If your family loves spending time at a zoo, we’ve got good news—New York is home to plenty of zoos, featuring animals from seven continents, native species, and unique environments that emphasize wildlife conservation. With a world-class 265-acre habitat (we see your Bronx Zoo), to the third oldest zoo in the country, to drive through safaris, you can make a zoo trip a day of educational and family fun at a place near you. And if you thought zoos were only a seasonal thing, good news—most zoos are open all year round (yes, even in the winter). Scroll down to find the big and small New York zoos all over the Empire State. (featured photo credit: istock/4FR)

New York Zoos: Where To Find A Zoo Near You 

New York City Region

Bronx Zoo  
Known worldwide, the Bronx Zoo spans 265 acres and houses more than 11,000 animals, making it the Wildlife Conservation Society’s flagship park and a hub for conservation efforts. Past the historic gates (the zoo opened over a century ago), you’ll see Siberian tigers, snow leopards, Magallanic penguins, and more, as well as herds of animals that feel as if you’re watching them in their natural habitats. Besides the expansive outdoor viewing areas (make sure you bring comfy shoes and a stroller for little ones; there’s a lot of walking), you can go inside to special exhibits featuring langurs at JungleWorld and lemurs at Madagascar for a treat in any season.
2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460

Central Park Zoo  
Tucked into the middle of NYC’s most famous park, the Central Park Zoo is a must for anyone needing an oasis from the skyscrapers and buzzing traffic. Your littles will love the shaded Central Garden and Sea Lion Pool, or they can experience the touch exhibit at the Tisch Children’s Zoo while viewing Zebu, Sheep, and the Patagonian Cavy–the world’s fourth largest rodent. The 4-D Theatre with built-in sensory effects, the Snow Monkeys, and the Intelligence Garden are some more must-see spots.
64th Street & 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10065

Prospect Park Zoo  
What started as a small menagerie in the 1890’s became the Prospect Park Zoo. Walk around and see Dingoes, Red Pandas, and the unique Pallas’s Cat. You won’t want to miss their Discovery Center, Carousel, and Sea Lion Training sessions. Make sure your kids try the Quest Stations, where they can participate in interactive activities that connect them to wildlife and to ways to help protect animals in the wild.
450 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Staten Island Zoo 
Spend the day here to check out an Axolotl in the Reptile Wing, a Binturong in the Tropical Forest, or a Black Swan in the Children’s Center at this NY Zoo. Kids will find it manageable between the exhibits (it’s on the smaller side, so less walking), and parents will appreciate that it never feels too crowded. Make sure you stop by the Conservation Carousel and the Kids Korral, where littles can feed and pet the friendly goats. 
614 Broadway, Staten Island, NY 10310

Queens Zoo
This compact zoo off the Grand Central Parkway is big on fun. From the Roosevelt Elk to the Pudu and the Chacoan Peccary, the Queens Zoo is a respite away from the bustle of the city. Feed animals in the petting zoo, walk into the aviary dome, or watch the Sea Lion in the pool. Th
53-51 111th Street, between 49th and 50th Avenues, Corona, NY 11368

Long Island Region

Long Island Game Farm-Wildlife Park and Children’s Zoo  
Exotic and local species can be seen at this animal sanctuary, which houses rescued, rehabilitated, or rehomed animals. Show your kids a Sicilian miniature donkey, African Sulcatta Tortoises, or the beloved Gomez, a Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo. Try new experiences like Capybara Yoga, Pony Encounter, and Baby Goat Snuggles if you are looking for some extra fun.
489 Chapman Boulevard, Manorville, New York 11949

Hudson Valley Region

The Wolf Conservation Center  
With a mission to advance the survival of wolves, the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) is an ideal place to visit. Learn how this conservation center participates in recovery programs for the Mexican Gray Wolf and the Red Wolf, two of the rarest mammals in North America, and at one time, both species were completely extinct in the wild. If you want to try something really different, sign up for Sleeping with Wolves, a program that allows you to stay overnight at WCC. Be sure to check out their activities for kids before you visit.
7 Buck Run, South Salem, NY 10590

Trevor Zoo at Millbrook Zoo  
A zoo in a high school? Yes, you read that right. Originally established in 1936 at the Millbrook School, this accredited New York zoo houses more than 170 exotic and indigenous animals, representing 70 species. Students work and volunteer at the zoo, learning environmental sciences and animal conservation. Enjoy spending time at this outdoor zoo, which features animals from 6 continents, like the red panda and lemur.
282 Millbrook School Road, Millbrook, NY 12545

Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park
This zoo in the Hudson Valley is home to native animals who have been injured or orphaned. Take a self-guided tour using signs that lead you through the area and showcase its ecology and history. Check out the Herpetology Museum for native fish, reptiles, and amphibians, and visit the Nature Study Museum for more on local species. Don’t miss the collection from the American Museum of Natural History—it’s got birds, eggs, small mammals, dragonflies, butterflies, and other insects.
Service Road, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986

Catskill Region

Bailiwick Ranch & Animal Park 
This Catskill Mountain zoo believes that conservation starts with connection. Learn how this spot supports animal care, protects endangered species, and educates future generations about the importance of conservation. Play eye spy and find the Eurasian Eagle Owl, Red Kangaroo, African Crested Porcupines, and even the Bengal Tiger while you are visiting.
118 Castle Road, Catskill, NY 12414

Capital-Saratoga Region

Adirondack Animal Land 
This family-owned and operated wildlife park offers a warm, welcoming home in a beautiful, all-natural setting for over 500 animals. Situated on 80 acres of farmland, this zoo is committed to educating visitors and providing a fun, family-friendly experience for everyone. Your children will love seeing a variety of animals, from Giraffes, Sheep, Kangaroos, to Reptiles, all at this delightful NY zoo.
3554 State Highway 30, Vails Mills, NY 12078

Central New York Region

Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo
Located in Rome, New York, Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo is a family-owned, educational, and engaging zoo that offers many areas for fun outdoor discovery and natural play. This zoo is unique in that it encourages close-up, hands-on interactions. Sign up for the White-Handed Gibbon, Red Panda, or African Painted Dog Experience, and look out for their Zoo Camp and ZooMobile activities as well.
1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY 13501

The Wild Animal Park 
Littles will love seeing a variety of domestic and exotic animals from all over the world, including the Giant Anteater, Javan Langur, Spotted Hyena, Squirrel Monkey, and the unique Binturong. Don’t want to leave your car? Take the Wild Safari Drive-Thru, where you can see animals like a Rhino, Ostrich, and Tiger roaming freely. 
7621 Lakeport Road, Chittenango, NY 13037

Ross Park Zoo  
With 34 unique species, you can find plenty of animals to check out, as well as learn about the zoo’s dedication to conservation and education. They have been dedicated to Species Survival Plans to protect and restore wild populations. Encounter animals like the Arctic Fox, Black Howler Monkey, Green Aracari, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, get a look at the Curlyhair Tarantula at this New York zoo.
60 Morgan Road, Binghamton, NY 13903

The Preserve at Animal Adventure 
Head to Harpursville to embark on a safari adventure, where you drive your car through Australia, Eurasia, the Americas, and Africa regions to see Tank the rhino, Tajiri the giraffe, and over 25 other species. Afterward, take a stroll through the Walk Thru Zoo, an interactive, educational experience where you can see an African Lion, Green Monkeys, and Axolotls. In the winter, the fun moves inside to the Indoor Zoo Experience. 
Animal Adventure Park Walk-thru Zoo, 85 Martin Hill Road, Harpursville, NY 13787
The Preserve Safari Drive-thru, 42 Pease Road, Harpursville, NY 13787

Utica Zoo
Open year-round, the Utica Zoo has served the region for over 100 years. Learn how the first building built exclusively for animal use was completed in 1927, and how it still houses the primate collection. Other major exhibits include the Lion exhibit, California Sea Lion exhibit, and the Outdoor White-Handed Gibbon Living Rainforest exhibit. Experience their newer Striped Hyena and Mexican Spider Monkey exhibits or try their hands-on experiences like the Red Panda and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra Experience.
1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY 13501

Finger Lakes Region

Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park 
Spread over 43 acres of outdoor habitats, indoor exhibits, paths, and animal spaces, you’ll find a wide array of animals, like camels, red pandas, alpacas, and Asian Elephants. What makes a zoo trip here extra special is the encounters, including spending time hanging with a lovable sloth or bathing an elephant (yup, you help out staff and help these big guys get clean). 
1 Conservation Place, Syracuse, NY 13204

Seneca Park Zoo 
The Seneca Park Zoo is one of the largest and most impactful conservation organizations in the region, and you can get a glimpse of animals from Africa to the Arctic Circle. Try a unique encounter like the Rocky Coast Tour, Giraffe Feedings, and the Rhino Encounter. There are guided walking tours available if you want to take a closer look at the animals at this Rochester zoo.
2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY 14621

Thousand Islands-Segway Region

Zoo New York at Thompson Park
This small but mighty zoo has been hosting visitors since 1920, and it depends on donations and volunteers to keep it going. It’s home to mostly native species that are disabled or older, like bobcats, river otters, and wild turkeys. Take a guided tour, listen to a keeper chat, or spend time feeding an elk or meeting a mountain lion by booking a special experience. 
1 Thompson Park, Watertown, NY 13601

Greater Niagara Region

Buffalo Zoo
At the third-oldest zoo in the US, you’ll spot exotic species as well as fish, reptiles. Hop on a train to see the lay of the land or take a spin on the carousel. At the zoo, you can see a wide variety of animals, including bison, polar bears, gorillas, sea lions, and red pandas, while learning about wildlife conservation and animal care. You can watch daily animal feedings and talks, and explore interactive exhibits, including the Children’s Zoo.
300 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214

Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
Take a Safari Bus guided tour or drive through in the comfort of your own vehicle at this NY zoo. There is even a small animal adventure walk-through if you want to get out and explore. When you visit, you will see animals like the American Bison, camel, kangaroo, nilgai, and yak. There is also a koi pond where you can feed and watch the fish swim around.
2887 Royce Road, Varysburg, NY 14167