For animal lovers everywhere, April 8, also known as National Zoo Lover’s Day, is a fun way to get out of the city environment and enjoy the sights of animals from around the world. What better way to celebrate than going to see your favorites throughout the greater New York City area? Check out these eight animal-rich spots to get your much-needed zoo fix.
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The Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo has a plethora of activities and sights to see on your visit. Not only is the zoo home to 66 animals and insects, but they offer a variety of additional experiences to make your trip even better. At the Nature Trek, climb and crawl through a variety of structures that brings you up close and personal with nature. Watch penguin and sea lion feedings, take a ride on the bug carousel, and even see a grizzly bear in person. Or you can walk through the Butterfly Garden and along the zoo’s trails to see the animals of the African Plains and Himalayan Highlands. Open 10am-5pm Monday-Friday, 10am-5:30pm Weekends & Holidays, Adults (13+) $36.95, Children (3-12) $26.95, Seniors (65+) $31.95, Children (Under 2) free, Located at Bronx Park, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx; 718-367-1010, bronxzoo.com
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New York Aquarium
At the New York Aquarium, check out all things under the sea as you explore the exhibits. Although some may be closed due to construction, don’t let that stop you from all of the fun. From Sand Tiger Sharks to Harbor Seals, there is a variety of aquatic animals at the aquarium. On your down-time, check out the 4-D Theater for a multisensory experience or watch fun sea otter feedings. Open 10am-4:30pm Daily, All Ages (3+) $11.95, Children (Under 2) free, Located at Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk, Surf Avenue and West 8th Street, Brooklyn; 718-265-3474, nyaquarium.com
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Prospect Park Wildlife Center
There is so much to see and do at the Prospect Park Zoo. Watch sea lion training sessions at the Sea Lion Court or check out the Hall of Animals and see a Poison Dart Frog in person. The best part? The zoo has a 5-month old Red Panda cub that will be an adorable sight to see. When you’re not checking out the animals, take a ride on the carousel or visit the zoo’s Discovery Center. Open 10am-5pm Monday-Friday, 10am-5:30pm Weekends & Holidays, Adults (13+) $8, Children (3-12) $5, Seniors (65+) $6, Children (Under 2) free, Located at Prospect Park, 450 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn; 718-399-7339, prospectparkzoo.com
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Central Park Wildlife Center & Tisch Children's Zoo
At the heart of Manhattan is the Central Park Zoo, featuring a variety of animals to get up close and personal with, such as the California Sea Lion or the Macaroni Penguin. While there, participate in a penguin feeding or watch a movie in their 4-D Theater. Also, be sure to check out the Tisch Children’s Zoo–home to the only cow in Manhattan. Open 10am-5pm Monday-Friday, 10am-5:30pm Weekends & Holidays, Adults (13+) $18, Children (3-12) $13, Seniors (65+) $15, Children (Under 2) free, Located at Central Park, 5th Avenue and East 64th Street, New York; 212-439-6500, centralparkzoo.com
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Queens Wildlife Center
The Queens Wildlife Center has a diverse selection of animals to see for those who live in the borough. Visit The Aviary and see the Bobwhite Quail or check out the Animal Trail for Pumas and Bald Eagles. While on the Animal Trail, look out for the Queens Zoo’s very own Andean Bear cub, the first for New York City! Open 10am-5pm Monday-Friday, 10am-5:30pm Weekends & Holidays, Adults (13+) $8, Children (3-12) $5, Seniors (65+) $6, Children (Under 2) free, Located at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 53-51 111th Street, Flushing; 718-271-1500, queenszoo.com
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Staten Island Zoo
For those local to Staten Island, no worries–you can visit the Staten Island Zoo in order to celebrate this fun holiday. The zoo grounds have a variety of exhibits to see, from the Tropical Forest Wing to the Birds of Prey, you will witness a variety of animals from around the world. Even get the chance to see kangaroos at the Australia exhibit. If you plan on visiting throughout the year, Wednesdays from 2-4:45pm, admission is free for all. Open 10am-4:45pm Daily, Adults (15+) $10, Children (3-14) $6, Seniors (60+) $7, Children (Under 2) free, Located at Barrett Park, 614 Broadway, Staten Island; 718-442-3100, statenislandzoo.org
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The Art Farm NYC
The Art Farm, an indoor petting zoo on the Upper East Side, offers drop-in hours where you can stay for a little bit or for the afternoon. Participate in animal time with furry friends, make arts and crafts, or even play around in their playroom. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The Art Farm also offers a variety of programs and classes for the summer, such as Rocks, Smocks, and Animals, and Animal Care Class, which teaches children how to care for animals and important science skills. For Drop-Ins: Open 12:30pm-3:30pm Monday-Thursday, $20 per child, 419 East 91st Street, New York; 212-410-3117, theartfarms.org
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Queens County Farm Museum
For those who are farm lovers, the Queens County Farm Museum remains as New York City’s largest tract of undisturbed farmland. Walk around the 47-acre site, which includes historical farm buildings, a greenhouse, planting fields, and more. You’ll even get the chance to see some of their beloved livestock, such as cattle, sheep, pigs, and even honeybees. Also be sure to check out the special events they have throughout the year, like the Children’s Carnival in April and Spring Fest in May. Open 10am-5pm Daily, General Admission free, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park; 718-347-3276, queensfarm.org
