Central Park Zoo

The Central Park Zoo is a beloved family destination tucked into the southeast corner of Central Park, operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Spanning just 6.5 acres, it's perfectly sized for young children with short attention spans, with an average visit of 1–1.5 hours.

Highlights include sea lion feedings three times daily, the indoor Tropic Zone with free-flying tropical birds, the Temperate Territory with snow leopards and red pandas, and a Penguin and Seabirds exhibit. The Tisch Children's Zoo is a standout for the under-5 set, featuring a stroller-friendly trail and a petting zoo where kids can feed goats, sheep, and a cow from quarter-operated machines (10am–2pm). Admission includes one visit to the 4-D Theater. After your visit, Central Park's playgrounds, carousel, and picnic lawns are right next door.

Strollers are permitted throughout most of the zoo, but must be self-parked before entering the Tropic Zone and Penguin exhibit buildings due to narrow pathways. A compact or umbrella stroller is recommended. The zoo does not offer stroller rentals. A WCS membership covers entry to all five WCS properties in NYC — including the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium — and NYC ID cardholders receive a free one-year WCS membership.