Central Park Zoo – Timings

Winter Hours (November 2, 2025 – April 1, 2026): The zoo is open daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. While the main gates stay open until 4:30 PM, please note that all animal exhibits strictly close at 4 PM during this winter period.

Spring and Summer Hours (April 2 – October 31, 2026): During the warmer months, weekday hours are 10 AM to 5 PM, with animal exhibits closing at 4:30 PM. On weekends and federal holidays, the zoo extends its hours until 5:30 PM, with all animal exhibits closing at 5 PM.

Last Entry and Exhibit Closures: Final entry to the zoo is permitted until 30 minutes before the animal exhibits close (which is one hour before the main gates close). To ensure you have time to view the animals, you should arrive no later than 3:30 PM in the winter or 4 PM/4:30 PM in the summer depending on the day.

Daily Enrichment and Feeding Times: Scheduled feedings are a highlight of the daily calendar but follow specific times for each species. Sea lion feedings typically occur daily at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM, while penguin feedings generally take place at 10:40 AM and 2:30 PM.

Holiday Schedule: The Central Park Zoo remains open 365 days a year, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. On these holidays, the zoo typically operates on the “Weekends & Federal Holidays” schedule if they fall during the summer season, or the standard daily hours during the winter season.

Central Park Zoo: Total Experience

Highlights

Explore a compact zoo featuring diverse wildlife within Central Park.

Visit the Tisch Children’s Zoo for interactive experiences.

Watch a show at the zoo’s 4-D Theater.

Discover animals from different habitats including the Polar Circle, Tropic Zone, and Temperate Territory.

Benefit from timed entry which helps to avoid overcrowding.

FAQs about Central Park Zoo Timings

What are the zoo’s operating hours during the winter?

From November 2 to April 1, the zoo is open daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.

When do the animal exhibits close compared to the main gates?

Animal exhibits close 30 minutes before the main gates in both winter and summer seasons.

What is the latest time I can enter the zoo?

Final entry is permitted until 30 minutes before the animal exhibits close for the day.

Does the zoo close for major holidays?

No, the Central Park Zoo remains open 365 days a year, including Thanksgiving and Christmas.

When can I see the sea lions being fed?

Daily sea lion feedings are typically scheduled for 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.

Are there scheduled times for penguin feedings?

Yes, penguin feedings generally take place twice a day at 10:40 AM and 2:30 PM.