Bronx Zoo
The largest metropolitan zoo in the United States — 265 acres, over 10,000 animals — and it runs a free limited-admission day every Wednesday if you book it in advance.
- What it costs
- Free limited admission every Wednesday, but you must reserve — tickets are released the Monday before at 5pm and go fast. Regular admission is flex-priced by date.
- Best in
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Where
- 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460
- Official site
- bronxzoo.com
Free Wednesdays, and the catch
The zoo offers free limited admission every Wednesday, all year round — but it is not walk-up. Tickets are released at 5pm on the Monday before for that Wednesday, on the zoo's own site, and they go quickly.
"Limited" means general admission to the grounds and most exhibits. The paid Star Attractions — the Congo Gorilla Forest, the Butterfly Garden, the Bug Carousel, the Wild Asia Monorail — are extra on a free Wednesday, though there's a discounted all-in Wednesday ticket if you want them.
Set a reminder for Monday at 5pm. This is the single biggest money-saver in the borough and most visitors never hear about it.
How long you actually need
Four hours minimum, a full day if you want everything. The zoo is 265 acres and people routinely underestimate it, arrive at 2pm, and see a third of it.
If you have half a day, prioritize: Congo Gorilla Forest, JungleWorld, the Madagascar! house and Tiger Mountain. Skip the far western end.
Go early. Animals are far more active in the first two hours after opening, especially in summer heat, and the paths are empty.
Seasonal reality
Summer weekends are hot, crowded and slow-moving, and many animals sensibly hide. Spring and fall are much better visits.
In winter a good number of outdoor exhibits close or go quiet, but the indoor houses — JungleWorld, the Aquatic Bird House, Madagascar! — are warm, excellent and nearly empty. Winter admission is also at the cheap end of the flex pricing.
Check what's open on the day before you commit, particularly out of season.
Make a day of the neighborhood
The New York Botanical Garden is directly across the road, and doing both in one day is the standard Bronx Park move — though it's a lot of walking.
Arthur Avenue is a fifteen-minute walk or a short bus ride west, and is where you should eat afterwards. Zoo food is zoo food.
Getting there
The 2 or 5 to West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue puts you a short walk from the Asia Gate. About 35 minutes from Grand Central.
The BxM11 express bus runs from Manhattan's East Side directly to the zoo. It costs more than the subway but it is a single seat from Midtown.
The Bx9, Bx19 and Bx22 buses all stop at zoo entrances. If you're combining with the Botanical Garden, use the Bronx Park East exit and walk across — they are next door to each other.
Getting around once you're there
The main paths are paved and largely level, though the site is 265 acres and there are some long grades. Wheelchairs and strollers can be rented at the gates. The Zoo Shuttle helps cover distance in season. West Farms Square station has stairs only.