Absolutely! Here’s your complete guide to Central Park Zoo Tours — a small but magical wildlife experience tucked inside NYC’s iconic Central Park 🐧🌳🦁

🐾 Central Park Zoo Tours – Visitor Guide

📍 Where is the Central Park Zoo?

Located at the southeast corner of Central Park, near 5th Avenue and 64th Street
Closest subway stops:
🚇 5th Ave/59th St (N/R/W) or Lexington Ave/63rd St (F/Q)

🎟️ Central Park Zoo Tickets & Hours

  • General Admission includes:
    • Main Zoo (penguins, snow leopards, monkeys, red pandas)
    • Tisch Children’s Zoo
    • 4-D Theater (optional add-on)
      💵 Prices:
  • Adults: $19.95
  • Seniors: $16.95
  • Children (3–12): $14.95
  • Under 3: Free

🎫 Buy tickets online: centralparkzoo.com

🕐 Zoo Hours (subject to seasonal changes):

  • Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Last entry: 30 minutes before closing

🦜 Types of Tours & Experiences

1. General Admission Self-Guided Visit

  • Wander at your own pace
  • Explore the main exhibits and the children’s zoo
  • Enjoy sea lion feedings & penguin feedings (check daily schedule)
    💡 Perfect for families, couples, and relaxed visitors

2. Wild Encounters (Behind-the-Scenes Tours)

🎟️ Special experiences offered by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Includes:

  • Private animal feedings or training sessions
  • Meet-the-Keeper Q&A
  • Up-close looks at penguins, snow leopards, or birds
    💵 Premium pricing (~$150–$300 per group)
    📅 Limited availability — reserve ahead!

3. Educational Tours & School Programs

🧑‍🏫 For schools, camps, and groups
Includes:

  • Guided walk-through with a zoo educator
  • Animal facts, conservation themes, and fun activities
    📞 Book through the WCS group tour department

4. Virtual Zoo Tours

🖥️ Online sessions for classrooms or remote learners

  • Live Q&A with zookeepers
  • Animal cams & educational videos
    🎯 Great for schools or homeschoolers

🧒 Tisch Children’s Zoo (Included with Admission)

  • Farm animals you can feed (sheep, goats, pigs)
  • Climbing structures and a spider web play area
  • Interactive exhibits and hands-on fun for kids

🧠 Fun Facts

  • One of the oldest zoos in the U.S. (founded in 1864)
  • Featured in movies like Madagascar and The Penguin Who Loved Me
  • Home to over 150 species, including endangered animals
  • Operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

📸 Best Photo Spots:

  • Sea lion pool with city skyline backdrop
  • Penguin House (glass viewing underwater)
  • Tisch Zoo animal encounters
  • Central Park skyline from the zoo gates

Want help planning a kid-friendly day that includes the zoo + Central Park playgrounds, a picnic, or nearby attractions like the carousel or Alice in Wonderland statue? I can map it all out for you 🗺️🐐🎠

Absolutely! Here’s a complete and easy-to-follow Central Park Zoo Tours FAQ — everything you need to know before visiting this wild little gem in the heart of Manhattan 🐧🌳🦁

🐾 Central Park Zoo Tours – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

📍 1. Where is the Central Park Zoo located?

It’s in Central Park at the southeast corner, near 5th Avenue and East 64th Street.

🚇 Closest subway stops:

  • 5th Ave/59th St (N/R/W)
  • 63rd St/Lexington Ave (F/Q)

🕒 2. What are the zoo hours?

  • Open daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Last entry is 30 minutes before closing
    ⏳ Hours may vary slightly by season, so check the official website for updates.

🎟️ 3. How much are tickets?

General Admission:

  • Adults: $19.95
  • Seniors (65+): $16.95
  • Children (3–12): $14.95
  • Kids under 3: Free

🎫 Tickets available at centralparkzoo.com

🧭 4. What does general admission include?

✅ Entry to:

  • Main Zoo (penguins, snow leopards, monkeys, sea lions)
  • Tisch Children’s Zoo
  • Daily animal feedings
    🚫 4-D Theater is an extra fee

🦁 5. Are guided tours available?

Yes! You can book:

  • Wild Encounters (behind-the-scenes tours)
  • School or group programs (led by zoo educators)
  • Some experiences include up-close animal feedings and keeper Q&As
    📅 Must be reserved in advance

🧑‍🏫 6. What are “Wild Encounters”?

Premium experiences that let you:

  • Feed or meet animals (like penguins or birds of prey)
  • Interact with zookeepers
  • Get exclusive behind-the-scenes access
    💵 Usually $150–$300+ per group

🧒 7. What’s in the Tisch Children’s Zoo?

Perfect for young kids!

  • Farm animals: goats, sheep, pigs (some can be fed)
  • Climbing structures
  • Interactive exhibits and water features
  • Included with any zoo ticket

🍔 8. Is food available inside the zoo?

Yes — there’s a small café and snack stands with drinks, sandwiches, and kid-friendly options.
🧺 You can also bring snacks and enjoy them in designated areas or head into Central Park for a picnic.

📷 9. Can I take photos?

Yes! Photography is welcome throughout the zoo.
📸 Popular spots:

  • Sea lion pool (great city backdrop)
  • Penguin enclosure (especially underwater viewing)
  • Snow leopard viewing area

👨‍👩‍👧 10. Is the zoo good for families?

Absolutely!

  • Fun for toddlers to tweens
  • Stroller-friendly
  • Interactive children’s zoo included
    🎉 Great combo with Central Park carousel, playgrounds, or Alice in Wonderland statue nearby

♿ 11. Is the zoo wheelchair accessible?

Yes!

  • All areas of the zoo are accessible
  • Accessible restrooms available
  • Wheelchairs available to borrow (first-come, first-served)

🧠 12. How long does a visit take?

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours at the zoo.
Plan more time if visiting with kids, doing an animal encounter, or exploring Central Park nearby.

Want help planning a full Central Park day including the zoo, a carriage ride, or nearby food and family activities? I can help build your perfect itinerary 🗺️🐾🍦