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New York Tickets Central Park Zoo Plan Your Visit

Central Park Zoo - Plan Your Visit

Central Park Zoo fits a rainforest, snow leopards and a colony of Antarctic penguins into about seven acres at the southeast corner of Central Park. Here is what to know about hours, transport, facilities and house rules before you go.

Essential Visitor Info

Opening Hours: The gates open at 10 AM every day. Closing time is 4:30 PM from November to March. From April to October, it is 5 PM on weekdays and 5:30 PM on weekends and federal holidays.

Last Entry: One hour before closing.

Feeding times and holiday details are on our Timings page.

Good to Know Before Visiting Central Park Zoo

Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the zoo.

Balloons, radios and speakers are not permitted, and ball games are off-limits during your visit.

Scooters, skateboards and bicycles must be left outside the zoo.

Do not feed the animals or throw anything into the exhibits. The same goes for wild birds and squirrels you see on the ground.

Shirts and shoes are required, and staff may check bags at the entrance.

Personal photos are fine. Tripods are restricted in some exhibits, and commercial photography or filming needs approval from WCS.

Central Park Zoo - Additional Info

Dancing Crane Café: The zoo’s main café, at East 64th Street, serves hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks. There is seating inside and out, and it is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Park visitors without zoo tickets can eat here too.

Picnics: The benches along the outdoor paths make a good spot for a packed lunch. Use the marked bins for trash and recycling.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Central Park Zoo

Can I bring a stroller?

Yes. Strollers are fine on the outdoor paths but must be parked before you enter the Tropic Zone and the penguin building.

Can I borrow a wheelchair?

Yes. A limited number are free to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. Ask at Admissions.

Is there support for visitors with sensory needs?

Yes. Sensory bags can be borrowed free with ID at the Admissions building, and quiet zones are marked around the grounds.

Where can I get something to eat?

The Dancing Crane Café at East 64th Street serves hot and cold meals daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with indoor and outdoor seating.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes, the Zootique. In busier months a gift cart also sets up outdoors.

Can kids feed the animals at the Tisch Children’s Zoo?

Sometimes. When feeding is offered, it runs from 10 AM to 2 PM, but it is not guaranteed and the animals can choose to sit it out.

Can I bring my dog?

Only trained service dogs are allowed. Pets and emotional support animals are not.

This website sells official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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