Central Park is a great place for families to visit in the city. It can be an inexpensive day out and yet fun for everyone. If you were not aware, there is a
Central Park Zoo, 6.5 acres of some pretty cool animals. The park was actually opened in 1860, and in 1934 it was modified with more buildings. In the mid 1980's it was renovated again and re-opened in 1988, with more natural environments for the animals.
I have been meaning to get here in forever, and on a day during the week while in the city, a gorgeous day, I decided this was the day. The sea lions were not too photogenic, which did not make me too happy!
What a life, just swimming around, people smiling at you and then throwing you food. That would be great for me, if I knew how to swim, of course!
He was having way too much fun
These cute little ducks were napping in the middle of the day.
These guys were pretty neat looking, I love the colors on their feathers.
It was so darn sunny, and these Snow Monkeys would not get any closer to me.
Some areas were so calm and serene, you forget you are in New York City. While I was sitting on a bench, prior to going into the zoo, a lady next to me started talking to me. She was visiting the city, and I said I was heading to the zoo. She had no clue there was a zoo about a foot away from her! So she was going to take a walk in with her daughter. I love informing people of new information!!
Okay, so there are many animals at this zoo like Polar Bears (did not get to them sadly enough), Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, a Tropic Zoo and Penguins with Sea Birds. Let me say, the admission is worth it alone to see Penguins in person. This was my first time seeing them, and I felt like I was 5 years old again !!
The types that are here are King Penguins, one of the largest and deepest diving of the penguin family.
They just really took my breathe away...are they not ADORABLE !!
This was one of my best shots. They are behind a plastic wall, and it's not very clean, so it was hard to get some shots but I just kept shooting figuring some would come out. They all look so darn busy in this photo!!
Ahhh, another cute shot....they are just so darn chubby! I wonder if they like Italian food? I know fish is a favorite cuisine of theirs.
This zoo is a real treat and fun for everyone, not just families. I would think on weekends it is pretty busy, but during the week, you probably won't have too many crowds.
I totally enjoyed my day and I can't stop talking about those penguins! I would highly suggest you visit the next time in NYC and looking for something new you have not done before, or in the city for the first time. It is a truly wonderful experience!!
Hours & Rates
The Central Park Zoo is open 365 days a year.
Fall hours,
Sept 4–Nov 4, 2012 | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Weekends & Holidays |
Winter hours,
Nov 5, 2012–Mar 29, 2013 | 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Daily |
Spring hours,
Mar 30–May 24, 2013 | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Weekends & Holidays |
Summer hours,
May 25–Sept 2, 2013 | 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Daily |
Last ticket sold 30 minutes prior to closing.
Total Experience Tickets
Total Experience tickets include entry to the Main Zoo, Tisch Children's Zoo, and one admission to the 4-D Theater.
| Adult | $18.00 |
| Child (Ages 3-12) | $13.00 |
| Senior (65+) | $15.00 |
4-D Theater
Two family-friendly short films, Planet Earth: Ice Worlds from BBC Earth andDora & Diego's 4-D Adventure, rotate in our 4-D theater. The visual drama of these 3-D films is heightened by a variety of sensory effects in the theater, from water mist, blustery winds, and snow to bubbles, scents, seat vibrations, and enhanced floor lighting.
| Ages 3 & up | $7.00 |
| WCS Members | $4.00 |
General Admission Tickets
General Admission tickets include entry to the Main Zoo and Tisch Children's Zoo.
| Adult | $12.00 |
| Child (Ages 3-12) | $7.00 |
| Senior (65+) | $9.00 |
School and camp groups can receive discounted admission by booking a
guided tour.
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