How to Have a Spectacular Summer (and stay cool!) at the Bronx Zoo
Whether you’re interested in family-friendly things to do, date ideas, or just a relaxing escape into fresh air and natural surroundings, this guide will help you make the most of your day as you wander down shaded tree-lined paths and visit amazing animals in world-class exhibits.
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.
Dinosaur Safari
Dinosaurs are back in the Bronx—bigger and more realistic than ever before and Dinosaur Safari is included with Bronx Zoo Admission tickets*. Get up-close with more than 60 life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs and pterosaurs, including 11 NEW additions debuting this year - moving & roaring with the aid of cutting edge animatronic technology. Climb a Sinraptor fossil, walk through a massive ribcage, and enjoy photo ops with larger-than-life dino eggs - plus dig up ancient fossils and discover the very latest scientific discoveries about dinosaurs.
Insider Tip: You can meet some modern day dinosaurs in World of Birds! Spot sculptures of the Archaeopteryx, Confuciusornis, and Protopteryx, ancient birds that shared the earth with dinosaurs, and learn about their connections with the birds we see today.
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!
World of Darkness
Where there is darkness, there is life. This summer, step into the dark with us and discover the mysteries, adaptations, and surprises of animals that thrive in darkness. The nocturnal animals you’ll find here, including sloths, sand cats, aye-ayes, cacomistles, and many others, use the dark and cool hours of the night to beat the heat, avoid predators, hunt, and mate.
Insider Tip: For the best chance to spot the amazing animals in this building, stay quiet and allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
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.
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! 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.
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! 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.
Children’s Zoo
The Children’s Zoo* offers wildlife fun for kids of all ages. Visit the farmyard to meet, greet, feed, and pet goats, sheep, alpacas, and donkeys.
Insider Tip: For more activities for kids, don’t miss Nature Trek*, where you and your family can navigate together through tunnels, across bridges, over balance beams and weave through obstacles for a fresh perspective on nature. It’s the perfect place for everyone to stretch their brain and body.
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.
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 dholes.
Insider Tip: For the giraffe fans out there (which is everybody): did you know that you can meet giraffes and their keepers as part of an up-close and personal Giraffe Wild Encounter? It’s just one of many private animal experiences you can include as part of your next visit. Learn more here.
...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.
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 Dinosaur Safari, 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.
Need some direction? Access real-time info and our interactive map.
Where there is darkness, there is life. Step into the dark with us and discover the mysteries, adaptations, and surprises of animals that thrive in darkness. Open now and free with admission.
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