Is Central Park Zoo Worth Visiting?

New York City is home to a wide range of attractions, but with so many options, it can be difficult to decide which ones are worth your time and money.

One attraction that often comes up in discussions of must-see destinations is the Central Park Zoo. But is it really worth visiting?

Let's take a closer look.

Central Park Bike Rentals

First, it's worth noting that the Central Park Zoo is a relatively small zoo, with a modest collection of animals and exhibits.

While it does offer a diverse range of species, from snow leopards and red pandas to sea lions and penguins, it doesn't have the same scope or scale as larger zoos like the San Diego Zoo or the Bronx Zoo.

That said, the Central Park Zoo does have some notable advantages. For one thing, it's conveniently located in the heart of Central Park, making it an ideal destination for tourists exploring the park's many trails, gardens, and landmarks.

The zoo's compact size also means that visitors can see everything it has to offer in just a few hours, making it an ideal stop for those with limited time.

Learn More
Central Park Bike Rentals

The Central Park Zoo also offers a range of interactive exhibits and educational programs, making it an engaging and informative destination for visitors of all ages.

The Tisch Children's Zoo is a highlight for families, allowing kids to get up close with domestic animals like goats and sheep.

The Zoo Quest exhibit is another popular attraction, challenging visitors to navigate a maze of obstacles and puzzles as they learn about the animals and their habitats.

Learn More
Central Park Walking Tours

Of course, whether or not the Central Park Zoo is worth visiting ultimately depends on your interests and priorities.

If you're a hardcore animal lover looking for a comprehensive collection of species and exhibits, you may be better off visiting a larger zoo.

But if you're looking for a convenient and engaging destination that offers a taste of the natural world in the midst of one of the world's most vibrant cities, the Central Park Zoo is definitely worth a visit.

You can conveniently purchase your Central Park Zoo tickets right here, online or in-person at the entrance.

Where is Central Park Zoo?

Central Park Zoo is conveniently located within Central Park in New York City, accessible from multiple entrances throughout the park.

You can easily find the zoo by entering Central Park from Fifth Avenue and East 64th Street, where you will find the zoo's entrance nearby. Additionally, the zoo is accessible via the nearby subway stations, with the Fifth Avenue/59th Street station (served by the N, Q, R, and W lines) being the closest.

By walking the zoo is approximately 2.5 miles away from Times Square and it's about 1.5 miles from Rockefeller Center.

Learn More
Central Park Walking Tours
Learn More
Central Park Walking Tours
Learn More
Central Park Walking Tours
Learn More
Central Park Walking Tours
Learn More

In conclusion, while the Central Park Zoo may not offer the same level of scope and scale as larger zoos, its convenient location, engaging exhibits, and educational programs make it a worthwhile destination for anyone looking to connect with nature and learn more about the animals that share our world.

After exploring the Central Park Zoo, discover even more of the park's attractions without the need for much walking by joining one of our pedicab tours or carriage rides, which will take you on a comfortable ride to see everything from Bethesda Fountain to Strawberry Fields and beyond.

April 3, 2023

What to See in NYC

Bethesda Terrace
Statue of the Liberty
Bethesda Fountain
The Edge
Belvedere Castle
Empire State Building
Belvedere Castle
Central Park
Plaza Hotel
The SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
The MET
Grand Central Station
The MET
G‍

Top Things to Do in New York

1. Statue of the Liberty
2. Times Square
3. Brooklyn Bridge
4. Central Park
5. Empire State
6. Dumbo
7. Hudson Yards
8. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
9. The MET
10. Grand Central Station

Top Experiences in New York

Top Activities in New York

Best Seller

Experience
with us!
See Tour Details

More fun reads on

central park guide

Popular Experiences in NYC

Top Things to Do in New York

1. Statue of the Liberty
2. Times Square
3. Brooklyn Bridge
4. Central Park
5. Empire State
6. Dumbo
7. Hudson Yards
8. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
9. The MET
10. Grand Central Station

Top 2023 Experiences in New York

1. Manhattan Helicopter Tour
2. Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off
3. Central Park Pedicab Tour
4. Full Day Sightseeing Tour
5. NYC's "Must See" Guided Tour
6. NYC Harbor Lights Cruise
7. Celebrity and Movie Spots Tour

Top Activities in New York

1. The Summit One Vanderbilt
2. Go City Explorer Pass
3. The Edge
4. Empire State
5. Metropolitan Museum
6. Top of the Rock
7. MoMA
8. One World Observatory