Central Park Zoo Tickets

Get your Central Park Zoo tickets before you travel to save time and money. As the most famous and oldest zoo in New York, Central Park Zoo has been welcoming visitors since 1864. Although it is not very big, it offers plenty for a nice morning or afternoon. Especially if you are in New York with children. The zoo features various animal exhibits, a petting zoo and a 4D cinema. You can find the entrance located in the southeastern corner of Central Park, at the height of 64th Street.

Buy your Central Park Zoo tickets here

How to buy Central Park Zoo Tickets?

To visit zoo, purchase your tickets online in advance, as all visitors must have a date-specific ticket upon arrival. You can enter the zoo within one hour after your chosen entry time, and once inside, you can stay as long as you like.

Your Central Park Zoo ticket grants unlimited access to all animal exhibits. With the Central Park Zoo Total Experience, you will also receive one entry to the 4D theatre. Tickets for children under 13 years old have a discounted admission fee, and children under 3 years old can visit the Central Park Zoo for free without a ticket.

What kind of Animals are at Central Park Zoo?

Central Park Zoo has a variety of exotic animals, including snow leopards, grizzly bears, red pandas, snow monkeys and sea lions. The park is also home to a number of different breeds of penguin including the king penguin. The daily feedings of the penguins and sea lions are accessible to the public and are very nice to see! Don’t forget to take a walk through Tropic Zone, a replica tropical rainforest. Various exotic birds live here, but also lemurs, bats and snakes.

Alongside seeing all the animals, you can also come to the zoo to see a 4D film. This is a 3D film with extra sensory effects, like wind and water, a whole experience! (but maybe a little scary for the very young). If you’re wondering what to do in New York with kids, then Central Park Zoo should definitely be on your list! The largest section of the zoo is accessible for strollers, buggies and wheelchairs.

The Petting Zoo

Just past the main entrance to the zoo is Tisch Children’s Zoo, a petting zoo included in the admission tickets for Central Park Zoo. Here children can stroke the animals and, for a small donation, feed them. You won’t find any leopards or grizzly bears here, but smaller animals like sheep, goats and pigs. There is also a very special attraction here: the only cow in Manhattan!

How to get to Central Park Zoo?

The Central Park Zoo is conveniently located at the southeast corner of Central Park at 64th Street and Fifth Avenue. You can also access the east part of the park at the Grand Army Plaza entrance on Fifth Avenue at 60th Street. Once you’re in the park, just follow the signs. The zoo is pretty easy to spot, and the entrance is clearly marked opposite the gift shop.

The Hop on Hop off bus stops here. Alternatively, you can take the subway lines NRW to 5th Av/59th St station. With F train, the Lexington Av/63rd St station is also nearby.

Practical information

• Location: in the southeast part of Central Park
• Opening hours:
  • April 2nd – October 31st, 2026:
    • Mon – Fri: 10:00 to 17:00
    • Weekends & holidays: 10:00 to 17:30
  • November 1st, 2026 – March 2027:
    • Daily: 10:00 to 16:30
• The last entry is 1 hour before closing time.
• Children under 3 visit for free
• Central Park Zoo tickets also include entrance to Tisch Children’s Zoo

Buy your Central Park Zoo tickets here