Bronx Zoo:
Super Discounts and Visitor Tips
From a Frequent Visitor
and Resident
I’ve visited the The Bronx Zoo AT LEAST 40 times, no exaggeration! I have earned the title of “self-proclaimed expert,” don't you think!? I’m convinced that the animals actually recognize me now! I'm also convinced that when I arrive, they probably think to themselves “Oh, it’s her again.”With more than 7,000 resident animals showcased over 265 acres, The Bronx Zoo is the largest city zoo in the country! You’ll see a vast array of animals from the routine to the exotic. Visit the many enclosed habits that are available including, (but surely not limited to):
1) World of Darkness: bats and other nocturnal animals: a little creepy but extremely interesting!
2) Congo Gorilla Forest: awesome and breathtaking, take in their movie about the work of World Conservation Society!
3) Penguin Feedings: we never tire of this!
4) Monkey House: some of my relatives can be found here,
5) Sea Lion Feedings: we never tire of this either.
6) Camel Rides: so much fun! Get your picture taken too!
7) Jungle World: amazing array of animals plus experience the feel and sounds of a real rain forest!
The viewing, educational and joyful opportunities are truly endless. Plan several visits.
MY INSIDER TIPS: READ THESE!!!- Wear VERY comfortable shoes. The zoo is huge and you WILL walk a lot!
- Choose one section of the zoo to visit each time. Use the Zoo’s Trip Planner Map to help plan your visit in advance. It’s not possible to see it all in one day, unless you are an Olympian!
- Bring your own lunch. The food is not very good, the lines are very long, and the prices are ridiculous!
- Carry a refillable water bottle with you. You’ll get thirsty from walking and sodas and water are very expensive.
- If you are traveling with children, check out my BEST tips for traveling, keeping crankiness to a minimum, and for ensuring optimal safety. Click here and scroll down to the very bottom of the page.
- Carry toilet paper with you—the bathrooms often run out. Seriously.
- Check out the special events in advance (click on the first link of the page) and plan your visit to coincide with the events and the animal shows/feedings.
- Determine the parking area/entrance gate nearest the exhibits you wish to visit. Otherwise, you’ll have to walk a great distance to your exhibits and you’ll be pooped before the day begins!
- If you visit on Wednesdays, when admission is pay-what-you-wish, arrive at about 12:00 noon when the school children or campers are eating their lunch and getting ready to leave.
- Spend the night at the zoo! Yes-it’s fantastic!
WHERE IS THE BRONX ZOO LOCATED?The Bronx Zoo is located at 2300 Southern Blvd in the borough of the Bronx. The Bronx is located north of Manhattan.
REGULAR ADMISSION TO THE BRONX ZOOGeneral Admission TicketsAdults: $16.00
Children (Ages 3–12): $12.0
Seniors (65+): $14.00
2 years and under: FREE
Keep in mind that if you’d like to visit the 4-D Theater, Children’s Zoo, Congo Gorilla Forest, Butterfly Garden, JungleWorld, Monorail, Bug Carousel, Camel Ride, or travel the Zoo Shuttle, there is a $3-$5 cost per person! So check out my discount secrets below and/or buy tickets for the "Total Experience" as noted just below.
Total Experience TicketsTotal experience tickets give you general admission PLUS UNLIMITED access to special rides and attractions!
Adults: $29.25
Children (Ages 3–12): $19.95
Seniors (65+): $24.95
2 years and under: FREE
MY SUPER DISCOUNT TIPS!!!!!!!!!!
- Purchase the “Total Experience Ticket” as it provides general admission PLUS Unlimited access to special rides and attractions.
- Visit on Wednesdays when admission is “Pay-What–You Wish.”
- Buy your tickets online and save 10% and avoid the lines!
- If you are visiting this zoo as a family or group, you should DEFINITELY become a member to save BIG. A family premium membership is just $164 and entitles you to free admission to all FIVE WCS WILDLIFE PARKS (Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park, Prospect Park, and Queens Zoo). Visit as a single, and your membership fee is just $104 with all the perks! Your membership includes UNLIMITED entry to the zoo, free UNLIMITED passes to all rides and attractions (which cost $3-$5 per attraction!!), unlimited parking passes to the Bronx Zoo and the New York Aquarium, a FREE T-shirt and more. Seriously, this is NOT a cheap zoo, so it really PAYS to join. You simply can't see everything in a day and your pass will allow to return again and again for a low price. You can also buy a $129 family membership which allows for free family entry and a T-shirt but you won't enjoy free parking or free attraction access--and these can really add up!
- Show your Cool Culture Card and gain free admission!
- Get a package deal, including discounted train and zoo entrance, when you travel by Metro North. Click here for information.
- Prices in the Winter are cheaper. Check it out online.
- Use your AAA card to save up to 25% off when purchasing tickets online.
- Check out Goldstar Events as they often promote deep discounts to the Bronx Zoo.
- AFSCME AFL-CIO Union Members receive a discount. Click the link for information.
- Iona College Students and Faculty receive a discount. Click on the link for information.
- Click here for a myriad of partners who provide discounts.
- Show your Metrocard and receive $5 off of admission!
Click here to purchase tickets or for more information.
WHEN IS THE BRONX ZOO OPEN?Spring/Summer: April 4–November 1
Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Winter: November 2, 2009–April 2
Daily: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closures
The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Martin Luther King Day.
 
BEST TRANSPORTATION TO THE BRONX ZOOBy Express Bus
Take the BxM11 express bus, which stops on Madison Avenue, between 26th and 99th Streets, and drops you directly at the Zoo. It costs $5 but keep in mind that you won’t have to pay for parking, tolls, or gas. Click here for the bus schedule.
By Subway
Take the #2 or #5 subway train to East Tremont Ave/West Farms Square. At street level, walk straight ahead (follow train uptown) on Boston Road 2 1/2 blocks to the Zoo’s Asia gate entrance (Gate A). Need more help in determining how to best route out your trip to the zoo? Use this subway map or automatic trip planner! For information on subway fares, metrocards and more Click here!
By Train
From Grand Central Station, take Metro North’s Harlem line to Fordham, then take the Bx9 bus eastward to 183rd Street and Southern Blvd. Get a package deal, including a discounted train ticket and zoo entrance fee, when you travel by Metro North. Click here for information.
By Car
If you are a zoo member, use one of your parking coupons to obtain free parking. For directions, to the zoo, Click here.
WHAT TO BRING TO THE BRONX ZOOWhen you venture out for a day at the zoo, be sure to pack the essentials. This will help to enhance your day! Be prepared by checking out my tips in the "what to place in your backpack" section of my packing list! You'll be glad you did!
TRAVELING WITH KIDS?If you are traveling with children, check out my best tips for keeping crankiness to a minimum! I guarantee that there is AT LEAST one tip that will help you during your holiday. Click here and scroll down to the very bottom of the page.
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