New York Tickets Bronx Zoo Plan Your Visit

Bronx Zoo - Plan Your Visit

The zoo covers 265 acres, so a little planning helps. This page covers hours and directions at a glance, plus facilities, accessibility, food and what's nearby.

Bronx Zoo - Essential Visitor Info

Timings
Address & Directions
Facilities
Accessibility

Gates open at 10 AM daily.

Closing time depends on the season:

4:30 PM from November 1 to April 1.

5 PM on weekdays or 5:30 PM on weekends and federal holidays from April 2 to October 31.

Arrive at least 45 minutes before closing, when last entry ends.

Tips for Your Day at the Bronx Zoo

Bring a refillable water bottle. Free refill stations are at Dancing Crane Café, Asia Plaza and Astor Court, and near Congo Gorilla Forest.

Outdoor water fountains are switched off from November through March, but the station inside Dancing Crane Café works all year.

Many indoor exhibits, including JungleWorld, Congo Gorilla Forest and World of Reptiles, ask you to park strollers outside. Take your valuables with you.

Children's scooters are not allowed in the park.

Asia Gate is for pedestrians only and is open from 10 AM to 2 PM.

The Wild Asia Monorail, Butterfly Garden and Children's Zoo are seasonal and close for the winter.

Wear comfortable shoes. The park is hilly in places, especially around Congo Gorilla Forest.

Bronx Zoo - Additional Info

Dining
Souvenir Store

Dancing Crane Café is the zoo's main restaurant and is open every day, all year.

From April to October, seasonal walk-up food stands open across the park, weather permitting.

You can also bring your own food. There are picnic tables around the grounds, but watch for posted signs in areas where eating and drinking aren't allowed.

Bronx Zoo - Nearby Attractions

New York Botanical Garden: Right next door, the 250-acre garden is known for its Victorian-style glasshouse, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

Arthur Avenue: The Bronx's Little Italy, a short walk west of the zoo, is lined with Italian bakeries, delis and restaurants.

Fordham University: The Rose Hill campus on Fordham Road has Collegiate Gothic buildings and wide lawns.

Edgar Allan Poe Cottage: The small farmhouse where Poe spent his last years is now a museum near the Grand Concourse.

Bronx Park: The park around the zoo and the botanical garden has walking paths along the Bronx River.

Bronx Zoo

Highlights

Discover diverse wildlife across extensive naturalistic habitats.

Enjoy unlimited access to all animal exhibits and amusement attractions.

Take advantage of the convenient Zoo Shuttle to explore the vast grounds easily.

Experience interactive and family-friendly areas like the Butterfly Garden and Children’s Zoo.

Support global conservation efforts through your visit to this renowned zoo.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting the Bronx Zoo

Can I borrow a wheelchair at the zoo?

Yes. Manual wheelchairs are free to borrow at any gate, first come, first served.

Where can I rent an ECV?

Electric convenience vehicles are rented only at the Southern Boulevard entrance. You must be 18 or older and show photo ID.

Which entrance is best for guests with limited mobility?

Southern Boulevard. It has fewer inclines and is closer to the center of the zoo.

Does the zoo offer sensory support?

Free sensory bags are available at Guest Relations next to the Sea Lion Pool, and there are quiet zones at Rhino Garden, Zebra Hill and beside the bears.

Can a personal care assistant come with me?

Yes. A PCA can accompany a guest with a disability, but PCA admission must be requested before your visit.

Can I rent a stroller?

Yes. Single and double strollers can be rented at any gate while supplies last.

Is there a place to nurse or feed a baby?

There's a Mamava lactation pod at Dancing Crane Plaza and a family restroom inside Dancing Crane Café.

Where is first aid?

The first aid station is next to the Bronx Zoo Store.

What should I do if I lose something?

Lost and found is run by the Security Department in the Education building on Astor Court.

Where can I eat at the zoo?

Dancing Crane Café is open year-round. Seasonal food stands open from April to October.

Is there an ATM?

Yes, at Dancing Crane Plaza.