Central Park Zoo Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Central Park Zoo. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours

• Private Central Park Pedicab Tour

• Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours

• Central Park Private Pedicab Tour (60 mins)

• Fifth Avenue Gilded Age Mansions Walking Tour

Tickets to the Central Park Zoo cost US$22.95 for visitors over 13, US$18.95 for seniors, and US$16.95 for children ages 3–12; kids under 3 visit for free. In addition to the main zoo, tickets grant access to the Tisch Children’s Zoo and 4-D Theater.

Yes, the Central Park Zoo is worth visiting. One of the oldest zoos in the United States, the Manhattan zoo's history dates back to 1861. Today, it's one of the top family-friendly attractions in Central Park, and its accessible size makes it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. After you visit, you can also explore nearby park highlights, such as Sheep Meadow and the Central Park Carousel.

Per one customer who booked the Central Park Zoo Admission Ticket With 4D Theater Access, "We visited the Central Park Zoo yesterday and were pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable the experience was. The weather was beautiful, which made it easy to take in both the indoor exhibits and the outdoor areas at a relaxed pace. Because the zoo is on the smaller side, it never felt overwhelming or crowded, and we appreciated being able to move through the exhibits without rushing or waiting in long lines. The layout is divided into distinct zones, each with something memorable to offer."

Yes. Tickets must be purchased online in advance to schedule timed entry; Wildlife Conservation Society members must also make reservations online. All ticket sales are final. There are no refunds, cancellations, or rescheduling. Check the weather forecast before booking since there are no rain checks.

Your timed ticket indicates when you can enter the park. You can arrive within one hour of the entry time you selected. Once there, you can stay as long as you like. Based on the available exhibits and amenities, the zoo staff estimates that the average visit takes 1–1.5 hours.

Yes, you may bring your own food to enjoy at the seating areas around the zoo. Keep in mind that there aren’t a lot of eateries immediately outside the zoo, so plan accordingly. There are on-site food options, including a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating and vendors located throughout. But remember: Do not feed the animals.

Yes, the Central Park Zoo may check your bags upon arrival. According to its website, the zoo can inspect packages, bags, and containers.

Scooters, skateboards, and bicycles are not allowed in the zoo. Bikes can be locked up outside the entrance. Radios and speakers are also prohibited, as well as balloons. No pets, including comfort, emotional support, or therapy animals, are allowed; only working service animals are permitted, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Try to time your visit to coincide with one of the twice-daily penguin and thrice-daily sea lion feedings. Spring and summer weekends are generally the busiest, so expect to encounter crowds then. The fall and winter seasons are the calmest but also the coldest in terms of weather, although many animals are more active when temperatures cool down.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Central Park Zoo. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in New York City:

• Statue of Liberty

• Empire State Building

• Ellis Island

• Central Park

• National September 11 Memorial & Museum

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in New York City.