb aboard a long-legged praying mantis, a bright green grasshopper, or your favorite insect of choice for a very unique carousel ride.

Insider Tip: The Bug Carousel is the first and ONLY carousel featuring an all-insect lineup. Choose from 64 different types of insects that you can mount — including fireflies, beetles, grasshoppers, and ladybugs. There are also two stationary chariots: a monarch butterfly (wheelchair accessible) and a dung beetle.

...and you'll find so much more to see and do through the zoo's 265 acres of hardwood forest, including Butterfly Garden*, Budgie Landing*** and Wild Asia Monorail*! We hope you have fun discovering a whole world of experiences, and visiting faraway places without leaving New York City.

Driving to the zoo? Be sure to check our new Parking Status link on the Interactive Map. On high attendance days, like school breaks, parking lots can fill to capacity. Thank you for understanding if traffic or other unforeseen conditions interrupt your travel time.

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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.

***Budgie Landing is not included in Bronx Zoo Admission or Limited Admission and can be purchased online or at Budgie Landing.

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 StarAttractions including Congo Gorilla Forest, JungleWorld, Children’s Zoo, and more.

Check out our interactive map!

Maximize your next trip to the zoo. Check out bronxzoo.com/today on your smartphone to view real-time info and our interactive map.

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